After playing together for 4 years in various bands, Gary, Brian, and Lonnie formed Gary Nix & West!Texas in 2009. (Brian and Lonnie have played together since 1995) Gary Nix, an Arkansas emigrant, has an extensive music history; playing with Charlie Rich, Ferlin Husky, and The Wilkinson Bros. in Branson. He has opened for Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, and many others. Lonnie Kuss played in his first band in Junior High in Slaton, TX. Brian Ashburn, began playing in High School in Plains, TX and has played in vaious bands in the Lubbock area since 1984.