Remembering Rex Nelon

SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT REMEMBERS

REX NELON

Rex Nelon (January 19,1932 - January 24, 2000) was one of the senior statesmen in Southern Gospel music. He was a well known for his distinctive bass voice as well as his love of preserving songs. His music publishing catalog is extensive including standards such as "The Old Country Church," "Sweeter As The Days Go By, and "Oh What A Savior." Nelon joined the Homeland Harmony Quartet in 1955 and remained there until 1957. He was well known for being the bass singer for the LeFevres, one of the major families in Southern Gospel, which he joined in 1957. In 1973, he assumed control of the group which then became known as the Rex Nelon Singers. Nelon's award winning group has made an indelible mark on the field of Southern Gospel and continues under the direction of his daughter Kelly Nelon Clark (Alto). Rex and his group recorded over twenty five CDs and won numerous awards including favorite bass singer on multiple occasions. Nelon also became a mainstay in Bill Gaither's Homecoming videos and can be seen in most if not all of them until 2000's London Homecoming. Rex Nelon passed away tragically on January 24, 2000 the day before the taping of the London Homecoming. He will be long remembered for his love of Christ, his family, and his dedication to spreading the Gospel through song.

Here two of my favorite Rex Nelon features: I Claim Jesus, and I Love To Call His Name