An Evening With The Nelons

Kelly Nelon Clark, Steve, Amber Thompson, Jason Clark

I was asked once who I would want to share a meal with if I could pick anyone other than my family. There are several names I could choose. From the sports world, I'd love to sit and visit with John Smoltz (former Atlanta Braves pitcher) and Mark Richt (UGA Football coach). From the political realm, I'd love to pick the brains of George W. Bush or Sarah Palin. In the avenue of 'entertainers', there are too many to mention; but no doubt towards the top of the list would be the folks who make up the Nelons.

The Nelons history is rich. Rex Nelon sang with the LeFevres for many years. In fact, he was with them when the family retired and disbanded from singing full time on the road. He bought the group and renamed it the Rex Nelon Singers. Now, the family calls themselves simply The Nelons. Rex has gone on to be with the Lord now, but the group still travels and sings strong. Rex's daughter, Kelly, sings alto and her husband, Jason handles the baritone vocals. He is also an incredible writer / arranger / musician. Amber is their daughter, and sings soprano.

During the days they were known as the Rex Nelon Singers, I was working in the radio industry. They were a group I played regularly ~ songs like Come Morning, We Shall Wear A Robe And Crown, and Jesus is Your Ticket to Heaven. If you've heard of names like Janet Paschal and Karen Peck Gooch . . . they sang with the Rex Nelon Singers back in the day.

Amber singing Morning Has Broken

Tonight, I had the pleasure of sitting on the second row of a Nelons concert. Musically, this family has a wide range of styles within the southern gospel genre of music. Amber is a powerful soprano with an uncanny ability to show a softer side that melts one's heart. It is amazing to hear this young lady's talent and  realize she's willingly singing for the Lord. Listening to her mom, Kelly, it becomes a no-brainer where the talent comes from. Kelly's smooth, velvety alto vocals add a rich dimension to the family sound. Throw in the sheer musical genius of Jason and the night becomes a complete joy of worship through music.

As I stood and visited with them at their product table for a few minutes, the difference was evident. There are some artists (who shall remain nameless) that seem to try to wade through their fans like a conveyor belt. Constantly looking around and beyond you to see who else might want to purchase a CD. These folks are the real deal. It was an honor to be able to just share with them and swap a few stories.

They have a great Internet presence and are quite involved in the social media scene. I follow them on twitter, I'm friends with them on facebook. I watch their socialcam videos (Sam Cam is GREAT!) and feel as though I already knew them as personal friends. Folks, they didn't know me from Adam before tonight, but it didn't show. They have that unique quality of allowing a new friend to feel at home in their zone.

If you EVER have an opportunity to attend a Nelons concert, please take advantage of it. Then, after the concert, stop by their product table and visit with them. You'll not find a more warm and welcoming family anywhere. Oh, and I've just finished listening to one of their latest projects, Come On Home. Go ahead, you know you want it . . . it'll be one of the best CDs you've purchased since, ummmm, Classics Made New! Seriously, enjoy the music of the Nelons. You won't be sorry!