Nellie was born in Mound Bayou, Mississippi. Raised in a musical family, she found her first musical expression in gospel, singing in church at age five. Despite hardships, poverty, and a late connection with her father, she pursued a singing career, initially venturing to Los Angeles in 1987. In 1992, Nellie shifted to Chicago temporarily, eventually becoming a sensation at Kingston Mines. Influenced by legends like Koko Taylor, she gained fame, earning the title “Entertainer of the Year.” Recognized as “Tiger” in Chicago, she toured worldwide, releasing original music from 2000. Notable albums include “I Got It Like That,[1]” “Wanna Be with You [2],” and “I’m Woman.[3]”

In 2018, she received nine awards, including a Key to the City of her Mound Bayou hometown[4], a Resolution from the city of Jackson, Miss., Chicago Music Award for “Blues Entertainer of the Year” and the Koko Taylor “Queen of the Blues Awards” from the Just Blues Awards. According to Southern Soul reports, Nellie “Tiger” Travis is now the #17-ranking Southern Soul artist of all time [5]. She won the “International Artist of the Year” from Zydeco Blues and Trail riders Awards in Houston [6].

 A mainstay at home and in foreign lands, Travis has established herself as soul royalty [7] and a star in the blues, Southern soul and R&B communities.

Headlining at festivals, clubs and concerts around the world, Nellie “Tiger” Travis is beyond titles or genres. She is in a class all her own. In November 2009 Nellie was crowned the New Queen of The Blues for Chicago by Bluesman and WVON radio personality Purvis Spann, who previously had bestowed that honor on Ms. KoKo Taylor. KoKo was a mentor and friend to Nellie, and when she passed in early 2009 Nellie used her songwriting skills to write and record a tribute to her friend entitled “KoKo” (Queen of the Blues).

slap yo weave offAs a seasoned artist, Nellie’s impact extends beyond music, earning her accolades, including a national tour and performances on the Jimmy Fallon Show with her hit single "slap yo weave off [8]". With a career spanning decade, she remains a dynamic force in the music scene, embodying the essence of blues, soul, and R&B.slap yo weave off [8]". With a career spanning decade, she remains a dynamic force in the music scene, embodying the essence of blues, soul, and R&B.slap yo weave off [8]". With a career spanning decade, she remains a dynamic force in the music scene, embodying the essence of blues, soul, and R&B.slap yo weave off [8]". With a career spanning decade, she remains a dynamic force in the music scene, embodying the essence of blues, soul, and R&B.slap yo weave off [8]". With a career spanning decade, she remains a dynamic force in the music scene, embodying the essence of blues, soul, and R&B.slap yo weave off [8]". With a career spanning decade, she remains a dynamic force in the music scene, embodying the essence of blues, soul, and R&B. [8]". With a career spanning decade, she remains a dynamic force in the music scene, embodying the essence of blues, soul, and R&B.slap yo weave o With a career spanning decade, she remains a dynamic force in the music scene, embodying the essence of blues, soul, and R&B.