Music was a big part of Jason Clark’s family culture in eastern Kentucky. “Music was something that was passed down from generation to generation in my family, and it was always a big part of any family gathering.” Jason’s father was the first in their family ever to be a professional musician, and he was undoubtedly Jason’s inspiration. “When I graduated high school, I began singing professionally as well,” he says. “The first group I toured with was The Singing Americans.” Eventually, Jason moved to Nashville, where he worked as a session musician. He played on a Rex Nelon recording, and afterward, Rex offered Jason a position in his band. “I got to know the family well and even married his daughter, Kelly. We married 21 years ago.” The Nelons have been together as a group, one way or another, for 45 years. Kelly Nelon Clark is the original member of the group. She and Jason have two daughters, Amanda, and Autumn, who round out The Nelons. “Both of the girls are world-class singers,” says Jason. “They are at the top of our industry in terms of vocal talent. Professionally, Amber has recorded since she was nine years old, and she is the youngest ever Dove award nominee. In addition to singing, Autumn also plays the mandolin.” The Nelons tour extensively, although their schedule is not as full now due to the Covid 8
pandemic. “We like to land about 120 shows a year,” says Jason. “We had 101 cancellations due to Covid in 2020 and 2021, but it has picked back up, although we are not traveling abroad at this time.” Jason says that pre-Covid, the group did a bi-annual tour through Europe. “We have a large fan base in Europe, I think due in large part to the Gaither videos.” The Nelons are regulars on the Gaither Homecoming series. The group offers a blend of Gospel, a Capella, Americana, folk music, traditional hymns, and inspirational music. For Kelly, singing in the group has brought her full circle, as she has shared the same stages many times with her father. She now leads the group with her solid and pure vocals, joined by Jason, a versatile singer and musician and a talented songwriter and producer. Amber’s soaring soprano and Autumn’s soothing alto add beautiful vocal harmonies. The multitalented family’s extensive list of accolades includes three GRAMMY® nominations, seven GMA Dove awards, a Telly award, and in 2016 they were inducted into the GMA Hall of Fame. While Autumn was in school at Trinity Baptist College, The Nelons became artists-in-residence and were ambassadors for the college while on tour. In addition to performing, state music and choral conferences often ask The Nelons to serve as worship leaders. “We love to do it,” says Jason. “We have been invited numerous times to the
