I can barely remember my first NQC, but I do remember always loving it. I remember one year in particular when Sue Chenalt was singing with The Speer Family. They were doing their big song,"I Never Shall Forget The Day". I can remember listening to how high and strong she was and I asked my father who she was, he said that is Sue Chenalt and she is a powerhouse. Well this year I had the privilege of hearing that powerhouse sing her signature song with The Speer Family for the 100 Year Celebration of Southern Gospel Music. As I sat there a lot of times in tears, all the memories of working with groups like, The Hinsons, The Downings, The Speers and many more came flooding back. It was a wonderful time and especially bringing back some of The Rex Nelon Singers members and songs. The rehearsal was almost more than I could stand with emotions involved, and then to one more time join some of my favorite people for a reunion on stage. It was one of the best weeks for me in a long time. I can't wait until the DVD releases. I want to thank Daywind and Norman Holland for allowing us to be a part of such a great tribute to our music!

NQC proved to be a very exciting time this year. On Tuesday, we were privileged to sing The Lord's Prayer for The Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Judy Nelon and Lou Hildreth. Wonderful women who have made great contributions to Gospel Music!

 

Thursday, We met Governor Sarah Palin before she began to share with over 10,000 people in Freedom Hall. She had some incredible things to say about how God had worked in her life.  I was shocked when she said our name The Nelons from the platform.  Although she mispronounced it, I was still thrilled to get the shout out! That night we also met Rita Cosby of Inside Edition and Victoria Hearst.  Lots of famous people in our little world doing their part to share the Gospel and make a difference in this world.

On Friday we were a part of the Gaither Sing-A-Long and Amber sang the first verse of "O Come Angel Band", which was the last song sung as we laid my father, Rex Nelon to rest.  It just seemed right that she sang it.  For all of you that know me, you know that before she ever sang the first note I began to tear up.  It was very touching, and I was so proud of her!

Later that afternoon we were involved in an afternoon showcase and on to the nightly concerts.


Friday night we began our rehearsal for The Saturday 100 Year Celebration of Gospel Music. 
Here are just a few of the hundreds of pictures that we have. 
One of my favorite is the picture where I am holding up a piece of cardboard so I couldn't see Karen. 
We were both crying so I couldn't look at her and sing too.  :)

                                  
Trying not to look at Karen, tears are flowing!                                           Todd Nelon, Kelly, Karen, Amber, and Jeff



Karen, Kelly and Stan Whitmire

The Nelons with one of our biggest supporters, Mr. Wayne Haun


The Nelons right before singing, Oh and Sheri Easter joined us too!


During the performance

I just had the time of my life.  I so love what I do and I am thankful for my musical family that have joined me down through the years.  I look forward in the days ahead to see what God has in store for The Nelons.  Thank you to all of our friends for always being so kind and supporting us in our Glorious Journey of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ!