Don Nix is a songwriter, composer, arranger, musician, and author. Although cited as being "obscure", he is a key figure in several genres of Southern Rock and Soul, R&B, and the Blues. He was instrumental in the creation of the trademark "Memphis Sound " and Stax Records.
A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Nix began his career playing saxophone for The Mar-keys which later morphed into Booker T and the MGs along with Steve Cropper, Duck Dunn and others. The hit instrumental,Last Night was the first of many successful hits to his credit.
As a producer, Nix worked with other artist/producer's such as Leon Russell of Shelter Records, Gary Lewis and the Playboys in Dick Clark's Caravan of Stars , George Harrison of the Beatles fame and John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers. One notable achievement was the collaboration with Harrison, Russell and many others in the production of the Concert for Bangladesh - a star-studded benefit concert at Madison Square Garden. The concert's net proceeds were used to alleviate dire conditions for the Children of Bangladesh.
Throughout his career, Don Nix worked behind the scenes as producer, arranger, musician, and many other roles for Artists such as Lonny Mack , Furry Lewis, Freddy King , Albert King, Delaney and Bonnie , Isaac Hayes, The Staple Singers, Jeff Beck, Brian May, Eric Clapton and many others. He wrote and produced many solo albums and with groups Don Nix and the Alabama State Troopers, John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers, the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Band and Larry Rasberry and the Highsteppers.
The song "Goin' Down" became a blues standard and was covered by Deep Purple, Pearl Jam and many others.
Books
- "Road Stories and Recipes"
External links