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
Ronnie Hammond was the lead singer for successful southern rock band, the Atlanta Rhythm Section. The group itself was born out of a group of in-demand studio musicians from the Atlanta, Georgia area. When the band was recording their first album in 1972, Hammond happened to show up at the studio as an assistant engineer, and once the guys heard him sing, they asked him to join the band. Hammond sang for ARS on their first six albums, during their peak years. In 1978, they released Champagne Jam which included the popular single of the same name. It would become their biggest hit and take them from playing clubs and into arenas and stadiums. In August of that same year, the band was invited by President Jimmy Carter to play at the White House. Hammond left the group in 1982 to pursue a solo career. He reunited with them in 1988 and continued on for the next decade or so. On March 14, 2011, Ronnie Hammond died of heart failure. He was 60.
