The Nixons were founded in Oklahoma City by singer/guitarist Zac Maloy, guitarist Jesse Davis and bassist Ricky Brooks. The group released their debut EP Six in 1992 (after a self-titled album, released in 1990) on Dragon Street Records and replaced original drummer Tye Robison with John Humphrey, before releasing Halo in 1994 on Dallas-based Rainmaker Records. FOMA, released in 1995 on MCA Records, included the radio hits "Sister", " Happy Song", "Wire", and "Passion". The group capitalized on their success with big tours (about 300 shows a year), including dates with KISS, Slash's Snakepit, Brother Cane, Soul Asylum, Radiohead, and Toadies. Foma eventually peaked at No. 77 on the Billboard 200.