About the Book

Biography of Don Nix, a legendary Memphis-born musician (sax and guitar), singer and songwriter.

Book Synopsis

Memphis Man: Living High, Laying Low by Don Nix is a memoir of a Memphis music legend who played sax in an instrumental band, the Mar-Keys, that scored one of Stax Records first Top 10 hits, and then went on to become a prolific songwriter and record producer. His song, "Going Down," has been recorded by Pearl Jam, Led Zeppelin, Sammy Hagar, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Deep Purple, The Who and many others.

When Nix began his career, he was still in high school. Over time the Mark-Keys evolved into Booker T. and the MGs. As a producer and musician Nix worked with Freddie King, Furry Lewis, Lonnie Mack, Albert King, Delaney, Bonnie & Friends, the Staple Singers, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton and many others. He was asked by Beatle George Harrison to organize the 1971 Bangladesh Concert at Madison Square Garden. Nix's stories of living at George Harrison's mansion in England is the cherry on top.

In 1971 Nix organized a touring band named the Alabama State Troupers, featuring Wayne Perkins, Clayton Ivey, Fred Prouty, bluesman Furry Lewis, singer Jeanie Green and the Mount Zion Band and Choir. Their music was a brilliant mix of southern rock and roll, blues and gospel.

Review Quotes

"What you are about to get stuck into is the reminiscences of a truly humorous raconteur and participant in an exciting period of rock 'n' roll that might have slipped your attention. Here you will find stories that tell of an era of our musical history that will hopefully give you something to remember and have you on the phone urging your friends to go out and buy the book."-John Mayall, recording artist

"A pioneer mover-and-shaker (and one of the finest of the breed) [Nix] came out of the Memphis/Muscle Shoals matrix along with compeers like Steve Cropper, Packy Axton and Jimmy Johnson-these country-friend originals who took the left turn to the blues. And who left their indelible mark on American root music."-Jerry Wexler, Atlantic Records vice president

"To know Don is to love Don! His gift is his positive point of view. He is a gentle, life-changing experience."-Claudia Linnear, recording artist