Billy Nichols

In 1963, Nichols joined Jimmy Vick and The Victors and recorded a single.

In 1964, Nichols moved to Detroit and stayed with his uncle. He was hired by Motown Records where his first job was playing with Martha and the Vandellas. Nichols was also in the Motown Road Band led by Choker Campbell. In 1965 he became the musical director for Marvin Gaye.

Nichols first break as a songwriter came in 1966 when Billy Stewart took Nichols to the Chess Records in Chicago to record his song "To Love, to Love".

Becoming disenchanted with constant touring, Nichols moved to New York to lead the house band at the Crystal Ballroom. Billy Nichols and the Soul Swingers played at the Crystal Ballroom for about three years.

Nichols continued to compose and had his first Billboard top twenty hits in 1972 when Millie Jackson recorded "Ask Me What You Want".

Nichols most successful period came working with B.T. Express. "Do It (Til You're Satisfied)" was recorded and released in 1974. Nichols went on to write and produce other songs for the group such as "Can't Stop Groovin'" and "Shout It Out".

At the end of the 1970s, Nichols produced two rap records: Jimmy Spicer – "The Adventures of Super Rhymes" (Dazz, 1979) and Count Coolout – "Rhythm Rap Rock" (Boss Records, 1980).