GERMANTOWN, TN (CelebrityAccess) – Don Nix, a pivotal figure in Memphis music history, passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 31, 2024, at his home in Germantown, Tennessee. The cause of death was not disclosed. However, it’s been reported he suffered from macular degeneration and had lost the majority of his sight. He was 83.
Nix’s family, including his brother, noted mastering engineer Larry Nix, confirmed his passing. His sister, Kitty Nix Moore, shared a heartfelt message on Facebook: “Larry and I said goodbye to our wonderful brother, Don Nix. He died in his sleep last night and celebrated the New Year in heaven. No more suffering, and he can now see again.”
Born on September 27, 1941, in Memphis, Nix was a founding member of The Mar-Keys, the early Stax Records group that laid the groundwork for the iconic Memphis soul sound.
Nix was a prolific songwriter, producer, and arranger throughout his career. His blues anthem “Going Down” became a genre standard, later covered by artists such as Freddie King, Jeff Beck, and Deep Purple. He also produced albums for Freddie King, Albert King, Jeff Beck, and Furry Lewis and collaborated with George Harrison on The Concert for Bangladesh.
In addition to his musical achievements, Nix was an accomplished photographer. He captured intimate moments of musicians and life on the road, and his photographs were exhibited at the Stax Museum in 2019.
RIP.
