11th Street Cowboy Bar - The Biggest Little Bar In Texas, serving up beer and country western swing music in Bandera, Texas

Jody Nix
Photo courtesy of www.jodynix.com.
Photo courtesy of www.jodynix.com.

Jody Nix
Courtesy of www.jodynix.com.

The pure lyrical strains of country swing drift from the sandy plains of West Texas. A legendary style created in the 1940's & 50's by two great talents, BOB WILLS & HOYLE NIX, continues to excite audiences. Hoyle's son, Jody Nix, inherited his father's love of music and his talent - a combination that was shown early in life. At eight, when most children were learning the music scales, Jody began his professional career, playing five nights a week for his father's band, The West Texas Cowboys. He learned the soft swing of country music as only an insider can - an insider guided by Hoyle Nix & Bob Wills! Jody's years of music education were rewarded. In 1973, at twenty-one, Jody had performed on Bob Wills' "FOR THE LAST TIME" album. The young star had indeed learned his profession well.

After the death of his father, Jody moved from the drums to the fiddle; from the back of the stage to the front - a move he was destined to make. His natural talents, total dedication to western swing fiddle have dazzled audiences ever since. As a band leader, Jody created a mix of pure, traditional western swing and true country music which blends to produce a unique sound that appeals to the educated listener of today. His high energy stage shows and easy dance music have excited audiences and the band has developed a loyal following of fans of all ages.

Realizing the importance of his band, Jody carefully chose members whose music philosophy and talents mirror his own. The style and experience blend to form a unique 'family.' Ken Kelly is an accomplished drummer, not only in country/western, but in western swing. Larry Nix's extraordinary bass playing, compliments his polished harmony singing, making him a very special talent in the band. Bob Kelly is an outstanding steel guitar player and songwriter; to date, he is credited with writing and charting "Merry Christmas Strait to You" and "The Last Time the First Time" both recorded by George Strait. Robert Weeks is one of the finest, young fiddle players in the business, and along with Jody makes up one of the best twin fiddle teams in Texas! As family men, each understand and abides by Jody's policy (for both himself & his band members) of no alcohol or drug usage.

Jody Nix & The Texas Cowboys are well known as one of the finest professional music organizations anywhere. They travel across the country playing major rodeos, clubs, and conventions to large audiences. Jody received a special honor in 1989 when he and his band were asked to perform at the Texas State Society Black Tie & Boots Ball for George Bush the President Of the United States This was quite an honor and a cherished memory.

Jody has recorded seven albums to his credit and was a guest artist with Asleep At the Wheel on the "Tribute To Bob Wills" album. This album was a Country Music Association nominee for "Album of the Year" honors at the CMA Awards Show in 1994. In October of 1996, Jody was inducted into the Western Swing Hall of Fame in Sacramento, California.

JODY NIX is a family man who lives in the small, friendly West Texas town of Big Spring. He has a daughter and son-in-law, Brooke and Justin Newton and a son and daugher-in-law, James and Nicky Henderson and grandchildren Reagan and Jessica. Jody believes success is due to hard work, determination, and the use of a God-given talent. He plans to continue offering good, clean family entertainment in concerts and solid Texas dance music, a combination he feels will become only more popular in the years to come. The tradition continues as people of all ages come to dance, listen, and enjoy a man and his music, played the way it should be played. When it comes to country dance music, JODY NIX & THE TEXAS COWBOYS are most definitely the finest in top notch entertainment and true professionals in every sense of the word.

Jody Nix Links
The Official Jody Nix web site
Photos