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{{short description|American rock band}}
{{More citations needed|date=July 2021}}
{{Use American English|date=July 2021}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2024}}
{{About|the band|other uses|Nixon (disambiguation)}}
{{About|the band|other uses|Nixon (disambiguation)}}

{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = The Nixons
| background = group_or_band
| image = John Humphrey (Live).jpg
| name = The Nixons
| image =
|caption=
| background = group_or_band
| caption = The Nixons in 2017
| origin = [[Oklahoma City]], [[Oklahoma]], United States
| origin = [[Oklahoma City]], Oklahoma, U.S.
| genre = [[Post-grunge]], [[alternative rock]]
| genre = [[Alternative rock]], [[post-grunge]]
| years_active = 1990–2000, 2017–present
| years_active = {{hlist|1989–2000|2017–present}}
| label = {{flatlist|
| associated_acts = [[Seether]], [[Edgewater (band)|Edgewater]], 4 Points West, Anchor the Girl, Huver, Zac Maloy Band, Zac Maloy, Ben Maloy, [[Bowling for Soup]]
| label = [[Dragon Street Records|Dragon Street]], Rainmaker Records, [[MCA Records|MCA]], [[Entertainment One Music|KOCH Records]]
* [[Dragon Street Records|Dragon Street]]
* Rainmaker
| current_members = Zac Maloy<br>Jesse Davis<br>Ricky Brooks<br>[[John Humphrey (drummer)|John Humphrey]]
* [[MCA Records|MCA]]
| past_members = Tye Robison<br>Ricky Wolking<br>[[Ray Luzier]]<br>Scott “Scooby” Bush
* [[KOCH Records|KOCH]]
| website =
}}
| current_members =
* Zac Maloy
* Jesse Davis
* Ricky Brooks
* John Humphrey
| past_members =
* Tye Robison
* Ricky Wolking
* [[Ray Luzier]]
* Scott "Scooby" Bush
| website = {{url|thenixonsofficial.com}}
}}
}}


'''The Nixons''' are an [[United States|American]] [[alternative rock]] band formed in 1990, finding commercial success in the mid-1990s.
'''The Nixons''' are an American [[alternative rock]] band formed in 1989. They found commercial success during the mid-1990s, releasing two albums through [[MCA Records]] in 1995–1997. The band is best known for the hit singles "Sister" and "Wire" from their album ''[[Foma (album)|Foma]]''.


==Band history==
==History==
{{More citations needed|section|date=July 2021}}
The Nixons were founded in [[Oklahoma City]] by singer/guitarist Zac Maloy, guitarist Jesse Davis, bassist Ricky Brooks, and drummer Tye Robison. The group released their debut [[Extended play|EP]] ''Six'' in 1992 (after a self-titled album, released in 1990) on [[Dragon Street Records]] and replaced Robison with [[John Humphrey (drummer)|John Humphrey]], before releasing ''Halo'' in 1994 on Dallas-based Rainmaker Records. This album features several songs also included on ''[[Foma (album)|Foma]]'', their official debut LP, released in 1995 on [[MCA Records]]. ''Foma'' included the radio hits "Sister", " Happy Song", "Wire", and "Passion". The group capitalized on their success with big tours (about 300 shows a year), including dates with KISS, Sevendust, Slash's Snakepit, [[Brother Cane]], [[Soul Asylum]], [[Radiohead]], and [[Toadies]]. ''Foma'' eventually peaked at No.&nbsp;77 on the Billboard 200.
===Early years and success: 1989–1996===
The Nixons were founded in [[Oklahoma City]] by singer and guitarist Zac Maloy, guitarist Jesse Davis, bassist Ricky Brooks, and drummer Tye Robison.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-nixons-mn0000892356|title=The Nixons Biography|author=Phares, Heather|work=Allmusic|accessdate=January 10, 2021}}</ref> According to Maloy, the band's name has no political meaning: "'The Nixons' was short, sweet and I always tell people it had an 'x' in the middle so it looked cool on t-shirts and stickers. That's about it."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sflmusic.com/the-nixons/|title=The Nixons|author=Smerilson Carson, Lori
|work=SFL Music Magazine|date=June 1, 2020|accessdate=March 15, 2023}}</ref> The group independently released a self-titled album in 1990 and followed it with the [[Extended play|EP]] ''Six'' in 1992, both on [[Dragon Street Records]]. John Humphrey replaced Robison on drums, and the Nixons issued ''Halo'' in 1994 on Dallas-based Rainmaker Records. This album featured several songs also included on ''[[Foma (album)|Foma]]'', their official debut LP, released in May 1995 on [[MCA Records]]. ''Foma'' included the radio hits "Sister", "Wire", "Happy Song", and "Passion". The group capitalized on their success with big tours, including dates with [[Kiss (band)|KISS]], [[Sevendust]], [[Slash's Snakepit]], [[Brother Cane]], [[Soul Asylum]], [[Radiohead]], and [[Toadies]]. ''Foma'' eventually peaked at No.&nbsp;77 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]].{{citation needed|date=July 2021}}


===Subsequent albums and disbanding: 1997–2000===
The group replaced Ricky Brooks with Ricky Wolking and released the self-titled album "The Nixons" in 1997 on MCA/Universal, which featured three singles: "The Fall", "Miss USA" and "Baton Rouge". The album eventually peaked at No.&nbsp;188 on the Billboard 200. Their consistent gigging ensured a strong cult audience for 1998's ''Scrapbook'' EP (featuring b-sides, live and acoustic performances, including covers of [[Elton John]]'s [[Rocket Man (song)|"Rocket Man"]] and [[Cheap Trick]]'s "Heaven Tonight"), which saw the band return to Rainmaker.
The band replaced Ricky Brooks with Ricky Wolking and released ''[[The Nixons (album)|The Nixons]]'' in June 1997 on MCA/Universal. The record featured three singles: "The Fall", "Miss USA", and "Baton Rouge". It eventually peaked at No.&nbsp;188 on the ''Billboard'' 200.{{citation needed|date=July 2021}}


Their third full-length album ''Latest Thing'', was released by [[Entertainment One Music|Koch]] in early 2000. It featured songs co-written by [[Marti Frederiksen]] and [[Jack Blades]] of [[Night Ranger]] fame. Davis and Humphrey left the band after the album release. The band continued touring, replacing them with Scott Bush and [[Ray Luzier]] (of [[Korn]] and [[Army of Anyone]] fame), respectively.
They departed MCA Records following the release of the self-titled album. Consistent gigging ensured a strong cult audience for 1998's ''Scrapbook'' EP (featuring b-sides, live and acoustic performances, including covers of [[Elton John]]'s [[Rocket Man (song)|"Rocket Man"]] and [[Cheap Trick]]'s "Heaven Tonight"), which saw the band return to Rainmaker. Their third full-length album, ''Latest Thing'', was released by [[E1 Music|Koch]] in early 2000. It featured songs co-written by [[Marti Frederiksen]] and [[Jack Blades]] of [[Night Ranger]] fame. Davis and Humphrey left the band after the album release. The band continued touring, replacing them with Scott Bush and [[Ray Luzier]] (of [[Korn]] and [[Army of Anyone]] fame), respectively. However, when the tour supporting the album concluded, they quietly disbanded.{{citation needed|date=July 2021}}
However, when the tour supporting the album concluded, The Nixons quietly disbanded.


===Huver and solo projects: 2001–2016===
==Post breakup==
Davis, Brooks, and Humphrey reformed in early 2001 as [[Huver]], with a new lead singer, Garin Murdock. The band gigged heavily and reportedly signed a recording contract with Epic Records, but broke up in the summer of 2002 after independently releasing one EP.
Davis, Brooks, and Humphrey reformed in early 2001 as Huver, with a new lead singer, Garin Murdock. The band gigged heavily and reportedly signed a recording contract with Epic Records, but broke up in mid-2002 after independently releasing one EP. John Humphrey went on to play drums in the band [[Seether]]. Zac Maloy released several albums as a solo artist, and later relocated to Nashville to work as a songwriter and producer with artists including [[Carrie Underwood]], [[Skillet (band)|Skillet]], [[Our Lady Peace]], [[Halestorm]], [[Hanson (band)|Hanson]], [[Chris Daughtry]], [[David Cook (singer)|David Cook]], and [[Bowling for Soup]].{{citation needed|date=July 2021}}
[[John Humphrey (musician)|John Humphrey]] has gone on to play drums in the band [[Seether]].
[[Zac Maloy]] released two albums and an EP as a solo artist, and has since become a songwriter (Warner/Chappell) and producer, and relocated to Nashville working with such acts as [[Carrie Underwood]], Skillet, [[Our Lady Peace]], Halestorm, Blake Shelton, [[Hanson (band)|Hanson]], [[Chris Daughtry]], [[David Cook (singer)|David Cook]] and [[Bowling for Soup]].
Jesse Davis formed roots-rock band [[4 Points West]] in 2002, which released EP, "Lonesome Demise..." and full-length album, "Insomnia Suite". Davis now plays in Anchor The Girl and released music produced by Grammy nominated Wes Sharon.
Ricky Wolking went on to play bass for the rock band [[Edgewater (band)|Edgewater]] and has recorded a solo album as [[Honky Mofo]].
Original drummer Robison is a co-owner of January Sound Studio in Dallas, and has worked as a producer/engineer with [[Drowning Pool]], [[Cas Haley]], and [[Dennis DeYoung]].


Jesse Davis formed roots rock band 4 Points West in 2002, which released an EP titled ''Lonesome Demise...'', and a full-length album, ''Insomnia Suite''. Davis played in Anchor the Girl and released music produced by Grammy-nominated musician [[Wes Sharon]]. Ricky Wolking went on to play bass for the rock band [[Edgewater (band)|Edgewater]] and later recorded a solo album as Honky Mofo. Original drummer Robison is a co-owner of January Sound Studio in Dallas, and has worked as a producer/engineer with [[Drowning Pool]], [[Cas Haley]], and [[Dennis DeYoung]].{{citation needed|date=July 2021}}
==Reunion==
In 2017, The Nixons announced a couple of reunion shows with the band's classic ''[[Foma (album)|Foma]]'' line-up (Maloy, Davis, Brooks and Humphrey) which played in their native Oklahoma and also as a part of the KDGE "THE EDGE" Edgefest 25th Anniversary line-up in Frisco, Texas. Additionally, The Nixons Official Facebook page was created, where the 4 members are constantly uploading rare videos as well as unreleased pictures and memories.


===Reforming and new music: 2017–present===
A brand new song called "Song of the Year" was released on iTunes, Google Play and Spotify in early June. The band released the ''Song of the Year EP'' in the fall of 2017, making it their first album release in 17 years. They also re-released their debut album ''Halo'' on vinyl for the first time, newly remastered by original producer Kerry Crafton. Both ''Song of the Year EP'' and ''Halo'' albums can be purchased now via their Official Merch Store. The Nixons played additional dates in late 2017 with further plans ahead.
In January 2017, the band announced two reunion shows with the classic ''[[Foma (album)|Foma]]'' lineup (Maloy, Davis, Brooks, and Humphrey), playing in their native Oklahoma and also as part of the [[KDGE]] "The Edge" Edgefest 25th Anniversary lineup in Frisco, Texas. At the same time, the band launched official Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter social media pages.{{citation needed|date=July 2021}}

In June 2017, a newly recorded song titled "Song of the Year" was released on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify. The band released the brand new ''Song of the Year EP'' along with the re-release of their debut album, ''Halo'', on vinyl for the first time, newly remastered by original producer Kerry Crafton. Both albums were supported by touring in late 2017.{{citation needed|date=July 2021}}

In October 2018, they performed in Oklahoma City, Dallas, and Houston, TX as part of the lineup of [[Buzzfest#Buzzfest in Nashville|Buzzfest]] festival. Jaxon Humphrey, son of drummer John, performed with the band during these shows, as his father had prior commitments with Seether. In 2019, the band entered the studio and re-recorded three of their fan favorites: "Wire", "Baton Rouge", and "Sister", each with the year 2020 added to the title to distinguish them from the original recordings. In addition to the three newly re-recorded songs, the band also recorded new music. "Crutch" was released digitally on July 2, 2019, and "Favorite Lies" was released on November 15, 2019. Both new songs received positive reviews throughout US radio markets and were noted as "a reminder that rock music was still alive".{{citation needed|date=July 2021}}

After touring in late 2018 and throughout 2019, including with rock band [[Sponge (band)|Sponge]], the Nixons released the three previously re-recorded songs on April 22, 2020, and also officially announced the forthcoming issue of a new EP, titled ''Sonic Boom''. This was released digitally on May 22, 2020, and contained all new music recorded since the band's reunion.{{citation needed|date=July 2021}}


==Band members==
==Band members==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}
;Current members
'''Current'''
*Zac Maloy – lead vocals, rhythm guitar <small>(1990–2000, 2017–present)</small>
* Zac Maloy – lead vocals, rhythm guitar, trumpet<ref>{{cite web|title=City Roots Feed Band's Success |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/article/2584975/city-roots-feed-bands-success |website=oklahoman.com |date=July 4, 1997 |access-date=July 17, 2021}}</ref> <small>(1989–2000, 2017–present)</small>
*Jesse Davis – lead guitar, backing vocals <small>(1990–2000, 2017–present)</small>
* Jesse Davis – lead guitar, backing vocals <small>(1989–2000, 2017–present)</small>
*Ricky Brooks – bass guitar, backing vocals <small>(1990–1997, 2017–present)</small>
* Ricky Brooks – bass guitar, backing vocals, acoustic guitar <small>(1989–1997, 2017–present)</small>
*[[John Humphrey (drummer)|John Humphrey]] – drums, percussion <small>(1992–2000, 2017–present)</small>
* John Humphrey – drums, percussion <small>(1992–2000, 2017–present)</small>

;Touring guests
*Jackson Humphrey – percussion <small>(2017)</small>
*[[Jaret Reddick]] – backing vocals <small>(2017)</small>
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}


;Former members
'''Former'''
*Tye Robison – drums, backing vocals, programming <small>(1990–1992)</small>
* Tye Robison – drums, backing vocals, programming <small>(1989–1992)</small>
*Ricky Wolking – bass guitar, backing vocals <small>(1997–2000)</small>
* Ricky Wolking – bass guitar, backing vocals <small>(1997–2000)</small>
*[[Ray Luzier]] – drums <small>(2000)</small>
* [[Ray Luzier]] – drums <small>(2000)</small>
*Scott “Scooby” Bush – lead guitar, backing vocals <small>(2000)</small>
* Scott "Scooby" Bush – lead guitar, backing vocals <small>(2000)</small>

'''Touring musicians'''
* Jaxon Humphrey – drums, percussion <small>(2017)</small>
* [[Jaret Reddick]] – backing vocals <small>(2017)</small>
{{col-end}}
{{col-end}}


Line 67: Line 86:
|-
|-
| 1990
| 1990
| ''The Nixons (Green Album)''
| ''The Nixons'' (Green Album)
| Independent, on cassette only
| Independent, on cassette only
|-
| 2017
| ''Halo'' (Remastered)
| Independent, on vinyl only
|}
|}


===Studio albums===
===Studio albums===

{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
!align=center rowspan="2"| Year
!align=center rowspan="2"| Year
!align=center rowspan="2"| Title
!align=center rowspan="2"| Title
!align=center rowspan="2"| Label
!align=center rowspan="2"| Label
!align=center colspan="1"| Chart positions
!align=center | Chart positions
|-
|-
|-
|-
|-
|-
!width=50|<small>{{center|[[The Billboard 200]]}}</small>
!width=50|<small>{{center|[[Billboard 200]]}}</small>
|-
|-
| 1994
| 1994
| ''[[Halo (The Nixons album)|Halo]]''
| ''Halo''
| Rainmaker Records
| Rainmaker Records
| {{center|-}}
| align=center | —
|-
|-
| 1995
| 1995
| ''[[Foma (album)|Foma]]''
| ''[[Foma (album)|Foma]]''
|rowspan="2"| [[MCA Records]]
|rowspan="2"| [[MCA Records]]
| {{center|77}}
| align=center | 77
|-
|-
| 1997
| 1997
| ''The Nixons''
| ''[[The Nixons (album)|The Nixons]]''
| {{center|188}}
| align=center | 188
|-
|-
| 2000
| 2000
| ''Latest Thing''
| ''Latest Thing''
| [[Entertainment One Music|KOCH Records]]
| [[KOCH Records]]
| {{center|-}}
| align=center | —
|}
|}


===Extended plays===
===EPs===

{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
!align=center rowspan="1"| Year
!align=center rowspan="1"| Year
Line 114: Line 135:
| ''Six''
| ''Six''
| Dragon Street Records
| Dragon Street Records
| {{center|-}}
| align=center | —
|-
|-
| 1998
| 1998
| ''[[Scrapbook (The Nixons EP)|Scrapbook]]''
| ''Scrapbook''
| Rainmaker Records
| Rainmaker Records
| {{center|-}}
| align=center | —
|-
|-
| 2017
| 2017
| ''Song of the Year''
| ''Song of the Year''
| {{center|-}}
| align=center | —
| {{center|-}}
| align=center | —
|-
| 2020
| ''Sonic Boom''
| align=center | —
| align=center | —
|-
| 2022
| ''Kaleidoscope''
| align=center | —
| align=center | —
|}
|}


===Singles===
===Singles===

{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
!align=center rowspan="2"| Year
!align=center rowspan="2"| Year
!align=center rowspan="2"| Title
!align=center rowspan="2"| Title
!align=center colspan="3"| Chart positions
!align=center colspan="5"| Chart positions
!align=center rowspan="2"| Album
!align=center rowspan="2"| Album
|-
|-
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!width=50|<small>{{center|[[Mainstream Rock Chart|US Mainstream Rock]]}}</small>
!width=50|<small>{{center|[[Mainstream Rock Chart|US Mainstream Rock]]}}</small>
!width=50|<small>{{center|[[Modern Rock Tracks chart|US Modern Rock]]}}</small>
!width=50|<small>{{center|[[Modern Rock Tracks chart|US Modern Rock]]}}</small>
!width=50|<small>{{center|[[Mainstream Top 40|US Mainstream Top 40]]}}</small>
!width=50|<small>[[ARIA Charts|AUS]]<br /><ref>{{cite Ryan|page=204}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://i.imgur.com/meax62d.jpeg|title=The ARIA Australian Top 100 Singles Chart – Week Ending 06 Oct 1996|publisher=[[Australian Recording Industry Association|ARIA]]|via=Imgur.com|access-date=June 10, 2024}} N.B. The HP column displays the highest position reached.</ref></small>
|-
|-
| rowspan="2"|1996
| rowspan="2"|1996
| "Sister"
| "Sister"
| {{center|48}}
| align=center | 48
| {{center|6}}
| align=center | 6
| {{center|11}}
| align=center | 11
| align=center | 39
| align=center | 53
|rowspan=2| ''Foma''
|rowspan=2| ''Foma''
|-
|-
| "Wire"
| "Wire"
| {{center|-}}
| align=center | —
| {{center|27}}
| align=center | 27
| {{center|-}}
| align=center | —
| align=center | —
| align=center | —
|-
|-
| rowspan="2"| 1997
| rowspan="2"| 1997
| "Baton Rouge"
| "Baton Rouge"
| {{center|-}}
| align=center | —
| {{center|9}}
| align=center | 9
| {{center|-}}
| align=center | —
| align=center | —
|rowspan=2| ''The Nixons''
| align=center | —
|rowspan="2"| ''The Nixons''
|-
|-
| "The Fall"
| "The Fall"
| {{center| -}}
| align=center | —
| {{center| 22}}
| align=center | 22
| {{center| -}}
| align=center | —
| align=center | —
| align=center | —
|-
|-
| rowspan="1"| 2000
| 2000
| "First Trip"
| "First Trip"
| {{center| -}}
| align=center | —
| {{center| 32}}
| align=center | 32
| {{center| -}}
| align=center | —
| align=center | —
| align=center | —
| ''Latest Thing''
| ''Latest Thing''
|-
|-
| rowspan="1"| 2017
| 2017
| "Song of the Year"
| "Song of the Year"
| {{center| -}}
| align=center | —
| {{center| -}}
| align=center | —
| {{center| -}}
| align=center | —
| align=center | —
| align=center | —
| ''Song of the Year EP''
| ''Song of the Year EP''
|-
| rowspan="2"| 2019
| "Crutch"
| align=center | —
| align=center | —
| align=center | —
| align=center | —
| align=center | —
| rowspan="3"| ''Sonic Boom EP''
|-
| "Favorite Lies"
| align=center | —
| align=center | —
| align=center | —
| align=center | —
| align=center | —
|-
| 2020
| "Ghost of an Angel"
| align=center | —
| align=center | —
| align=center | —
| align=center | —
| align=center | —
|-
| 2022
| "Kaleidoscope"
| align=center | —
| align=center | —
| align=center | —
| align=center | —
| align=center | —
| ''Kaleidoscope EP''
|}
|}


Line 185: Line 262:
|-
|-
|rowspan="3"| 1995
|rowspan="3"| 1995
| Head
| "Head"
|rowspan="4"| ''Foma''
|rowspan="4"| ''Foma''
|-
|-
| Wire
| "Wire"
|-
|-
| Sister
| "Sister"
|-
|-
| 1996
| 1996
| Happy Song
| "Happy Song"
|-
|-
| 1997
| 1997
| Baton Rouge
| "Baton Rouge"
| ''The Nixons''
| ''The Nixons''
|-
|-
| 2000
| 2000
| Blackout
| "Blackout"
| ''Latest Thing''
| ''Latest Thing''
|-
|-
| 2017
| 2017
| Song of the Year
| "Song of the Year"
| ''Song of the Year EP''
| ''Song of the Year EP''
|-
| 2019
| "Crutch"
| ''Sonic Boom'' EP
|-
| 2019
| "Favorite Lies"
| ''Sonic Boom'' EP

|-
| 2020
| "Ghost of an Angel"
| ''Sonic Boom'' EP
|-
| 2022
| "Kaleidoscope"
| ''Kaleidoscope'' EP
|}
|}

==References==
{{reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
* {{official|thenixonsofficial.com}}
*[https://stores.inksoft.com/thenixons/shop/home The Nixons Official Merch Store]
* [{{Allmusic|class=artist|id=p40657|pure_url=yes}} Nixons' AllMusic page]
*[http://www.myspace.com/thenixonsofficial The Nixons on Myspace.com]
*[http://www.myspace.com/zacmaloy Zac Maloy on MySpace.com (contains Nixons songs)]
* [http://www.januarysound.com Tye Robison's studio in Dallas]
*[{{Allmusic|class=artist|id=p40657|pure_url=yes}} Nixons' AllMusic page]
*[http://www.januarysound.com Tye Robison's studio in Dallas]


{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}
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[[Category:American post-grunge musical groups]]
[[Category:American post-grunge musical groups]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1990]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1990]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Oklahoma City]]

Latest revision as of 01:51, 15 October 2024

This article is about the band. For other uses, see Nixon (disambiguation).
The Nixons
OriginOklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S.
GenresAlternative rock, post-grunge
Years active
  • 1989–2000
  • 2017–present
Labels
Members
  • Zac Maloy
  • Jesse Davis
  • Ricky Brooks
  • John Humphrey
Past members
  • Tye Robison
  • Ricky Wolking
  • Ray Luzier
  • Scott "Scooby" Bush
Websitethenixonsofficial.com

The Nixons are an American alternative rock band formed in 1989. They found commercial success during the mid-1990s, releasing two albums through MCA Records in 1995–1997. The band is best known for the hit singles "Sister" and "Wire" from their album Foma.

History

[edit]

Early years and success: 1989–1996

[edit]

The Nixons were founded in Oklahoma City by singer and guitarist Zac Maloy, guitarist Jesse Davis, bassist Ricky Brooks, and drummer Tye Robison.[1] According to Maloy, the band's name has no political meaning: "'The Nixons' was short, sweet and I always tell people it had an 'x' in the middle so it looked cool on t-shirts and stickers. That's about it."[2] The group independently released a self-titled album in 1990 and followed it with the EP Six in 1992, both on Dragon Street Records. John Humphrey replaced Robison on drums, and the Nixons issued Halo in 1994 on Dallas-based Rainmaker Records. This album featured several songs also included on Foma, their official debut LP, released in May 1995 on MCA Records. Foma included the radio hits "Sister", "Wire", "Happy Song", and "Passion". The group capitalized on their success with big tours, including dates with KISS, Sevendust, Slash's Snakepit, Brother Cane, Soul Asylum, Radiohead, and Toadies. Foma eventually peaked at No. 77 on the Billboard 200.[citation needed]

Subsequent albums and disbanding: 1997–2000

[edit]

The band replaced Ricky Brooks with Ricky Wolking and released The Nixons in June 1997 on MCA/Universal. The record featured three singles: "The Fall", "Miss USA", and "Baton Rouge". It eventually peaked at No. 188 on the Billboard 200.[citation needed]

They departed MCA Records following the release of the self-titled album. Consistent gigging ensured a strong cult audience for 1998's Scrapbook EP (featuring b-sides, live and acoustic performances, including covers of Elton John's "Rocket Man" and Cheap Trick's "Heaven Tonight"), which saw the band return to Rainmaker. Their third full-length album, Latest Thing, was released by Koch in early 2000. It featured songs co-written by Marti Frederiksen and Jack Blades of Night Ranger fame. Davis and Humphrey left the band after the album release. The band continued touring, replacing them with Scott Bush and Ray Luzier (of Korn and Army of Anyone fame), respectively. However, when the tour supporting the album concluded, they quietly disbanded.[citation needed]

Huver and solo projects: 2001–2016

[edit]

Davis, Brooks, and Humphrey reformed in early 2001 as Huver, with a new lead singer, Garin Murdock. The band gigged heavily and reportedly signed a recording contract with Epic Records, but broke up in mid-2002 after independently releasing one EP. John Humphrey went on to play drums in the band Seether. Zac Maloy released several albums as a solo artist, and later relocated to Nashville to work as a songwriter and producer with artists including Carrie Underwood, Skillet, Our Lady Peace, Halestorm, Hanson, Chris Daughtry, David Cook, and Bowling for Soup.[citation needed]

Jesse Davis formed roots rock band 4 Points West in 2002, which released an EP titled Lonesome Demise..., and a full-length album, Insomnia Suite. Davis played in Anchor the Girl and released music produced by Grammy-nominated musician Wes Sharon. Ricky Wolking went on to play bass for the rock band Edgewater and later recorded a solo album as Honky Mofo. Original drummer Robison is a co-owner of January Sound Studio in Dallas, and has worked as a producer/engineer with Drowning Pool, Cas Haley, and Dennis DeYoung.[citation needed]

Reforming and new music: 2017–present

[edit]

In January 2017, the band announced two reunion shows with the classic Foma lineup (Maloy, Davis, Brooks, and Humphrey), playing in their native Oklahoma and also as part of the KDGE "The Edge" Edgefest 25th Anniversary lineup in Frisco, Texas. At the same time, the band launched official Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter social media pages.[citation needed]

In June 2017, a newly recorded song titled "Song of the Year" was released on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify. The band released the brand new Song of the Year EP along with the re-release of their debut album, Halo, on vinyl for the first time, newly remastered by original producer Kerry Crafton. Both albums were supported by touring in late 2017.[citation needed]

In October 2018, they performed in Oklahoma City, Dallas, and Houston, TX as part of the lineup of Buzzfest festival. Jaxon Humphrey, son of drummer John, performed with the band during these shows, as his father had prior commitments with Seether. In 2019, the band entered the studio and re-recorded three of their fan favorites: "Wire", "Baton Rouge", and "Sister", each with the year 2020 added to the title to distinguish them from the original recordings. In addition to the three newly re-recorded songs, the band also recorded new music. "Crutch" was released digitally on July 2, 2019, and "Favorite Lies" was released on November 15, 2019. Both new songs received positive reviews throughout US radio markets and were noted as "a reminder that rock music was still alive".[citation needed]

After touring in late 2018 and throughout 2019, including with rock band Sponge, the Nixons released the three previously re-recorded songs on April 22, 2020, and also officially announced the forthcoming issue of a new EP, titled Sonic Boom. This was released digitally on May 22, 2020, and contained all new music recorded since the band's reunion.[citation needed]

Band members

[edit]

Discography

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Independent albums

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Year Title Label
1990 The Nixons (Green Album) Independent, on cassette only
2017 Halo (Remastered) Independent, on vinyl only

Studio albums

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Year Title Label Chart positions
Billboard 200
1994 Halo Rainmaker Records —
1995 Foma MCA Records 77
1997 The Nixons 188
2000 Latest Thing KOCH Records —

EPs

[edit]
Year Title Label Chart positions
1992 Six Dragon Street Records —
1998 Scrapbook Rainmaker Records —
2017 Song of the Year — —
2020 Sonic Boom — —
2022 Kaleidoscope — —

Singles

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Year Title Chart positions Album
US Hot 100
US Mainstream Rock
US Modern Rock
US Mainstream Top 40
 		AUS
[4][5]
1996 "Sister" 48 6 11 39 53 Foma
"Wire" — 27 — — —
1997 "Baton Rouge" — 9 — — — The Nixons
"The Fall" — 22 — — —
2000 "First Trip" — 32 — — — Latest Thing
2017 "Song of the Year" — — — — — Song of the Year EP
2019 "Crutch" — — — — — Sonic Boom EP
"Favorite Lies" — — — — —
2020 "Ghost of an Angel" — — — — —
2022 "Kaleidoscope" — — — — — Kaleidoscope EP

Music videos

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Year Title Album
1995 "Head" Foma
"Wire"
"Sister"
1996 "Happy Song"
1997 "Baton Rouge" The Nixons
2000 "Blackout" Latest Thing
2017 "Song of the Year" Song of the Year EP
2019 "Crutch" Sonic Boom EP
2019 "Favorite Lies" Sonic Boom EP
2020 "Ghost of an Angel" Sonic Boom EP
2022 "Kaleidoscope" Kaleidoscope EP

References

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  1. ^ Phares, Heather. "The Nixons Biography". Allmusic. Retrieved January 10, 2021.
  2. ^ Smerilson Carson, Lori (June 1, 2020). "The Nixons". SFL Music Magazine. Retrieved March 15, 2023.
  3. ^ "City Roots Feed Band's Success". oklahoman.com. July 4, 1997. Retrieved July 17, 2021.
  4. ^ Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010 (PDF ed.). Mt Martha, Victoria, Australia: Moonlight Publishing. p. 204.
  5. ^ "The ARIA Australian Top 100 Singles Chart – Week Ending 06 Oct 1996". ARIA. Retrieved June 10, 2024 – via Imgur.com. N.B. The HP column displays the highest position reached.
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