Fact #144030

Very little is known of Elmore Nixon, although his piano can be heard on many more records than he made under his own name. His family moved to Houston in 1939, where he remained until his death. At some stage he trained to join the church, which is presumed to be where he learned to play piano. By his early teens, he was already backing Peppermint Harris on his Gold Star debut. Thereafter he recorded with many Texas artists as a member of alto saxophonist Henry Hayes’ Four Kings, including Carl Campbell, Milton Willis, L.C. Williams, Hubert Robinson, Ivory Lee and Hop Wilson. His debut record, ‘Foolish Love’, was made in 1949 for Sittin In With The Hayes band. His own music reflected the jump music of the time, having affinities with Little Willie Littlefield. Other sessions followed for Peacock, Mercury Records, Savoy Records and Imperial Records. During the mid-60s, he worked with Clifton Chenier, recording on Chenier’s sessions for Arhoolie Records and with Lightnin’ Hopkins for Jewel. At other times he led his own band, working around Texas and Louisiana. He underwent serious surgery in 1970 and was largely inactive until his death.