| Just before the award was given, The Nelons were celebrated with an outstanding musical tribute performed by Travis Cottrell, Selah and Michael English singing a few of group’s biggest hits: “Thanks,” “Come Morning,” “We Shall Wear a Robe and Crown,” and “O For A Thousand Tongues.”
During Bill Gaither’s induction speech, he described Rex Nelon’s {founder and patriarch of the Nelons} great love for harmony. “He loved it, and lived it not only for the harmonics perspective of singing, but for the quality of people he brought into this group. Rex has always been known for his integrity and the good character that he had. He personified that in everything he did.” Speaking directly to Kelly Nelon Clark, Gaither said, “Your daddy has to be looking down tonight on you smiling at you carrying on his beautiful tradition.”
In Kelly Nelon Clark’s acceptance speech she expressed gratitude to many individuals, friends, family and past group members and also recalled her father’s love of the music. “My father loved this music about Jesus and he would do anything to sing,” she said. “He traveled with the LeFevers for 20 years, but his heart’s desire always was to have his own group- his family singing with him. His desires came true and that desire he had, he passed to me.”
A highlight of Kelly’s speech was directed to her children, Amber Nelon Thompson and Autumn Nelon Clark. “Your grandfather was like King David, he had the vision to see what was ahead. He passed the vision to me. You’re like Solomon. You’re going to keep building the temple, so I encourage you to be strong and courageous to keep building this Kingdom, the Kingdom of the Lord.”
The night was one to be remembered. Other inductees included Russ Taff, Howard Rachinski (CCLI), and Bishop Hezekiah Walker. The Honoree recipients were Michael W. Smith (RocketTown), Blood: Water Mission (Jars of Clay), and “Hope For Harvest” (Catherine Brewton). The evening also included stunning musical performances by Amy Grant, Jason Crabb, Danny Gokey, Jordan Smith, Hillary Scott and more.
Following the ceremony, the Nelon’s hosted a reception to honor the 70 people that were in attendance on their behalf. Kelly and Jason Clark presented medallions to past group members- singers, musicians, bus drivers, nannies, secretaries, sound engineers and more sharing personal stories of how each individual contributed to the success of The Nelons throughout the history of the group.
About the Nelons:
With tight family harmonies, timeless songs and a passion for worship, The Nelons have been captivating audiences for four decades. Standing on the legacy of founder and patriarch Rex Nelon; Kelly, Jason, Amber and Autumn continue the family tradition with unparalleled vocal excellence, incomparable harmonies and stunning live performances. The group has recorded more than 35 albums with chart-topping southern Gospel classics like “We Shall Wear a Robe and Crown, “Come Morning,” and “O For a Thousand Tongues.” With a love for the old and a vision for the new, The Nelons embrace their traditional roots, all the while, bridging the generational gap by pushing musical boundaries. Their awards and accolades include three GRAMMY Nominations, six Dove Awards, 14 Singing News Fan Awards and a Peoples Choice Silver Telly Award for the concept video “Excuse Me, Are You Jesus?” They are frequently featured on the best-selling Gaither Homecoming recordings and videos and have performed on The Grand Ole Opry, among other historic venues. However, it’s their heart for people and uncanny gift to communicate God’s love that has helped to expand the audience for Gospel music around the world.
For more information about the Nelons visit: http://www.thenelons.com.
Photo- Nelon PR
Click Picture below for video of Selah, Travis Cottrell, Michael English musical tribute: |
