Kelly Nelon Clark (December 1, 1959 – July 26, 2024) was an American inspirational Christian and southern gospel vocalist. She was associated with Bill Gaither's Homecoming events. Nelon Clark along with her family group, the Nelons, were inducted into the Gospel Music Association's Hall of Fame in 2016.[1] She won Singing News Fan Awards in the categories of Favorite Alto and Favorite Female Vocalist in 1980, 1981, 1982, 1987, and 1990.[2]
Kelly Nelon Clark | |
|---|---|
 Kelly Nelon Clark in 2016 | |
| Born | Kelly Nelon December 1, 1959 Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. |
| Died | July 26, 2024 (aged 64) Campbell County, Wyoming, U.S. |
| Cause of death | Plane crash |
| Occupation(s) | inspirational Christian and southern gospel vocalist |
| Years active | 1977–2024 |
| Known for | The Nelons, Gaither Homecoming |
| Spouse(s) |
Jerry Thompson
(m. 1979; div. 1998)Jason Clark (m. 2001) |
| Children | 2 |
| Parent | Rex Nelon (father) |
| Awards | Singing News Fan Award for Favorite Female Singer (1980, 1981, 1982, 1988)
Singing News Fan Award for Favorite Alto (1987, 1990) GMA Hall Of Fame (2016; as a member of the Nelons) |
Career
Nelon Clark was from Atlanta, Georgia, and was raised in Smyrna, Georgia. Her father, Rex Nelon, was a gospel singer. Nelon Clark was invited to join the southern gospel group The LeFevres, now Nelons, when she was young, and has sung with them for more than 40 years. She sings alto.
She recorded solo albums while traveling with the Nelons, including Her Father's Child in 1983, Praise Him Now in 1985, Called By Love in 1988, KNT in 1990, and Steadfast Heart in 1992.
Nelon Clark appeared in the television shows Resurrection and Homicide Hunter, where she played the role of Carol Parmer.[3] She also starred in the movies The Old Rugged Cross[4] and His Love Is Blind.[5]
Personal life
Nelon Clark was married to Jerry Thompson, the former lead singer of the Nelons, for almost 20 years; they divorced in 1998. She had two daughters, Amber and Autumn. Both turned members of the Nelons: Amber was a soprano from 2002 until her death in 2024, while Autumn has been an alto/2nd soprano in the group since 2014.[6]
Nelon Clark remarried in 2001 to Jason Clark, who became the new lead singer of the Nelons until his death.[6]
Death
Clark, her husband Jason, and daughter Amber were among the seven people killed in a plane crash on Friday, July 26, 2024, in Campbell County, Wyoming, while traveling to be part of the Gaither Homecoming cruise to Alaska. Amber's husband Nathan, their assistant, the pilot and his wife were also killed in the accident.[7][8]
Discography
Solo albums
- 1983: Her Father's Child[9]
- 1985: Praise Him Now[10]
- 1988: Called By Love
- 1990: KNT
- 1992: Steadfast Heart
With the LeFevres
- 1975: Experience The LeFevres
- 1976: Gospel Music U.S.A.
- 1977: Sing Your Request
- 1977: Singing 'Till He Comes
With the Rex Nelon Singers
- 1977: I've Never Been This Homesick Before
- 1977: The Sun's Coming Up
- 1978: Live
- 1979: Feelings
- 1980: Expressions Of Love
- 1980: One More Song
- 1980: Sing the Gospel
- 1981: One Step Closer
- 1982: Feeling at Home
- 1983: We Shall Behold the King
- 1984: The Best & A Whole Lot More
As the Nelons
- 1985: In One Accord
- 1986: Journeys
- 1987: Thanks
- 1988: Get Ready
- 1989: Let The Redeemed Say So
- 1990: The Best of Times
- 1991: One Less Stone
- 1991: A New Generation
- 1992: Right On Time
- 1993: Kelly Nelon Thompson & The Nelons
- 1994: A Promised Reunion
- 1994: He's My Comfort
- 1994: Triumphant
- 1995: Hallelujah Live
- 1996: We're Glad You're Here
- 1997: We've Got To Praise Him
- 1997: Thanks Live
- 1997: All Rise Live
- 1998: Peace Within The Walls
- 1999: A Journey
- 2000: Following After
- 2001: Season of Song 1 Nelon Classics
- 2002: United for Christ
- 2003: Season of Song 2
- 2004: The Light of Home
- 2008: You Are God
- 2010: Beside Still Waters
- 2011: Come On Home
- 2012: Evening in December
- 2014: Hymns: The A Capella Sessions
- 2016: Stronger Together EP
- 2016: Family Harmony
- 2016: A Nelon Family Christmas
- 2017: The Americana Sessions
- 2018: A Winter Carol
- 2020: Peace At Last
- 2022: We Need A Little Christmas
- 2023: Beautiful
Guest appearances on other albums
- 1985: First Call - An Evening In December, song "Evening In December"[11]"
References
- ^ Savage, Jeff (February 8, 2016). "The Nelons To Be Inducted Into The Gospel Music Hall Of Fame". Singing News Magazine. Salem Communications. Archived from the original on May 13, 2016. Retrieved May 22, 2016.
- ^ "S / Singing News Fan Awards". Southern Gospel History. November 10, 2015. Retrieved May 22, 2016.
- ^ Joy, Melissa (July 29, 2015). "Southern Gospel Musings". Southern Gospel Minute. Retrieved May 23, 2016.[permanent dead link]
- ^ Scoops, SGN (May 13, 2016). "Faith Based Films Archives". Southern Gospel News SGN Scoops Digital. Retrieved May 22, 2016.
- ^ "Nelon to appear in 'His Love Is Blind'". Homecoming Magazine. December 31, 2014.
- ^ a b "N / Nelons". Southern Gospel History. May 12, 2016. Retrieved May 25, 2016. Cite error: The named reference "Southern Gospel History 2016" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ "Beloved Gospel Family The Nelons Involved in Fatal Plane Crash". CCM Magazine. 27 July 2024. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
- ^ Sammons, Jake (26 July 2024). "Tragedy Strikes The Nelon Clark Family". Singing News Magazine. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
- ^ "Christian Music Archive". Retrieved May 22, 2016.
- ^ "Christian Music Archive". Word Records. 1985. Retrieved May 22, 2016.
- ^ Savage, Jeff (1985). "All Music Guide". AllMusic.com. Sony. Retrieved May 22, 2016.
External links
- Official site
- Kelly Nelon Clark discography at Discogs