NELONS INDUCTED INTO GMA GOSPEL MUSIC HALL OF FAME

Nashville, TN (May 12, 2016) – The Nelons were inducted in the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame in a ceremony earlier this week in Nashville, TN. The legendary group joins Dolly Parton, Aretha Franklin, George Beverly Shea, Bill Gaither, Andrae Crouch, Billy Graham, Wendy Bagwell & The Sunliters, Sandi Patty, Vestal Goodman and a host of others. The GMA Honors and GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at Lipscomb University's Allen Arena.

Selah, Travis Cottrell and Michael English honored The Nelons with a medley of Nelon classics while Bill Gaither spoke about his love and admiration for the legendary group. Kelly Nelon Clark accepted the induction and spoke words of thankfullness and gratitude and honor to her father, Rex Nelon, who began the group in 1977.

ABOUT THE NELONS:
Originally known as The Rex Nelon Singers, Rex Nelon founded the mixed group in 1977, following his tenure with the Lefevres. In 1985, the group shortened their name and became known as The Nelons. Throughout the years, a number of well-known singers and musicians spent time with The Nelons, including Karen Peck, Janet Paschal, Charlotte Ritchie, Katy Peach, Todd Nelon, Paul Lancaster, Jeff Stice and Stan Whitmire, as well as Rex’s daughter Kelly, who continues her father’s legacy into the next generation. Today, the group is comprised of Kelly, her husband Jason Clark, and daughters Amber Nelon Thompson and Autumn Nelon Clark.

The Nelons have released over 40 projects, four of which went on to win a GMA Dove Award for Southern Gospel Album of the Year, in addition to three GRAMMY nominations and more than 20 Top 5 singles. Songs such as ‘Come Morning,’ ‘Oh For A Thousand Tongues To Sing’ and ‘I’m Glad I Know Who Jesus Is’ became staple anthems for the group, and propelled them to the top of Southern Gospel music. Singing News Magazine subscribers honored The Nelons, as well as Rex and Kelly individually, numerous times over the years with accolades such as Favorite Mixed Group, Favorite Vocalist and Favorite Song of the Year. A regular on the Gaither Homecoming Stage, The Nelons have been featured by TBN, Daystar, Christian Television Network, and the 700 Club, as well as the GMA Dove Awards and the National Quartet Convention.

ABOUT THE GMA GOSPEL MUSIC HALL OF FAME:
The GMA Gospel Music Hall Of Fame and Museum is a not-for-profit educational institution working in connection with the Gospel Music Association (GMA). The GMAF is dedicated to foster an appreciation of the historical development of gospel music and its impact on our culture by collecting, preserving, exhibiting, and interpreting its collections for a global audience, as well as honoring those who have made outstanding contributions to gospel musi