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In a moment that marked a major milestone in her career, singer/songwriter, Nicole Zuraitis '03 was awarded her first Grammy for her album, How Love Begins. The ceremony, which took place on February 4, bestowed Nicole with the prestigious Jazz Vocal Album award.

“When they called my name, I blacked out,” she said.

This monumental moment flew by in a blur for the West Haven, Connecticut resident. “I normally like to engage with the audience. Crack a joke. You literally have 45 seconds up there, and then, they play the hook music and turn on the ‘wrap it up’ sign.”  The next thing she remembers was walking by Joni Mitchell as she was about to accept her award.

Grateful and humbled by the recognition, Nicole acknowledged the profound connection she shared with her co-producer, Christian McBride. Together, they created a masterpiece that resonated deeply with audiences and established Nicole as a force to be reckoned with in the world of jazz music.

“(Christian) is the greatest bassist alive and the King of Jazz. I expected him to be much more hands-on, but he fully trusted me and my decisions. He encouraged me to create original songs.”

Nicole’s inspiration for her album’s narrative came from one of the most unlikely of places. When she was writing the album, she noticed imagery of smoke, fire and water within her lyrics. She found herself on a quest to find visuals to accompany her written work. She was looking at natural imagery like the incandescence of oil from a car on wet concrete. Her travels led her to the stunning and heartbreaking art series, Still which captured the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. From here, a full album narrative was born.

“This is the crux of how I see love. Sometimes, the most beautiful things in life are also heartbreaking. How Love Begins is a piece of work that chronicles the many phases of love.”

This isn’t Nicole’s first time in the Grammy arena. In 2019, she and her husband Dan Pugach received a nomination for Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals for their version of Dolly Parton’s classic song, “Jolene.”

Nicole’s passion for music runs deep. During her time at Holy Cross High School, her love of was nurtured and strengthened by the music department, led by the then-music directors Joseph Jacovino and Carol Gustafson. Their influence was profound, leaving a lasting impact on Nicole's musical journey. They provided her with guidance, inspiration, and a supportive environment to explore her musical interests and talents. Thanks to their dedication and expertise, Nicole's love for music developed into a deep-rooted passion that continues to drive her today.

“I found my people with the (Holy Cross) music and theater kids,” she said. “The music department was so strong and supportive. I always felt at home there. Pursuing a career in music didn’t seem like such a crazy idea. It brought me joy.” Nicole went on to study opera at New York University. However, her true passion was jazz. She fondly remembers singing from The Magic Flute during the day and sneaking out to play NYC jazz clubs at night.

As a recording artist, Nicole has released five albums and appeared on countless others. She is an exceptional vocalist, known for her captivating performances with the Birdland Big Band and her regular appearances at renowned jazz clubs in New York City such as Dizzy's Club at Lincoln Center, Birdland, the Blue Note, the Carlyle, 54 Below, and the historic 55 Bar. Her talents have also led her to be a featured soloist with esteemed orchestras like the Savannah Philharmonic, Asheville Symphony, and Macon Pops. In addition, she has provided piano and vocal support to notable singers including Melanie, Morgan James, Darren Criss, and Livingston Taylor. Nicole's versatility and skill make her a premier artist in the music industry.

“For me, it has always been a marathon. Not a sprint. I keep setting goals. Each goal gets higher. The nomination alone was huge. They announced my name last. I was nominated with some of the best jazz singers alive. My husband Dan and I burst into tears…I feel like I beat Goliath, but I’m ready for the jazz police to take me out.”