Died On This Date (May 20, 2012) Robert Nix / Drummer For Atlanta Rhythm Section
themusicsover Robert Nix
November 8, 1944 – May 20, 2012
Robert Nix was the original drummer for popular American Southern Rock band, Atlanta Rhythm Section. Formed in 1971, the band went on to release several best-selling albums that helped define American rock music of the ’70s. Their biggest success came with 1978’s Champagne Jam, which included the popular single of the same name, sold over 1 million copies and reached #7 on the charts. Nix had a hand in writing “Champagne Jam” along with several of the band’s other records. Nix left the group in 1979, but continued to make music. Prior to his run in ARS, Nix played in Roy Orbison’s band, the Candyman, for the better part of five years during the ’60s. Nix can also be heard on the Lynyrd Skynyrd classic, “Tuesday’s Gone.” Robert Nix was 67 when he passed away on May 20, 2012. Cause of death was not immediately released.
Thanks to Harold Lepidus for the assist.
What You Should Own
Chuck Brown was an influential American guitarist, singer and songwriter who is largely credited for creating go-go, an offshoot of funk that popped up in Washington DC during the mid ’70s. What separates go-go from all the rest is its use of call-and-response, wild street percussion, and long jams. Brown got his start playing with Jerry Butler during the early ’60s. Before he knew it, he was working solo and putting out a string of hits that included “I Need Some Money” and “Bustin’ Loose,” which is used by MLB’s Washington Nationals to celebrate their home runs. Brown went on to record the theme song for The Sinbad Show during the mid ’90s. In recent years, much of his music has reached younger audiences by way of sampling – Nelly’s 2002 #1 hit, “Hot In Here” contains a portion of “Bustin’ Loose.” In 2010, Brown was nominated for his first Grammy for the song, “Love.” He has been cited as a direct influence on such go-go legends as Trouble Funk and EU and is so beloved by his hometown of Washington DC, that they named a street after him – Chuck Brown Way. Chuck Brown was 75 when he passed away on May 16, 2012.
