Home About Music Press Listen Video Contact

World-Class Blues Musician · Southern California

Nelsen
Adelard

Vocalist, guitarist, pianist & harmonica player. Six albums. A lifetime on the road. The real American Blues.

Explore Albums Watch Videos
♦

Biography

A True Blues
Journeyman

Born into a show business family, Nelsen Adelard turned professional at 15, earning his stripes in the tough, gritty joints and taverns of the East Coast Blues Circuit. He went on to share the stage with legends including Muddy Waters, James Cotton, Matt "Guitar" Murphy, and Pine Top Perkins.

A multi-instrumentalist equally at home on guitar, harmonica, and piano, Nelsen developed a melodic, driving style that balances torment and tenderness — the essential qualities of authentic Blues. His voice is itself an instrument.

After roaming the country from coast to coast — Los Angeles to McComb, Mississippi, Louisiana and beyond — Nelsen has returned to Southern California, where he continues to write, record, and perform.

6
Studio Albums
50+
Years Performing
#10
Living Blues Charts
15+
Weeks on Roots Charts

Discography

Six Albums. One Sound.

1999
Blues Got A Hold On Me
Debut release on J Bird Records. Strong local sales and southern airplay launched Nelsen's recording career.
Debut
2003
Jack of All Trades
Recorded in LA, finished in Austin with top session players. Released on Hot Rod Records to rave reviews.
2006
Nelsen Adelard: Unplugged
Reached #10 on the Living Blues Charts. Produced by Grammy-nominated engineer Richard Robinson.
Chart Hit
2008
South By Southwest
A tasty slice of American Blues Pie documenting Nelsen's musical journey from Los Angeles to McComb, Mississippi. Produced with recording wizard Richard Robinson.
2012
Take Me Back
A showcase of Louisiana-influenced Blues — Nelsen's vocal ability, songwriting, and instrumental range on full display.
2015
Voodou By You
Reuniting with guitarist Jon Puhl and featuring sax from Mark Norris. Mixed & mastered by Richard Robinson.
Latest

Press & Placements

Heard on
TV & Radio

  • "Can't Get Through To You" featured on TNT's Rizzoli & Isles — one of cable's top-rated dramas.
  • Same track on the Direct TV Audience Network original series Rogue, Season 3, Episode 9 "Chicagoland" — original air date August 19, 2015.
  • Rogue Season 4, Episode 3 "Lost Hope" — original air date April 5, 2017. Two separate placements on the same hit show.
  • Blues Still Got A Hold On Me remained on the Roots Blues Charts for over 15 weeks following its 2007 remaster.
"The Blues is something that you are born with." — Nelsen Adelard
"Excellent performances, great riffs and a no nonsense approach to modern Blues." — Album review, Voodou By You

Shared the Stage With

Stream & Purchase

Find Nelsen's Music

♫ Spotify ♫ Apple Music ♫ YT Music ♫ Pandora ♫ Bandcamp ♫ SoundCloud ♦ Discogs

Performances & Music Videos

Audio & Video

♫
Select a track to watch
Now Playing
ArtistNelsen Adelard
▶ Watch on YouTube

Get In Touch

Bookings &
Inquiries

✉
Management & Bookings management@nelsenadelard.com
♦
Based In Southern California
♫
Music Licensing & Sync Trod Nossel Productions
www.trodnossel.com · (203) 269-4465

Send a message directly: