I knew Cranford for only a couple of years. I remember the day we met, at The Crowbar in San Diego. Myself and Cranford's future wife owned it at the time. He pulled up in a little red 60's Porche, walks in with that Cranford smile and swagger and asks if his band can get a gig on a weekend night. Of course I say, "not unless you're good and have big following. By the way, what is the bands name?" He says, "we ain't got a name and we suck, but we've got a shitload of friends, and they're all a bunch of drunks." Well, that was good enough for me, and the rest is history. I really miss that guy. R.I.P. ~Tony Brown
Cranford Nix is a way of life. 1969-2002
Cranford Nix was a friend of mine and the man should have been famous. The two records he recorded with his band, the Malakas, Sorry 'Bout My Drinkin', and, Too Good To Be True, are brilliant, and his acoustic demos are raw and beautiful. He managed to pour his heart and soul with tongue in cheek into brutally honest songs that his sense of humor shined through even in their dark subject matter. They called him "Little Man".
As for Cranford Nix's exposure in the mainstream press, the guy has gone virtually unrecognized for his brilliance. But some of us are trying to change that. He was from Detroit, and even after his death, his legend is gaining steam, touching the hearts and ears of new fans every day.
He's the son of a bluegrass banjo player. He had big blue eyes and a smile that glowed. He was a rocker and a hopeless romantic, and damn funny too. Every person I have turned on to his music has thanked me and has become obsessed with his songs. So I thought I'd share his magic with you.
Cranford's good friend, Tim Steffes, has created a wonderful, extensive homage to Little Man online where you can download a complete library of Cranford Nix, Jr. songs, spanning his early years with Mars Needs Women, The Leather Gypsies, Boomerang Bitchslap, and the two Malakas records recorded in the last years of his life. You will also find a sonic goldmine of acoustic tracks, lyrics, and guitar tabs.
~Billy Druid 10/07/05
www.cranfordnix.com
The Malakas My Space Page
