Nita Strauss — Biography

Vinita Strauss Villalta, an American rock instrumentalist and online writer, currently lends her talents as a touring guitarist for Alice Cooper. Her performance resume also includes work with Demi Lovato, alongside a flourishing independent music career. Strauss is a familiar face on the covers of prominent global music publications such as Guitar World and Guitar Player. She achieved a pioneering milestone as the first female signature artist for Ibanez guitars, and further etched her name in history by becoming the first female rock solo artist in over three decades to reach the summit of Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart. While Strauss has stated a familial connection to the composer Johann Strauss through her father, this claim is not substantiated by known genealogical records of the composer. In 2023, Strauss became engaged to drummer Josh Villalta, and the couple exchanged vows on May 4, 2024, in Los Angeles. A devoted supporter of the Los Angeles Rams, Strauss is a regular presence at their games in SoFi Stadium, often providing musical interludes or spirited riffs to ignite fan chants. She had the distinct honor of performing "America the Beautiful" at the Rams' Salute to Service game in November 2018. Following the Rams' triumph in Super Bowl LVI, Strauss received a Super Bowl ring, recognizing her honorary affiliation with the organization. Strauss also dedicates herself to physical conditioning, engaging in strength training, Muay Thai, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and shares her insights on fitness through online platforms. Her dedication to fitness has earned her features in Muscle & Fitness and on Bodybuilding.com. In 2019, Strauss initiated the Nita Strauss: Body Shred fitness challenge, complemented by an e-book titled Body Shred: Your Guide to Feeling and Looking like a Rock Star.