Hammie Nixon

• Name — Hammie Nixon • Alias — Hammie Nickerson • Born — 22 January 1908 • Died — 17 August 1984 • Place of death — Jackson, Tennessee, U.S. • Birthplace — Brownsville, Tennessee, U.S. • Instrument — * Harmonica • kazoo • guitar • Genre — Country blues • Occupation — Musician • Years Active — 1920s–1980s • Label — Victor Records

Nixon was born in Brownsville, Tennessee. He began his music career with jug bands in the 1920s. He is best known as a country blues harmonica player, but he also played the kazoo, guitar and jug. He played with his father-in-law, guitarist Sleepy John Estes, for half a century, first recording with him in 1929 for Victor Records. He also recorded with Little Buddy Doyle, Lee Green, Clayton T. Driver, Charlie Pickett and Son Bonds. During the 1920s Nixon helped to pioneer the use of the harmonica as a rhythm instrument in a band setting, rather than as a novelty solo instrument. After Estes died in 1979, Nixon played with the Beale Street Jug Band (also called the Memphis Jug Band). Nixon's last recording, Tappin' That Thing (HMG Records), was recorded shortly before his death in 1984, in Jackson, Tennessee.

• 1984 Tappin' That Thing (HMG Records)