Nancy was her parent's second honeymoon baby, “a closet crooner” until she was orphaned at 18. Renowned vocal coach, George Peckham, became a sort of surrogate father, and championed her into the rich world of Seattle’s music scene, where she was encouraged to pursue a music career while continuing her studies at the UW, graduating with a degree in Drama.

With a voice encompassing the vibrancy of Judy Garland, the range and beauty of Sarah Vaughn, the smokiness of June Christy, the phrasing and intonation of Dianne Reeves, the soul of Eva Cassidy, the buoyancy of Peggy Lee and the presence and sensuality of her current favorite Brazilian vocalist, Claudia Villela, Nolan holds her own in any company.

Jazzers think of her as a theater person. Theater people think of her as a jazz singer. Resisting labels, Nolan just chooses her music by the chill factor, that brought her to know her gift.... and the experience she wants to give to her audience.