Post by Diamond Girl on Dec 4, 2006 18:47:37 GMT -5
Beat still goes on for Nicks at 71
KAREN RIVERS
Tribune Staff Writer
Billy "Stix" Nicks started his musical career with nothing but a pair of borrowed drumsticks.
"I began practicing on chairs and books because we couldn't even afford a practice pad. Now, I'm glad I did that," the 71-year-old says.
"It shows you how things work out."
Nicks eventually bought his first set of drums from a South Bend pawnshop for $15 and joined the Central High School band under the direction of Arthur J. Singleton.
He later put together his own band and cornered the market on the South Bend sock-hop scene. Soon after, he and his fellow musicians were the house band on WNDU's teen dance party show, "Club 46."After he was drafted, he played in the Third Infantry Division band, then came back home and hooked up with his old band mates, who had become Junior Walker and the All Stars. Nicks went on to play a number of the country's top venues, sharing billing with Motown greats.
His "stix" can be heard keeping the beat on the classic "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)."
These days, he has no doubt that the old soul and R & B songs are his favorites to play. Why? Because that's what he played in his big shows, at the Apollo in New York, the Howard in D.C.
"I will never get that out of my system," he says. "It's the greatest feeling in the world."
He adds that he still has a passion for playing -- and always will."People ask me why I close my eyes (when I play)," he says. "When you're that involved with it, you can't help it. That's my high!"
Which reminds him of something. He always tells kids, you don't have to drink or do drugs to be a musician. He never did, even when he was surrounded by it. (And one need only compare the remarkably well-preserved Mr. Nicks to, say, Keith Richards, to know who made the right decision.)
But is drumming any more difficult, now that he's in his 70s?
"No," Nicks says with a mischievous smile, "It's easier."
South Bend Tribune
KAREN RIVERS
Tribune Staff Writer
Billy "Stix" Nicks started his musical career with nothing but a pair of borrowed drumsticks.
"I began practicing on chairs and books because we couldn't even afford a practice pad. Now, I'm glad I did that," the 71-year-old says.
"It shows you how things work out."
Nicks eventually bought his first set of drums from a South Bend pawnshop for $15 and joined the Central High School band under the direction of Arthur J. Singleton.
He later put together his own band and cornered the market on the South Bend sock-hop scene. Soon after, he and his fellow musicians were the house band on WNDU's teen dance party show, "Club 46."After he was drafted, he played in the Third Infantry Division band, then came back home and hooked up with his old band mates, who had become Junior Walker and the All Stars. Nicks went on to play a number of the country's top venues, sharing billing with Motown greats.
His "stix" can be heard keeping the beat on the classic "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)."
These days, he has no doubt that the old soul and R & B songs are his favorites to play. Why? Because that's what he played in his big shows, at the Apollo in New York, the Howard in D.C.
"I will never get that out of my system," he says. "It's the greatest feeling in the world."
He adds that he still has a passion for playing -- and always will."People ask me why I close my eyes (when I play)," he says. "When you're that involved with it, you can't help it. That's my high!"
Which reminds him of something. He always tells kids, you don't have to drink or do drugs to be a musician. He never did, even when he was surrounded by it. (And one need only compare the remarkably well-preserved Mr. Nicks to, say, Keith Richards, to know who made the right decision.)
But is drumming any more difficult, now that he's in his 70s?
"No," Nicks says with a mischievous smile, "It's easier."
South Bend Tribune
