GROUP SPOTLIGHT: THE NELONS

SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE NELONS

The Nelons (originally known as The Rex Nelon Singers) was formed in 1977, after the LeFevres retired, by longtime bass singer Rex Nelon. Upon retirement, Eva Mae LeFevre sold the group to Nelon, who reorganized it into the Rex Nelon Singers. The original group was comprised of Nelon singing bass, his daughter Kelly at alto, Janet Paschal at soprano, and Rodney Swain singing tenor. Kelly had been singing alto for the LeFevres since 1972. This formation of the group experienced great success with recordings such as The Sun’s Coming Up, Live, and Feelings. The live record included “I Love To Call His Name” which would become Rex Nelon’s signature song. The group also had their first number one hit “Come Morning” which was recorded on the 1979 CD Feelings. The song hit number one three times in non-consecutive months which is quite the feat! In 1981, Janet Paschal left to start a solo career and Karen Peck would fill the soprano position. Jerry Thompson joined the group in 1980 as tenor/lead which complimented Rodney Swain’s lead/baritone. In addition, Thompson married Kelly. This lineup was a hit with audiences all over the country! The Nelons as they were now called recorded several of their now classic songs during with this formation including: “We Shall Behold The King”, “We Shall Wear A Robe And Crown”, “Oh, For A Thousand Tongues”, and “Walk Right Out Of This Valley.” In 1984, Rodney Swain left the group to be with his family. Also during the 1980s, the group experienced somewhat of a shift in style as they began to record more progressive songs than their peers such as “Thanks” and “God’s Way Up.” They still, however, did not stray far from their traditional style as evidenced by songs such as “The Sweetest Song.” The ultimately stayed true to their roots and continued to find success. In 1990, change came again with the departure of Karen Peck, who left to start New River. Rex’s son had joined the group in 1982 on lead/baritone vocals having previously played bass for the group. This lineup lasted until 1991 with Kelly leaving to start a solo career, and Rex considered retirement. However, the Nelons continued on in 1991 as Rex had found a young soprano named Charlotte Penhollow as well as alto Tammy Britton. Soprano Kelly Benton also joined the group at this time. Jerry Thompson left in 1992 to join Kelly as a vocal duo. However, the two returned to the group as Britton and Penhollow left. The group was temporarily rebranded as Kelly Nelon Thompson and the Nelons which included the two Kelly’s, Jerry, and pianist Stan Whitmire. Two years later, Kelly Benton left and Charlotte Penhollow rejoined the group. Amidst the several personnel changes, the group had another hit song “I’m Glad I Know Who Jesus Is” which topped the charts in 1991. This lineup lasted until late 1995 when Charlotte married drummer Greg Ritchie and left to join Jeff & Sheri Easter’s group. Greg and Charlotte currently perform with the Gaither Homecoming ensemble. This once again began a series of personnel shifts which included Thompson’s departure and divorce from Kelly. Jason Clark, who played bass for the group became the tenor/lead singer in 1995, Amy Roth filled the soprano position following Penhollow’s departure until 1998 when she too left the group. Katy Peach also filled the position until 2003 when Kelly’s daughter Amber Thompson joined. Rex Nelon retired in 1998 and remained a mainstay on the Gaither Homecoming videos until his death in 2000. Jason’s father Dan Clark joined the group in 1998 in the bass position where he would remain until 2002. In addition, Kelly and Jason married in 2001. The current group is comprised of Jason Clark singing tenor/lead, Kelly Nelon Clark singing alto, with their daughters Amber Nelon Thompson and Autumn Clark singing soprano and alto respectivley. Rex would be proud of this configuration as they still carry on spreading the Word through song! Kelly's signature alto still anchors the group's classic sound with Clark's smooth lead/tenor. Amber brings a beautiful soprano voice full of emotion to the group while Autumn (who joined full time in 2014) doubles her mother’s alto with a smooth elegance. The Nelons, though they experienced many changes, have stood the test of time continuing to release quality recordings and more importantly spread God’s word through song!

For more info on this great group, see http://kellynelon.com/