Roy Nichols

Roy Nichols ( born October 21, 1932 in Chandler, Arizona; † July 3, 2001 in Bakersfield, California ) was an American country musician, who is best known for his 20 -year-old Merle Haggard's backing band membership in The Strangers. He is considered one of the most important representatives of the so-called Bakersfield Sound and his pedal steel -like guitar riffs are legendary among country fans.

Life

Childhood and youth

Roy Ernest Nichols was born on 21 October 1932 as the first of seven children. When he was two years old the family moved to Fresno. Early Nichols came into contact with music since his father Bruce appeared as a bassist at local dances. At the age of 11 years, Nichols began playing in his father's band, and later played with the band Curly Robers and the Rangers. He earned it $ 25 per week.

Career

Shortly before his 16th birthday Roy learned the hillbilly musician Fred Maddox know. This had heard him in Fresnoer radio program where Nichols played in the show by presenter Barney Lee guitar. Nichols was hired by the Maddox Brothers and participated with this group to over 100 songs, even went with her on tour. At a gig in Las Vegas, however, the Maddox brothers found him at the casino and he was released.

After Nichols returned home, he played in the morning at the radio station KNGS in Hanford, in the evening he performed at local concerts. His entire daily routine consisted of playing guitar. 1951 Nichols was discovered by Lefty Frizzell. Through his work in the band, there was also an encounter with Merle Haggard, who heard him in 1953 playing for the first time. After Nichols had once played for a while in Hanford, he joined in 1955 the TV show Henson 's Trading Post in transition; during this year, Nichols was on the same tour as Johnny Cash, who had just been released at this time his first recordings. Contact with Cash's band ("The Tennessee Two" ) also meant that Nichols mid- 60s could be heard on some of those instrumental recordings on the side of guitarist Luther Perkins led.

In 1960, Nichols played again in Las Vegas, where he joined the band of bluegrass musicians Wynn Stewart. There he met again to Merle Haggard, who was hired as a bass player. Even the famous steel guitarist Ralph Mooney ( later member of the band by Waylon Jennings ) was employed in Stewart's band. 1965 posed for Haggard and his Strangers early successes, and on June 15, 1965 Roy Nichols left the Stewart band to accompany Haggard on its first tour. He earned first only half the salary that he had gotten paid at Wynn Stewart. The memory Haggard According to Nichols presented for his commitment three conditions: "I'm not, I have my own amplifier and every night a bed. " The Strangers played for 20 years with Merle Haggard and reached 38 songs the top of the country charts. Seven times they have been appointed by the Academy of Country Music Tour Band of the Year. Several times Nichols was also nominated as " Guitarist of the Year ".

Retirement

In March 1987, withdrew Roy Nichols from the tours. He was later appointed a member of the Western Swing Hall of Fame in Sacramento. In February 1996, he suffered a stroke, the consequences of which prevented him from his mission in life, playing guitar to pursue. While he had to be treated at Mercy Hospital in Bakersfield, Nichols suffered a heart attack. He died on 3 July 2001.

Effect

Roy Nichols is one with his constant guitar sound alongside guitarists like Don Rich to the classic representatives of the Bakersfield sound. He was a key element in the success of Merle Haggard, whom he accompanied for 20 years faithful. His favorite instrument was always the Fender Telecaster guitar, which he drew from sounds that are today recognized by many fans as a typical country sound. His improvised solos on the guitar contributed in large part to Merle Haggard's success.