Wednesday, December 09, 2009

The Don Nix Photo Exhibition


Although Don Nix might be categorized as a Blues-Rock artist, or a Pop artist, additionally he too is a successful record producer and arranger. Yet, let us not forget he is also a songwriter of major significance with credits a mile long. But now Don Nix steps into still another arena as he unveils his portfolio of black & white photographs capturing an important period of popular music. Don Nix's first photo exhibition titled Dirty Negatives opens December 4th and runs through December 31th at The Robinson Gallery located in Memphis TN. Placed there are over 40 of his archive photographs available for purchase through this exhibition. Photos in this exhibit were taken with Nix's first camera given to him years ago by side-kick and fellow songwriter, Sid Selvedge. Little did Don Nix know that one day his photography might stand alone in recognition with still another of his momentous career achievements.


Starting in the early days of STAX Records when he was a member of the soul labels house band named the Mar-Keys, Don Nix's career had so many adventures he simply had to carry a camera just to capture the rapid pace of pop celebrity. Pictured above is Don standing next to one of his prize photographs taken of Blues legend, Albert King.


Highlights of the exhibit include this timely shot of a young Steve Cropper from Booker T. & The MG's appearing in portrait form. (c) Don Nix - All Rights Reserved.


Known for his signature "Flying V" guitar, Albert King was the inspiration for many guitarist such as Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton. (c) Don Nix - All Rights Reserved.


Here Nix captures fellow "Mad Dog & Englishmen" member, Joe Cocker as he poses in front of a roadside billboard featuring his favorite beverage. (c) Don Nix - All Rights Reserved.


A favorite Don Nix photo was his shot of George Harrison standing beside a pond at his home in Friar Park at Henley-On-Thames in London in 1975. (c) Don Nix - All Rights Reserved


Attending the opening at the Robinson Gallery were local VIP's such as attorney Reed Malkin and his wife, Diane Malkin. Seated beside them and providing event coverage is Phillip Rauls of THE PHOTOLOG. (Copyrighted photo & story coverage - All rights reserved)


Also in attendance was longtime Memphis mainstay Ward Archer, owner of up-and-coming Archer Records along with independent record producer, Carl "Blue" Wise.


Pictured here are (L-R) exhibition host Don Nix along with his brother Larry Nix of the noted recording industry firm L. Nix Mastering and Phillip Rauls.


Attending the event was longtime Don Nix fan and executive director of NARAS - Memphis Chapter, Jon Hornyak, while pictured here with Phillip Rauls.


The evening was highlighted by a Don Nix performance that included his famed "Going Down" while accompained by guitarist Terry Wall and Dan Cochran on bass. (Not pictured Joel Williams on drums).


Don Nix has opened the doors for many Southern-roots artist and inspired many on their career paths. To view his vast musicial history please click-on a two-part story listed below;


"Don Nix International Man of...Music" (Part 1)

"Don Nix Home-Grown Distortion-Prone" (Part 2)