Jay Nixon
about the artist...
Raymond Jay Nixon was born and raised in South Gate, CA, eleven miles south of downtown Los Angeles. His mother being a piano player herself, decided to sign her eight year old son up for piano lessons. That lasted six weeks. Next at age nine, Jay found himself behind a set drums he was given for Christmas. Like most kids at the time, Jay wanted to be a "Beatle". His drum lessons lasted less than a month, so as a last resort he was given a guitar with hopes of music in his future. Not soon thereafter, this too was abandoned; this time it was for the playground and sports. Known for his energetic style and finesse, Jay "The Birdman" later became a local standout on his high school basketball team.
At nineteen, Jay's best friend came across an old guitar and was learning to play. He invited Jay to accompany him. Borrowing a guitar from his cousin, this duo of untuned, out of key hackers set Jay on a path to a musical career with the help and support of his friend.
Jay continued to play on and off over the next five years. At twenty four, he put together a band and started singing and playing drums. A year later, while still in the band he created, Jay tried his hand at song writing- he was a natural. Six months later, with a loan from his dad, "Birdman" was in the recording studio making his first demo tape. Nixon was hooked and continued crafting his song writing skills. He played guitar, harmonica and sang anywhere he could: in bars, nightclubs, at parties, in kitchens, bathrooms, etc. with his band and also as a duo.
In 1987, Jay's sister died and his parents health was in decline. He became a full time caretaker of his mother and father until their deaths in 1991. Searching to understand the sadness and loss, Jay immersed himself in a new endeavor, the production of his first CD "The Privilege of Walking". The CD received glowing reviews in many publications including The Orange County Register and opportunities began to present themselves. Jay's CD has been described by The Register as "appealing ...lovingly sung" and said he is "a player with an innate feel for wringing the emotion out of a guitar".
He continues to grow and expand his career. Mr. Nixon (no relation to the former president though he even lived in Yorba Linda, CA) is a frenetic energy on stage and in person. He can play six instruments including the mandola, bass and harmonica, while also singing lead vocals and harmonies. He has headlined major venues and performed as an opening act for a host of major artists. Jay continues his work as a performer, singer/songwriter and recording artist.
Jay is pleased to announce the completion of his newest CD "Ballerina in a Minefield".
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