Born in Caledonia, Minnesota, Nelson made his radio debut as a singer, at the age of 14, in 1925.[1] and performed in various bands during his teen years, working with musician Lee Gillette several times.[1]
Nelson was primarily involved with country music acts, although he was responsible for signing comedy star Stan Freberg, who was 25 at the time, with Capitol Records.[1] He produced nearly all of Freberg's comedy recordings during the 1950s, one of the most notable being "St. George and the Dragonet."
According to an extensive chapter on Nelson, Rich Kienzle's book Southwest Shuffle (Routledge, 2003) based on interviews with the producer, Nelson produced the first live album ever done by a country singer, Hank Thompson's Live at the Golden Nugget in 1961.
Whiteside, Jonny (1998). "Ken Nelson". In The Encyclopedia of Country Music. Paul Kingsbury, Editor. New York: Oxford University Press. pp. 373–4.
Obituary in The Times
December 15, 2023
nelson, american, record, producer, this, article, about, american, record, producer, british, record, producer, nelson, british, record, producer, kenneth, nelson, january, 1911, january, 2008, american, record, producer, capitol, records, nelsonbirth, nameke. This article is about the American record producer For British record producer see Ken Nelson British record producer Kenneth F Nelson January 19 1911 January 6 2008 was an American record producer and A amp R man for Capitol Records 1 Ken NelsonBirth nameKenneth F NelsonBorn 1911 01 19 January 19 1911Caledonia Minnesota U S DiedJanuary 6 2008 2008 01 06 aged 96 Somis California U S Occupation s Record producerYears active1948 1976 Contents 1 Early life 2 Career 3 Notes 4 ReferencesEarly life editBorn in Caledonia Minnesota Nelson made his radio debut as a singer at the age of 14 in 1925 1 and performed in various bands during his teen years working with musician Lee Gillette several times 1 Career editNelson who was in charge of the A amp R division of Capitol Records and head of country music 2 for many years is credited for being one of the behind the scenes figures responsible for country music s growth during the post World War II era During his many years with Capitol s division in Hollywood California he produced many of the genre s most notable and successful hits by artists including Merle Travis Gene Vincent Ferlin Husky Jean Shepard Hank Thompson and the many Number 1 country hits known as the Bakersfield Sound 2 by Merle Haggard and The Strangers Buck Owens Red Simpson along with many others 1 Nelson was primarily involved with country music acts although he was responsible for signing comedy star Stan Freberg who was 25 at the time with Capitol Records 1 He produced nearly all of Freberg s comedy recordings during the 1950s one of the most notable being St George and the Dragonet According to an extensive chapter on Nelson Rich Kienzle s book Southwest Shuffle Routledge 2003 based on interviews with the producer Nelson produced the first live album ever done by a country singer Hank Thompson s Live at the Golden Nugget in 1961 Nelson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001 1 He died at his home in Somis California at the age of 96 3 Notes edit a b c d e f Bruce Eder Ken Nelson Biography AllMusic Retrieved 2008 10 21 a b Friskics Warren Bill 2008 01 10 Ken Nelson Obituary New York Times The New York Times Retrieved 2011 04 04 Bill Friskics Warren 2008 01 10 Ken Nelson Obituary The New York Times Retrieved 2008 10 21 References editKen Nelson at Country Music Hall of Fame page Ken Nelson Hall of Fame Member Dies at 96 Whiteside Jonny 1998 Ken Nelson In The Encyclopedia of Country Music Paul Kingsbury Editor New York Oxford University Press pp 373 4 Obituary in The Times Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Ken Nelson American record producer amp oldid 1063199346, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
