is a native of Chicago, Illinois. While performing with many musicians in Chicago, such as, Von Freeman, Jon Logan, and Orbit Davis, Nicholson's reputation as an outstanding drummer was established. In 1979, Nicholson became a member of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM). During this time, Nicholson developed a musical relationship with all the members of the AACM including Muhal Richard Abrams, Steve McCall, Edward Wilkerson, Jr., Henry Threadgill, Phil Cohran, Joseph Jarman, Douglas Ewart, Amina Claudine Myers, Leo Smith, and Anthony Braxton.
Since relocating to New York City in 1988, Nicholson has performed with a wide variety of Jazz and New Music luminaries such as Don Pullen, Jon Hendricks, Billy Bang, Butch Morris, James Spaulding, Reuben Wilson, Yuko Fujiyama, Abdullah Ibrahim, Sonny Rollins, Hamiet Bluiett, Myra Melford, Wilber Morris, and Roy Campbell. Nicholson has performed in many noted festivals throughout Europe, Asia and the United States including, Chicago, North Sea, Saalfelden, Verona, Knitting Factory- NYC, Red Sea, Tampere, Moers, Nancy, just to name a few.
Currently, Nicholson is composing and performing works for his Brass, Percussion, Trio, and Quartet Concepts. Nicholson has two recordings of his music from Abstract Recordings ; Reggie Nicholson Concept: Unnecessary Noise Allowed and Reggie Nicholson Solo Concept : Percussion Peace
