Todd Van Sickle is an American music venue owner best known as Jennifer Nettles’ first husband and former owner of Eddie’s Attic in Decatur, Georgia—a legendary listening room where John Mayer, Sugarland, and The Civil Wars launched their careers. He married Nettles in 1998, owned Eddie’s Attic from 2002 to 2005, and divorced in 2007, choosing a private life away from the spotlight.
You probably searched for Todd Van Sickle because you’re curious about the man who married country star Jennifer Nettles before her fame exploded. His story reveals how some people shape the music industry from behind the scenes—running the venues where legends are born—while maintaining complete privacy in an age of constant exposure.
Early Life and Private Background
Todd Van Sickle keeps his personal history under wraps. No public records reveal his birthdate, childhood location, or education.
This privacy isn’t accidental—it’s deliberate. While Jennifer Nettles built a career in the spotlight, Todd made the opposite choice. He avoided interviews, skipped social media, and never leveraged his connection to fame.
His name first appeared in public records through his 1998 marriage to Nettles, who was then performing with the Jennifer Nettles Band in Atlanta’s music scene. The couple dated for two years before marrying in February 1998 in a private ceremony.
The Eddie’s Attic Chapter
In March 2002, Todd made his most significant professional move. Eddie Owen sold Eddie’s Attic to Todd Van Sickle, who was then married to Sugarland member Jennifer Nettles.
Eddie’s Attic wasn’t just any music club. Founded in 1992, this intimate venue in Decatur, Georgia became the launching pad for multiple Grammy winners.
Artists who developed their careers at Eddie’s Attic include:
- John Mayer
- Shawn Mullins
- Sugarland
- The Civil Wars
- Jennifer Nettles
- Tyler Childers
- Crystal Bowersox
The venue’s weekly open mic competitions gave unknown artists their first taste of a live audience. Winners advanced to the semi-annual Open Mic Shootout with a $1,000 prize. Jennifer Nettles won this competition during her early career, along with John Mayer, Shawn Mullins, and Clay Cook.
Todd owned the venue for three years—from 2002 to 2005. During his ownership, Eddie’s Attic maintained its reputation as a “listening room” where audiences silenced their phones to focus on the music. The venue’s capacity of around 180 people created an intimacy that larger concert halls couldn’t match.
In 2005, Todd sold Eddie’s Attic to Bob Ephl. The venue continues operating today at 515 N. McDonough Street in Decatur.
Marriage to Jennifer Nettles
Jennifer Nettles wasn’t famous when she married Todd in 1998. She was a local Atlanta musician performing with Soul Miner’s Daughter and later the Jennifer Nettles Band.
Their marriage coincided with her rising career. In 2003, Nettles formed Sugarland with Kristian Bush and Kristen Hall. Their debut album, Twice the Speed of Lif, was launched in 2004, with “Baby Girl” climbing to #2 on country charts.
During their marriage, Todd supported the local music community through Eddie’s Attic while Jennifer’s star rose. She won three Grammy Awards, four Country Music Association Awards, and an American Music Award for her work with Sugarland.
The couple divorced in 2007 after nine years together. They had no children. Nettles addressed the split in interviews, stating she didn’t marry or divorce Todd for attention—just another indication of their privacy preference.
Life After Divorce
After 2007, Todd Van Sickle disappeared from public view almost completely.
Jennifer Nettles moved forward with her career and personal life. She married entrepreneur and former model Justin Miller on November 26, 2011, at Blackberry Farm in East Tennessee. The couple welcomed their son Magnus Hamilton Miller on December 6, 2012.
Sugarland continued dominating country music. Their hit “Stay” earned them Grammy Awards for Best Country Song and Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group in 2009. By 2010, Nettles had become one of country music’s most recognizable voices.
Todd chose the opposite path. No social media accounts. No interviews. No attempts to capitalize on his connection to a celebrity. Some sources suggest he may have remained involved in local business or music-related work, but nothing is confirmed.
His Legacy in the Atlanta Music Scene
Todd Van Sickle’s impact isn’t measured in albums sold or awards won. His contribution lives in the artists he gave a platform.
Eddie’s Attic became a cornerstone of Atlanta’s music culture because owners like Todd preserved its mission. They maintained the intimate atmosphere. They protected the weekly open mics. They created space for artists to develop their craft without the pressure of commercial success.
The venue’s influence extends beyond individual careers. It shaped Atlanta’s identity as a music city, proving that small listening rooms matter as much as major concert venues.
Why Todd Van Sickle Stays Private
In an era where everyone connected to celebrities cashes in on that connection, Todd’s silence stands out.
He never wrote a tell-all book about his marriage to Jennifer Nettles. He never gave interviews to tabloids. He never appeared on reality TV or entertainment shows. He never used his past to build a public profile.
This consistency suggests more than shyness—it reveals his values. Todd values personal peace over public recognition. He chose meaningful work in music without seeking the spotlight himself.
His approach offers a contrast to the modern obsession with fame. Some people genuinely prefer private lives, even when fame is easily accessible.
The Man Behind the Music
Todd Van Sickle represents a dying breed in the music industry—people who shape culture without seeking credit.
His ownership of Eddie’s Attic during its crucial growth years helped maintain the venue’s integrity. His marriage to Jennifer Nettles occurred before her superstardom, suggesting their relationship was built on a genuine connection rather than fame.
His complete retreat from public life after 2007 demonstrates that not everyone wants celebrity. Some people contribute to the arts, support their partners, and then step back into normal life without regret.
You won’t find Todd Van Sickle on Instagram or Twitter. You won’t see him at celebrity events or giving interviews. But his fingerprints remain on Atlanta’s music scene through the years he spent creating space for artists to grow.
FAQs
When did Todd Van Sickle and Jennifer Nettles get married?
They married in February 1998 after dating for two years.
When did they divorce?
Their divorce was finalized in 2007 after nine years of marriage.
Did Todd Van Sickle own Eddie’s Attic?
Yes, he owned the legendary Decatur music venue from 2002 to 2005.
What is Todd Van Sickle doing now?
His current activities remain unknown. He maintains complete privacy and has no public social media presence.
Did Todd and Jennifer have children?
No, they had no children during their nine-year marriage.
What is Todd Van Sickle’s net worth?
His net worth has never been publicly disclosed. Music venue owners typically earn between $50,000 $150,000 annually, though this varies significantly.