The Nelons

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The Nelons
Also known asThe Rex Nelon Singers (until 1985)
OriginGeorgia
GenresSouthern gospel
Years active1977-present
MembersAutumn Nelon Streetman
Past membersRex Nelon
Kelly Nelon Clark
Jason Clark
Amber Nelon Kistler
Karen Peck Gooch
Jerry Thompson
Charlotte Ritchie
Janet Paschal
Todd Nelon
Jeff Stice
Stan Whitmire
Amy Roth
Katy Peach
Paul Lancaster
Kelly Benton
Websitethenelons.com

The Nelons, formerly the Rex Nelon Singers, were an American southern gospel group based in Atlanta, Georgia. Group members included Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband Jason Clark, and Kelly's daughters Amber Nelon Kistler and Autumn Nelon Streetman. The Nelons were inducted into the Gospel Music Association (GMA) Hall of Fame in 2016.[1]

Three members of the quartet were killed in an airplane crash in July 2024. The surviving member, Autumn Nelon Streetman, was not on board the aircraft.[2] Kelly Nelon Clark, Jason Clark, and Amber Nelon Kistler all died in the crash in a remote part of Campbell County, Wyoming, just north of Gillette.

Group history

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The Nelons were started by founding member Rex Nelon as The Rex Nelon Singers in 1977.[3] The group was a spin-off of the family group The Lefevres. They became known as The Rex Nelon Singers in 1976 because the Lefevre family members left the group. The group's first number-one song was "Come Morning" on the Singing News Chart,[4] and was awarded the Southern Gospel Song of the Decade for the 1980s.[citation needed] Another widely recognizable song by the group is "We Shall Wear a Robe and Crown."

Over time the group included Karen Peck, Janet Paschal, Jerry Thompson, Charlotte Ritchie, Kelly Nelon Clark, Todd Nelon, Jeff Stice, Martin Gureasko, Rodney Swain, Stan Whitmire, Ray Fisher, Vernon Lee.[5]

The Nelons have been nominated for many awards in the southern gospel music industry including Grammys, Dove Awards,[6] Singing News Awards,[7] Absolutely Gospel Awards,[8][9] Diamond Awards, and Christian Voice Awards.[10]

In 2014, the Nelons were a trio made up of Kelly Nelon Clark,[11] Jason Clark, and Amber Nelon Thompson.[12] In 2014, Amber was chosen as Female Vocalist of the Year at the Absolutely Gospel Music Awards.[13] Kelly Nelon Clark, Jason Clark, and Amber Nelon Kistler died in a plane crash on July 26, 2024.[14]

Personnel

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Current Members

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Former Members

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  • Rex Nelon – bass (1977–1999)[5]
  • Kelly Nelon Clark – alto (1977–1991; 1993–2024)[5]
  • Rodney Swain – lead (1977–1984)[5]
  • Janet Paschal – soprano (1977–1981)[5]
  • Jerry Thompson – tenor/lead (1977–1992, 1993–1998)
  • Karen Peck – soprano (1981–1990)
  • Martin Gureasko – pianist (1990–1992)
  • Gary Eubanks - bass guitar (1991-1992)
  • Stan Whitmire – pianist (1986, 1993–1996)
  • Charlotte Ritchie – soprano (1991–1993, 1994–1996)
  • Kelly Benton – soprano (1992–1994)
  • Amy Roth – soprano (1996–1999)
  • Melody Williams – soprano (1999–2001)[5]
  • Katy Peach (then Katy VanHorn) – soprano (2001–2002)
  • Amber Nelon Kistler – soprano (2002–2024)[5]
  • Paul White – lead (1992–1993)
  • Tammy Britton – alto (1991–1993)[5]
  • David Hill – lead (1998–1999)
  • Paul Lancaster – tenor (1999–2001)
  • Jason Clark – lead (1997–2024)
  • Todd Nelon – baritone (1981–1994)
  • Dan Clark – bass (1999–2002)
  • Kevin Davis – piano (2000–2012)
  • Ray Fisher – piano (1980–1986)
  • Danny Crawford – piano (portions of 1986 and 1987)

Discography

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Albums:

as Rex Nelon Singers
  • 1977: The Sun's Coming Up
  • 1978: Live
  • 1978: I've Never Been This Homesick Before
  • 1979: Feelings
  • 1980: Expressions of Love
  • 1981: Sing The Gospel
  • 1981: One More Song
  • 1981: One Step Closer
  • 1982: Feeling At Home
  • 1983: We Shall Behold The King
  • 1984: Precious Old Story of Love
  • 1984: I've Got My Foot On The Rock
As The Nelons
  • 1985: In One Accord
  • 1986: Journeys
  • 1987: Thanks
  • 1988: Get Ready
  • 1989: Let The Redeemed Say So
  • 1990: The Best of Times
  • 1991: One Less Stone
  • 1991: A New Generation
  • 1992: Right On Time
  • 1993: Kelly Nelon Thompson & The Nelons
  • 1994: A Promised Reunion
  • 1994: He's My Comfort
  • 1994: Triumphant
  • 1995: Hallelujah Live
  • 1996: We're Glad You're Here
  • 1997: We've Got To Praise Him[15]
  • 1997: Thanks Live
  • 1997: All Rise Live
  • 1998: Peace Within The Walls
  • 1999: A Journey
  • 2000: Following After
  • 2001: Season of Song 1 Nelon Classics
  • 2002: United for Christ
  • 2003: Season of Song 2
  • 2004: The Light of Home
  • 2008: You Are God
  • 2010: Beside Still Waters[16]
  • 2012: Come On Home
  • 2012: Evening in December
  • 2014: Hymns: The A Capella Sessions[17]
  • 2016: Stronger Together EP[18]
  • 2016: Family Harmony[19]
  • 2016: A Nelon Family Christmas
  • 2017: The Americana Sessions
  • 2018: A Winter Carol
  • 2020: Peace At Last
  • 2022: We Need A Little Christmas
  • 2023: Beautiful
  • 2024: Loving You

Compilations

  • 1984: Best & Whole Lot More
  • 1997: Timeless Collection
  • 1998: The Collection
  • 1998: Out Front – Best of Rex Nelon

Kelly Nelon solo

  • 1983: Her Father's Child
  • 1985: Praise Him Now
  • 1988: Called By Love
  • 1990: KNT
  • 1992: Steadfast Heart[20]

Accolades

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References

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  1. ^ "The Nelons to Join Gospel Music Hall of Fame". February 02, 2016 Staff Reports. Newreleasetoday.com.
  2. ^ Speakman, Kimberlee. "3 Family Members, Part of the Grammy-Nominated Gospel Quartet The Nelons, Die in Plane Crash". People. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
  3. ^ W. K. McNeil (October 18, 2013). Encyclopedia of American Gospel Music. Routledge. pp. 317–. ISBN 978-1-135-37700-7.
  4. ^ "Family Ties: The Hoppers, The Nelons". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. September 26, 1998. pp. 37–. ISSN 0006-2510.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h "N / Nelons". Southern Gospel History. May 12, 2016. Retrieved May 25, 2016.
  6. ^ "Ryman to Ring out with Gospel". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. November 25, 1995. pp. 59–. ISSN 0006-2510.
  7. ^ "S / Singing News Fan Awards". Southern Gospel History. November 10, 2015. Retrieved May 22, 2016.
  8. ^ "2016 Absolutely Gospel Music Award Nominees Announced". Absolutely Gospel Music. January 5, 2016. Retrieved May 25, 2016.
  9. ^ "2014 Absolutely Gospel Music Awards Winners". Music Times. April 20, 2014. Retrieved May 25, 2016.
  10. ^ Letter, First (May 21, 2016). "Your Source for Information & Inspiration". Christian Voice Magazine. Retrieved May 25, 2016.
  11. ^ "Cathedrals, Nelsons honored by Southern Gospel Assn". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. June 5, 1999. pp. 1–. ISSN 0006-2510.
  12. ^ "Young Artist Spotlight – Amber Nelon Thompson". SGM Radio. February 10, 2014 by Rebecca Little Burke
  13. ^ "2014 Absolutely Gospel Music Awards Winners". Music Times.
  14. ^ "Beloved Gospel Family The Nelons Involved in Fatal Plane Crash". CCM Magazine. July 27, 2024. Retrieved July 27, 2024.
  15. ^ "Gospel's Nelons are full of praise on Homeland set". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. April 26, 1997. pp. 9–. ISSN 0006-2510.
  16. ^ " CD Review: The Nelons- 'Beside Still Waters'". SGM Radio. January 25, 2011
  17. ^ "The Nelons “Hymns: the A Cappella Sessions” Album Review". Hallals
  18. ^ "The Nelons Release "Stronger Together –Limited Edition EP" : News : Hallels". www.hallels.com. Retrieved May 22, 2016.
  19. ^ Yap, Timothy (August 15, 2016). "The Nelons "Stronger Together" and "Family Harmony" Albums Review". www.hallels.com.
  20. ^ sghisory.com
  21. ^ "Nelons, Bill Gaither and Larry Gatlin win Telly Awards". Homecoming Magazine, by Deborah Patterson June 5, 2013
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