Nelons

The Nelons' heritage can be traced all the way back to 1921, when siblings Urias, Alphus, and Maude LeFevre began singing together as The LeFevres. After Urias married Eva Mae Whittington in 1934, she joined the group as pianist / alto. The LeFevres moved to Atlanta in 1939, where they were based for most of their professional career.

Rex Nelon came into the picture in 1957, joining The LeFevres that year (after a two-year stint with the Homeland Harmony Quartet). In 1973, as Eva Mae was approaching retirement, Rex purchased the group, which was renamed The Rex Nelon Singers (later shortened to The Nelons). Kelly Nelon had joined the group in 1972, and except for a brief interlude in 1991-92, has stayed with the group since.

In 2000, Rex Nelon passed away after having a sudden heart attack, the day before a Gaither Homecoming taping in London, England. Kelly Nelon Clark has anchored the group since then, now singing with her husband Jason Clark and her daughter Amber Nelon Thompson.

The Nelons have accumulated numerous awards through the years, receiving 5 Dove Awards, 3 Grammy® nominations, and numerous Singing News Fan Awards. They have appeared on the Grand Ole Opry and on numerous national television shows, including the 700 Club.

In the mid-2000s, the Nelons cut back on their travel significantly. Jason became a worship leader, Kelly gave vocal lessons, and Amber finished high school. But with the release of <i>Beside Still Waters</i> in 2010, the Nelons headed back on the road full-time. They are accompanied by pianist Kevin Davis on all of their dates, and on select dates they have a full band, with Kelly's brother Todd Nelon playing bass guitar and Aubrey Stephens on the drums.

As she carries a nearly ninety-year legacy forward, Kelly Nelon Clark is filled with optimism for the future. "When I started looking at my life, all the ups and downs that I’ve gone through over the past decade and how everything has come together, especially lately, it’s clear to me—God is opening up a new chapter in our lives and our work.”