Niles Family Genealogy & History

Prescott Niles, born on May 2, 1954, is a renowned American rock bassist celebrated for his pivotal role in the band The Knack. He gained widespread recognition with the chart-topping hit "My Sharona," which achieved No. 1 in the US and No. 6 in the UK. Known for his dynamic performances, Niles predominantly played the Rickenbacker 4001 and Guild M-85 bass guitars, and later, Vigier Guitars during his tenure with The Knack. Since 2013, he has continued to influence the rock scene by playing bass with Mike Pinera's Classic Rock All-Stars and Missing Persons, showcasing his enduring talent and versatility in the music industry.

John Jacob Niles (1892–1980) was a celebrated American composer, singer, and folk music collector known as the "Dean of American Balladeers." His work significantly influenced the American folk music revival in the 1950s and 1960s, with icons like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez recording his songs. Niles was renowned for his unique falsetto vocal range and his handcrafted Appalachian dulcimers. His compositions, such as "I Wonder As I Wander" and "Go 'Way From My Window," remain influential in the folk genre. Niles also published numerous works, including collaborations with poet Thomas Merton, and performed widely, including at the White House and the Newport Folk Festival.

John Jacob Niles was born in Louisville, Kentucky, where he learned music from his mother. He was married to Rena Lipetz in 1936, and they lived on Boot Hill farm in Clark County, Kentucky, with their two sons, Thomas Michael Tolliver and John Edward. Niles spent his later years in Kentucky, where he passed away in 1980.

Steve Niles, born on June 21, 1965, in Jackson, New Jersey, is a prominent American comic book author and novelist renowned for revitalizing horror comics. His most famous work, "30 Days of Night," which he co-created with Ben Templesmith, was adapted into a successful film, highlighting his impact on the genre. Niles has also contributed to notable titles such as "Criminal Macabre," "Simon Dark," and "Batman: Gotham County Line," and has collaborated with industry icons like Bernie Wrightson. His career includes creating new characters, reinventing classic ones, and founding production companies like Creep International with Rob Zombie, further establishing his influence in both comics and film.

Richard Niles is a renowned American composer, arranger, and record producer, celebrated for his diverse contributions to the music industry. Known for collaborating with music legends like Paul McCartney, James Brown, and Tina Turner, Niles has arranged albums for artists such as Grace Jones and Pet Shop Boys. His work extends to television, notably as the leader of Bandzilla on Ruby Wax's Channel 4 series, and he has produced music for commercials for major brands like McDonald's and Nescafé. Niles is also an accomplished guitarist, broadcaster, journalist, and author, with books on music and contributions to Making Music magazine.

Richard Niles was born in Hollywood in 1951, the son of Tony Romano, a composer and guitarist who worked with iconic figures like Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra. After his parents' divorce, he moved to London with his mother and stepfather, Jesse Lasky Jr., a noted screenwriter. This artistic family background influenced Niles's successful career in music and media.