Post by Motorcity on Jul 15, 2006 13:30:52 GMT -5
Experience a Motown legend at this year's Venetian Festival
Perhaps the most talented musician in the line up at this week's Venetian Festival is a Motown man who originates from South Bend; his name is Billy "Stix" Nicks
Story filed by NewsCenter16 Reporter
Kari Huston
St. Joseph, MI - People in Michiana start thinking about the fun of the Venetian Festival every year, just about the time the warm weather sets in.
One of the biggest draws to the festivities every year is the music.
This weekend you can experience the talent of a Motown legend at the annual festival.
Chances are you've already tapped your toes to the beat of the South Bend drummer, without even knowing it.
Perhaps the most talented musician in the line up at this week's Venetian Festival is a Motown man who originates from the bend. His name is Billy "Stix" Nicks.
A little bit of soul
Some people categorize his music as early R & B, while others say he's a jazzman. However, Drummer Billy "Stix" Nicks teaches soul, a music that comes from within.
Music to me and especially my drums, that's my heart beat that's life. Life is a beautiful rhythm if people would only stop and take time to listen," he says.
A generation of Americans grew up listening to Nicks when he played drums for Junior Walker and the All-Stars.
The group's Motown hits include, "How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You" and "Pucker Up Buttercup".
Both Nicks and Tenor Saxophonist Junior Walker grew up in South Bend.
"When I was a youngster, I really wasn't aware that this was what I wanted to do. I knew I loved music and because of my mother we were exposed to all kinds of music," says Nicks. "I remember when she bought the first recording of Ella Fitzgerald's first big hit 'A Tiskit A Tasket'. We listened to jazz, blues, and opera."
Those influences helped Nicks find his own life rhythm. It started with the band Billy "Stix" Nicks and his Rhythm Rockers.
In the 1950's they played a weekly live teen dance party on WNDU-TV.
It wasn't long before Nicks was on the road with Junior Walker, dressing and performing with the class that Motown made famous.
"Performing at the Apollo Theater in New York, the Howard Theater in Washington D.C. and especially with The Temptations and the Four Tops, Marvin Gay. When we were performing with The Temptations I was out there with all the original Temptations, all of the originals," says Nicks.
He then adds, "But the highlight of my career was performing at Constitution Hall in Washington D.C. with the late Sammy Davis Junior. The reason that was the highlight of my career is because I remember as a youngster, I really didn't understand it thoroughly at the time, the racism and this kind of thing, but I remember the so called, 'Daughters of the American Revolution', refusing to allow Marion Anderson to perform at Constitution Hall in Washington D.C."
At the same time, Nicks who was helping to break down social barriers couldn't read music.
"I'm self-taught and by the grace of God I was able to teach myself to read. I had recorded those hit songs with Junior Walker and I couldn't read," says Nicks. "Some people's view I learned backwards, and maybe I did, but God knew what he was doing. Had I not taken the time to learn to read and count, there's no way I would be able to teach out at the University of Notre Dame."
Nicks is teaching for a second year in the Notre Dame Music Department and he gives private lessons in an old house that belonged to his mother.
To Nicks, it doesn't matter that the biggest Motown artists in the business once danced to the beat of his drums. He still remembers his humble beginnings.
"What God blessed me with, I try to use it in a way that pleases Him and the way to do that is to make sure I use it in a way that brings joy and happiness into people's lives," he says.
When the 71-year-old drummer goes on to meet his Maker, he'll leave a legacy of rhythm in the city of South Bend every time one of his students picks up a pair of sticks.
Catch "Stix" in action
Billy "Stix" Nicks will perform at the Venetian Festival on the Main Stage twice on Saturday.
The first show will take place with his Jazz Trio from noon until 3:00PM and then from 3:00 until 6:00PM with the Rhythm Rockers.
To find out more about ticket prices and more about the Venetian Festival, visit the official website for more details.
Article
Perhaps the most talented musician in the line up at this week's Venetian Festival is a Motown man who originates from South Bend; his name is Billy "Stix" Nicks
Story filed by NewsCenter16 Reporter
Kari Huston
St. Joseph, MI - People in Michiana start thinking about the fun of the Venetian Festival every year, just about the time the warm weather sets in.
One of the biggest draws to the festivities every year is the music.
This weekend you can experience the talent of a Motown legend at the annual festival.
Chances are you've already tapped your toes to the beat of the South Bend drummer, without even knowing it.
Perhaps the most talented musician in the line up at this week's Venetian Festival is a Motown man who originates from the bend. His name is Billy "Stix" Nicks.
A little bit of soul
Some people categorize his music as early R & B, while others say he's a jazzman. However, Drummer Billy "Stix" Nicks teaches soul, a music that comes from within.
Music to me and especially my drums, that's my heart beat that's life. Life is a beautiful rhythm if people would only stop and take time to listen," he says.
A generation of Americans grew up listening to Nicks when he played drums for Junior Walker and the All-Stars.
The group's Motown hits include, "How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You" and "Pucker Up Buttercup".
Both Nicks and Tenor Saxophonist Junior Walker grew up in South Bend.
"When I was a youngster, I really wasn't aware that this was what I wanted to do. I knew I loved music and because of my mother we were exposed to all kinds of music," says Nicks. "I remember when she bought the first recording of Ella Fitzgerald's first big hit 'A Tiskit A Tasket'. We listened to jazz, blues, and opera."
Those influences helped Nicks find his own life rhythm. It started with the band Billy "Stix" Nicks and his Rhythm Rockers.
In the 1950's they played a weekly live teen dance party on WNDU-TV.
It wasn't long before Nicks was on the road with Junior Walker, dressing and performing with the class that Motown made famous.
"Performing at the Apollo Theater in New York, the Howard Theater in Washington D.C. and especially with The Temptations and the Four Tops, Marvin Gay. When we were performing with The Temptations I was out there with all the original Temptations, all of the originals," says Nicks.
He then adds, "But the highlight of my career was performing at Constitution Hall in Washington D.C. with the late Sammy Davis Junior. The reason that was the highlight of my career is because I remember as a youngster, I really didn't understand it thoroughly at the time, the racism and this kind of thing, but I remember the so called, 'Daughters of the American Revolution', refusing to allow Marion Anderson to perform at Constitution Hall in Washington D.C."
At the same time, Nicks who was helping to break down social barriers couldn't read music.
"I'm self-taught and by the grace of God I was able to teach myself to read. I had recorded those hit songs with Junior Walker and I couldn't read," says Nicks. "Some people's view I learned backwards, and maybe I did, but God knew what he was doing. Had I not taken the time to learn to read and count, there's no way I would be able to teach out at the University of Notre Dame."
Nicks is teaching for a second year in the Notre Dame Music Department and he gives private lessons in an old house that belonged to his mother.
To Nicks, it doesn't matter that the biggest Motown artists in the business once danced to the beat of his drums. He still remembers his humble beginnings.
"What God blessed me with, I try to use it in a way that pleases Him and the way to do that is to make sure I use it in a way that brings joy and happiness into people's lives," he says.
When the 71-year-old drummer goes on to meet his Maker, he'll leave a legacy of rhythm in the city of South Bend every time one of his students picks up a pair of sticks.
Catch "Stix" in action
Billy "Stix" Nicks will perform at the Venetian Festival on the Main Stage twice on Saturday.
The first show will take place with his Jazz Trio from noon until 3:00PM and then from 3:00 until 6:00PM with the Rhythm Rockers.
To find out more about ticket prices and more about the Venetian Festival, visit the official website for more details.
Article
... Nothing but love for Billy "Stix" Nicks :thankyou: