Hot Property: Nick Fradiani Sr
To many Nick Fradiani Sr is merely the father of newly crowned American Idol Nick Fradiani, but there is a lot more to the gentle man with the soulful eyes.
I had the privilege of speaking to him about his music, the man behind the music and dealing with his family’s thrust into the spotlight.
The question that everyone is dying to ask - How does it feel to be the father of the new American Idol?
Well I am so happy for him! His dream is a reality! We always talked about how hard it is to achieve this type of success in this hard industry. My struggles scared him so I am so thankful that he will be able to make a successful career for himself now.
You are a very accomplished musician yourself. Do you think musical talent is in the Fradiani genes or is it merely coincidence that both you and Nick are so talented?
Could be the genes we share because we both share so many of the same qualities singing, guitar playing, piano playing, songwriting etc. Since he was a young toddler he shared music with me in every way – he was on stage by 3 years old. From casinos in Atlantic City to cruise ships to traveling on the road he loved to perform .To him it was like breathing! So I say my influence was as strong as his genes - exposed him to so much , all kinds of music, it made him who he is today
Your cover of John Legend’s ‘All of Me’ is one of my personal favourites. What/who are your personal musical influences?
My influences, wow, there are so many. It starts of course with the Beatles. I remember seeing them at 8 yrs old and knew that was my calling. It branched into all kinds of music from pop radio to rock bands in the mid 70’s to R&B in the late 70’s. My musical Heroes vary today from Stevie Wonder to Billy Joel to Cat Stevens to Elton John to now Rob Thomas and David Gray. I can go on all day. I still get pumped for great music. I live for it!
What is your favourite song to perform and why?
My favorite song hmm. Well that always changes. I love so many songs and they all have such meaning in different ways. I have been singing for so many years. Some that come to mind are ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps’, ‘Desperado’ and ‘And So It Goes’ by Billy Joel. ‘Father and Son’ well you know why with that one. Right now performing it has to be ‘I'll Be‘ because I can sing it as well as the American idol and it makes me feel close to him. Now that he is leaving me it's bittersweet.
You are both a qualified hairdresser and a performing artist. Do you have any other creative outlets?
Haircutting and hairdressing happened when I was 18. My dad had to send me money because my rock band broke up on the road in Georgia so he wanted me to get a job. I went to hairdressing school, it lasted a few years but music called me back by age 20. I was really good at cutting hair so it kind of stayed with me.
Fast forward to 1997: Nick was in 7th grade and was becoming a great athlete. I was missing so much as a dad that it was killing me. I had to get off the road. Locally there was not enough money in music to put my kids through college. I went back to hairdressing and found a company called ‘Toni and Guy’. They were true artists, painters, sculptors, musicians and they did hair. This inspired me. I trained with them and within a few years I was a platform artist doing hair shows and teaching for them too. I always had a feeling that I gave up on my music career but I still played music by night whenever I could. I am good at both but music always remains my true passion. The joke was if it’s not a song or a haircut I am in trouble. Those two are my only outlets.
How have you and your family adapted to a life in the spotlight? Do you have fans camping out in front of your house yet?
Life has changed because everyone wants a piece of Nick and he is off becoming the star he is supposed to be. People call all the time and leave tons of stuff by our mailbox for Nick to sign - crazy stuff. I am adjusting to go back to my music. I literally helped him in every way I could by playing in Beach Ave for all his band gigs, recording with him, rehearsals etc. I miss him so much. I am too old to be in his band so I am just his Dad now. I will adjust. I am going to dive back into my music now. It has been hard for me.
‘Team Fradiani’ has become a household name and you and your family have welcomed all Nick’s fans into your lives with open arms. Has it been difficult to adjust to such an invasion of your privacy?
Well my life and family has always been an open book because of what I did whilst performing. Team Fradiani was a joint effort of love from family and friends from everywhere - all ages, all kinds of people. A true blessing! It has brought my humble gracious boy to become the man he is now, our American Idol.
There is a saying that reads ‘Any man can be a father it takes someone special to be a dad’. These words have never rung more true. Nick Fradiani has successfully managed to balance his musical career with his obligations as a husband and father and these values are evident in his children as well.
One can only admire a man so quick to put his own dreams on hold to enable his son to realise his. Does the music industry lend space for two Nick Fradiani’s? Without a doubt yes - they both resonate very well with a diverse audience. Is the world ready for a Fradiani takeover? I sure hope so! Fasten your seatbelts and enjoying the ride - it is going to one epic journey!
