Dubbed the sweethearts of gospel, the duo is credited with being the originators of Christian love songs which helped change church culture concerning marriage and relationships.

While in high school, Philip learned to play the piano, a skill he utilized when he joined the family band known as The Nicholas Chorale Ensemble.

After graduating from high school Philip enrolled at Drexel University where he met his future wife, Brenda Watson.

While in Los Angeles the two coined the group name Nicholas and decided to pursue careers as professional music artists.

Because the brothers had different ideas over the label's direction, Philip left Message and created Command Records with ex-Motown producer, Kent Washburn.

The duo, although a quartet at this time, released the album entitled Tell the World in 1981, Words Can't Express in 1983, and Dedicated in 1985.

[9] [10][11] The remaining albums released by the duo were 1987's A Love Like This, 1988's Live in Memphis, 1990's More than Music, 1991's Back to Basics, 1993's The Inspirational Sounds of Nicholas Vol.