| Nick Hexum | |||||
| Background: | solo_singer | ||||
| Birth Name: | Nicholas Lofton Hexum | ||||
| Alias: | DJ Lofton | ||||
| Birth Date: | 12 April 1970 | ||||
| Birth Place: | Madison, Wisconsin, U.S. | ||||
| Origin: | Omaha, Nebraska, U.S. | ||||
| Years Active: | 1988–present | ||||
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Nicholas Lofton Hexum (born April 12, 1970) is an American singer, songwriter and rapper, currently the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for the multi-platinum alternative rock band 311 and The Nick Hexum Quintet.
Born in Madison, Wisconsin, to father Dr. Terry Hexum, a professor of pharmacology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and cardiovascular and neuroscience researcher, and mother Pat,[1] Hexum went to Westside High School in Omaha, Nebraska. There, he played in the school's concert jazz band, and was a member of several local bands like The Extras, The Eds, and The Right Profile. In 1988, Hexum moved to Los Angeles to pursue music with his band Unity, including Chad Sexton, Ward Bones, and Marcus Watkins. However, this group soon parted ways. Hexum moved to Germany for a brief stint in 1990; while there, he got a call from Sexton, who was back in Omaha. Sexton's band Fish Hippos had a gig with Fugazi and he invited Hexum to join the band. Hexum agreed, but said they needed to change the band's name. At that show, they announced from stage that their name was 311.
See main article: 311 (band).
311 began playing together in 1990. Hexum was considered the band's manager and also did the legwork of organizing their schedule. He took out a student loan and used the money to get time at Rainbow Studios in Omaha to record their first independent album, Dammit!, released under his own record company, "What Have You Records". The band released three albums, Dammit!, Unity, and Hydroponic. In 1992, the band felt they'd done all they could on the local scene and moved out to Los Angeles to pursue a record deal. They signed to Capricorn Records.
Since then, 311 has released 13 major label records. They have performed over 2,000 shows in 27 countries and all 50 U.S. states. Hits include "Amber", "Down", "You Wouldn't Believe", "Creatures (For a While)", and many more.
Hexum has three siblings: Angela, Zack, and half-brother Patrick. His parents are divorced. Patrick died fighting an opioid addiction.[2]
Hexum was in a relationship with Nicole Scherzinger of The Pussycat Dolls from 2000 to 2004.
Hexum married his wife Nikki on New Year's Eve 2008; they have three daughters. Their oldest daughter, Echo, was born in a home birth on August 29, 2009.[3] Their second daughter, Maxine, was born May 1, 2011, which was also Nikki's birthday. Due to the absence of the family's midwife, Hexum performed the delivery.[4] Their third daughter, Harlow, was born September 16, 2014.[5] Harlow starred in the TV series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. as Alya Fitz.
Hexum has contributed to the charity collaboration Band of Merrymakers.[6]