James Nyx, Jr. (b. Indianapolis, May 3, 1914 – July 16, 1998) -- Songwriter. Born and raised in Indianapolis, Nyx moved to Detroit in the 1930s. He started in the music business as a janitor and handyman for Tri-Phi/Harvey Records and collaborated on a few songs. When the record label was sold to Motown in 1963, Nyx stayed on as janitor, elevator operator, and songwriter. Although he plugged away for many years, he didn't achieve much success until Marvin Gaye's What's Goin' On (1971), for which he contributed to three songs. In fact, Nyx co-wrote "Inner City Blues," the final track on the album and a big hit for Marvin Gaye. Even after Motown moved to L.A., he continued to write songs in Detroit but never repeated his success he achieved with "Inner City Blues," which has been covered by many artists including Etta James, Grover Washington, Jr., and Sixto Rodriguez.