With the popularity of Southern Gospel Music at an all time high, it’s exciting to see that one of its most loved and most honored groups is still setting a standard for others to follow. With a twenty year legacy that includes: six DOVE Awards, three GRAMMY nominations, several "Number One " songs on the radio charts, a prestigious New York Film Festival Bronze Award, and numerous Singing News Fan Awards, THE NELONS are still the standard by which mixed groups in Southern Gospel Music are measured. 

Their history is well documented. With the formation of THE NELONS rooted in the legendary Lefevres, founder Rex Nelon set an initial foundation of excellence. The group’s first single "The Sun’s Coming Up" was one of the TOP-20 songs of the year for 1978, 1979 and 1980! From there, the group was challenged to meet this mark of excellence. Over the next two decades, THE NELONS responded to the challenge by introducing such standards as "Come Morning", "We Shall Wear a Robe and Crown" "I’ll talk to The Father", "We’ve Got To Get America Back to God" and many others to the Gospel Music world. But their signature song, featuring Rex’s daughter Kelly Nelon, "O For A Thousand Tongues", is the song most closely associated with THE NELONS. This innovative ability to integrate the traditional, country and inspirational styles of Gospel Music into their trademark sound is what has made THE NELONS an institution in Gospel Music. In addition, not only have THE NELONS introduced great music, but also several well-known and successful Gospel Music artists who began their careers with THE NELONS, including Janet Paschal and Karen Peck. 

"My father took great pride in developing new talent. He was grateful for the opportunities that were given to him when he started, so he never missed the chance to do the same for someone that had the talent and possessed a love and desire to perform Gospel Music - including me," shares Kelly. "My father asked me to join him on the road when I was only fourteen years old. For over twenty years I had the privilege to learn from him and to see close-hand how he conducted his life." In January 2000, Rex Nelon passed away leaving his daughter more determined to continue the ministry her father began. "I have a responsibility to carry on the legacy of my father and this group, and I am more committed to this that I have ever been," states Kelly.

The current edition of The Nelons includes Kelly Nelon, Jason Clark (Kelly's husband) , and Kelly's oldest daughter, Amber. Amber comes to the stage with some previous experience having recorded two albums of children's music. Both recordings were nominated for a DOVE award, making Amber the youngest DOVE nominee ever. Amber has also appeared on all of the Gaither Kids Videos and recently began participating and being featured on the highly acclaimed "Gaither Homecoming" video and TV series.

Throughout the past twenty-five years the objective of THE NELONS has remained the same. "We are committed to representing our Lord and Savior in the best way possible, by pursuing excellence in our relationships with Him, each other, and every person that hears our music," states Kelly. "Our vehicle for ministry is music. We strive to find the best material and perform it to the very best of our abilities each time we step to the microphone. God deserves our best."

Rooted in tradition and grounded in the Word of God. Focused, innovative, reflective, and visionary. This is a time- tested formula for success. With over twenty years of memories behind them, some might be tempted to think THE NELONS would have settled into complacency at this point in their career. But GOD has given THE NELONS a renewed vision and commitment for ministry, and they are prayerfully anticipating God’s blessing on future endeavors. In an age of the "been there, done that" attitude, THE NELONS are a refreshing change of pace. They have a sincere appreciation for their history and tradition, while keeping an eye toward the opportunities that lie ahead. After all, it is only in knowing where you have been that you can truly know where you are going. That is the sign of a true leader. That is why THE NELONS are still clearing that path for others to follow. It is a path of tradition, excellence, innovation, and faith that ultimately leads people to the Savior they serve.