BILLY NIX
Instructor of Percussion
Email: nicks.6@nd.edu
Known as Billy "Stix" Nix, Mr. Nick’s has a long and storied musical background. As a young man in 1955 he formed “The Rhythm Rockers” with Junior Walker. In 1956 WNDU-TV hired the group to play each Saturday afternoon on it’s “Club 46” teen dance party program.
In the 60’s and 70’s he toured with Junior Walker and the All Stars. The group was a consistent Motown hit maker. They toured with Wilson Picket, Sam & Dave, Billy Steward, The Temptations, The Spinners, Dee Dee Warwick and The Staples. It was during this time that Mr. Nicks recorded with the All Stars; “How Sweet It Is to Be Loved By You,” “Roadrunner,” and “Puckerup Buttercup”. He wrote and recorded “Sweet Daddy Deacon” with Walker. In addition to currently playing with his group the Rhythm Rockers, Mr. Nicks plays with two jazz trios, The Billy Nicks Trio and the Notre Dame Trio.
Self-taught as a drummer Mr. Nicks began teaching drums in 1972 and continues to give lessons. In 2004, he became an adjunct music teacher with the University.
“...Music to me is a spiritual thing. That’s the way I deal with my music and my life, whether it’s jazz or R & B and soul or whatever… That’s one of the many beauties of God.”
