Hammie Nixon, Van ula and the Beale Street Jug Band

Harmonica player Hammie Nixon was born on January 22, 1908, in Brownsville, TN. An orphan at a young age, he was raised by foster parents. He began his career as a professional harmonical player in the 1920s, but also played the kazoo, guitar, and jug. He performed with Sleepy John Estes for more than 50 years, first recording with Estes in 1929 for the Victor label. He also recorded with Little Buddy Doyle, Lee Green, Charlie Pickett, and Son Bonds. Nixon helped to pioneer the use of the harmonica as an accompaniment instrument with a band in the 1920s. Previous to that tim...