Fred Nelson III

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Fred G. Nelson III (born August 24, 1959) is an American composer, music producer, songwriter, and arranger. Mr. Nelson's career spans over 50 years, decorated with countless awards and musical accomplishments. As a Musician, Music Director and Conductor, Fred has worked with legendary entertainers, including Ms. Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion, Chuck Mangione, Neil Diamond, Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Holiday, Anita Baker, Della Reese, Ben Vereen, and others.

Early life[edit]

Frederick (Fred) G. Nelson III was born in Chicago, IL. to Frederick Nelson Jr. and Octavia Nelson. The beloved musical enthusiast grew to become not only a musician but a famed producer, composer, arranger, conductor and keyboardist extraordinaire.

Blessed with the gift of perfect pitch, Fred’s career began at a very early age. He was inspired by his father who served as chief organist at First Church of Deliverance in Chicago. As an infant, his father would strap him to his waist as he practiced. This was the only way to keep Fred from crying.

By two years of age, Fred was playing his first song “Yes, Jesus Loves Me”. Fred’s mother, Octavia continuously filled the house with diverse music at the realization of his God given gift. Fred started his formal training at the Chicago Conservatory of music and continued his education at DePaul University and Oberlin Conservatory of Music with a concentration in Organ and Composition. A child prodigy at age six, Fred performed with Ray Charles as his opening act for two years.

Career[edit]

Fred's focus gradually changed from performance to music production and direction. Through Nelson Entertainment Group, Inc., he has produced music for national radio and television commercials for over three decades. His list of commercial clients include major advertising agencies such as Burrell, Leo Burnett, Vince Cullers, to name a few. Fred produced music for clients such as McDonald’s, Polaroid, Sears, Coca Cola featuring Anita Baker, United Airlines, Illinois State Lottery, American Airlines, Toyota, Ford and Sears. In addition, Fred has also served as a producer and musician for several recording projects.

In addition to producing commercials for national radio and television advertising agencies, Fred has also served as a producer and musician for several recording projects. Fred served as the producer and composer for the popular gospel song "He's Been So Good," recorded by First Church of Deliverance, which charted on the Billboard Gospel Chart top 5 for over 26 weeks. In 2006, "The Project" was Fred's first CD released, and he served as the writer and producer.

In the World of Entertainment, Fred served as the Music Director and Conductor for live performances, television, and film productions, such as the PBS special "Going Home to Gospel featuring Patti La Belle," The Annual Stellar Awards (1992-2015), George Gruntz's Cantata performed in Switzerland, Salute to Leontyne Price at Carnegie Hall, Chicago Symphony Orchestra featuring The Christ Universal Temple Ensemble, The Chicago Gospel Festival, and many more. In addition to concerts, awards shows, and commercials, Mr. Nelson has performed, arranged, and produced music for featured films such as Hoodlums, my Best Friend's Wedding, Love Relations (HBO feature), and the documentary The Invisible Men of Honor: The Legend of the Buffalo Soldiers.

Throughout his career, Mr. Nelson, has served as Minister of Music for several prominent Music and Arts departments, including New Faith Baptist Church International- Matteson, IL; First Church of Deliverance- Chicago, IL; and Christ Universal Temple- Chicago, IL. Mr. Nelson serves as Artistic Director- Special Programming for Matteson School District #162 in Matteson, IL. Mr. Nelson has served as an elected member of the Chicago Chapter Board of Governors for NARAS (The National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences) Committee for the Grammy's. He is also a signatory to SAG-AFTRA and AFM.

As Music director/conductor:[edit]

His credits include Ms. Aretha Franklin, Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Holliday, Anita Baker, Della Reese, Ben Vereen, PBS special “Going Home to Gospel featuring Patti La Belle”, The Annual Stellar Awards (1992-2015) George Gruntz’s Cantata performed in Switzerland, Salute to Leontyne Price at Carnegie Hall, Chicago Symphony Orchestra featuring The Christ Universal Temple Ensemble, The Chicago Gospel Festival, and many more. In addition to concerts, award shows and commercials, Mr. Nelson has performed, arranged and produced music for featured films such as Hoodlums, My Best Friend’s Wedding, Love Relations (HBO feature) and for the documentary The Invisible Men of Honor: The Legend of the Buffalo Soldiers.

Over the span of his career, Mr. Nelson has served as Minister of Music over several prominent Music and Arts departments inclusive of New Faith Baptist Church International – Matteson, IL; First Church of Deliverance – Chicago, IL and Christ Universal Temple – Chicago. IL. Mr. Nelson currently, serves as Artistic Director - Special Programming for Matteson School District #162 in Matteson, IL. Mr. Nelson has served as an elected member of the Chicago Chapter Board Governors for NARAS (The National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences) Committee for the Grammy’s. He is also a signatory to SAG-AFTRA and AFM.

Awards & Recognition[edit]

To Mr. Nelson’s credit are several recognitions and awards for his continued pursuit of musical excellence. His most recent recognition was the Chicago Defender’s “Men of Excellence Award”. However, he considers his most rewarding accomplishment to be his daughter, Paige. Mr. Nelson gives credit to God first, and to list a mentors who guided and shaped his musical career. His mentors include Fred Nelson Jr. (father), Donald Byrd (Fred’s tour arranger and MD with Ray Charles), Robert Mayes (Virtuoso Musician), and Wendell Logan (Fred’s Oberlin College Professor). Mr. Nelson believes that he is without a doubt, merely a blessed channel for God to express Himself to uplift man through music.

Career accomplishments[edit]

Serving The City of Chicago[edit]

• Musical Director for Swiss Composer George Guntz’s Cantata performed in Chicago, Switzerland and Germany
• Musical Director for Mass Choir at Millennium Park for Chicago 2016 Olympic Campaign; composed “I Believe” for the campaign
• Musical Director for Annual Chicago Gospel Fest Segment “Evening of Gospel Elegance”
• Served on Chicago Gospel Fest Executive Committee for multiple years

Music Director/Conductor/Performances[edit]

• Aretha Franklin – MD/Conductor – 2011 to 2018
• Jennifer Hudson – 2022 to Present
• Annual Stellar Awards – 1992 to 2015
• Jennifer Holliday
• Rodrick Dixon of Three Mo’ Tenors
• Jay Leno Show – 100 Voice Choir
• Christ Universal Temple – Performances have included artists Ben Vereen, Ann Nesby, Della Reese, Jonathan Butler, Gladys Knight, Jerald Albright, and Thee Mo’ Tenors
• PBS Special – “Going Home to Gospel with Patti Labelle”
• PUSH Anniversary Orchestra
• Carnegie Hall Salute to Lyontyne Price

Recordings (Producer/Composer/Musician)[edit]

• Celine Dion – Skies of L.A. Pianist
• Chuck Magione – Pianist
• Neil Diamond - Pianist
• Fred Nelson III – “The Project”
• First Church Of Deliverance “He’s Been So Good” (26 weeks on Billboard Top 5)
• Christ Universal Temple “It’s About Time”
• Sears Association Gospel Choir “ Songs of Celebration

Film[edit]

• Hoodlum – Arranger / Pianist
• My Best Friends Wedding – Pianist
• The Invisible Men of Honor - Buffalo Soldiers – Composer /Arranger
• Love Relations (HBO feature)– Original Score/Composer /Arranger

Numerous TV/Radio Commercials (Producer/Arranger)[edit]

• McDonalds, Coca Cola, Tide, Kellogg’s, Illinois State Lottery, American Airlines, Sears, Gatorade, Jewel Foods
• Coca Cola – Featuring Anita Baker
• Illinois Bell – Featuring Phyllis Hyman, Angela Bofill
• Schlitz – Featuring the Ojays
• United Airlines – Pianist for “Rhapsody in Blue” campaign

Affiliations[edit]

• NARAS – (Served on Chicago Local Board of Governors)
• SAG/AFTRA
• AFM

Frederick (Fred) G. Nelson III was born in Chicago, IL. to Frederick Nelson Jr. and Octavia Nelson. The beloved musical enthusiast grew to become not only a musician but a famed producer, composer, arranger, conductor and keyboardist extraordinaire. Blessed with the gift of perfect pitch, Fred’s career began at a very early age. He was inspired by his father who served as chief organist at First Church of Deliverance in Chicago. As an infant, his father would strap him to his waist as he practiced. This was the only way to keep Fred from crying.

By two years of age, Fred was playing his first song “Yes, Jesus Loves Me”. Fred’s mother, Octavia continuously filled the house with diverse music at the realization of his God given gift. Fred started his formal training at the Chicago Conservatory of music and continued his education at DePaul University and Oberlin Conservatory of Music with a concentration in Organ and Composition. A child prodigy at age six, Fred performed with Ray Charles as his opening act for two years.|Early Life}} Fred's focus gradually changed from performance to music production and direction. Through Nelson Entertainment Group, Inc., he has produced music for national radio and television commercials for over three decades. His list of commercial clients include major advertising agencies such as Burrell, Leo Burnett, Vince Cullers, to name a few. Fred produced music for clients such as McDonald’s, Polaroid, Sears, Coca Cola featuring Anita Baker, United Airlines, Illinois State Lottery, American Airlines, Toyota, Ford and Sears. In addition, Fred has also served as a producer and musician for several recording projects.

In addition to producing commercials for national radio and television advertising agencies, Fred has also served as a producer and musician for several recording projects. Fred served as the producer and composer for the popular gospel song "He's Been So Good," recorded by First Church of Deliverance, which charted on the Billboard Gospel Chart top 5 for over 26 weeks. In 2006, "The Project" was Fred's first CD released, and he served as the writer and producer.

In the World of Entertainment, Fred served as the Music Director and Conductor for live performances, television, and film productions, such as the PBS special "Going Home to Gospel featuring Patti La Belle," The Annual Stellar Awards (1992-2015), George Gruntz's Cantata performed in Switzerland, Salute to Leontyne Price at Carnegie Hall, Chicago Symphony Orchestra featuring The Christ Universal Temple Ensemble, The Chicago Gospel Festival, and many more. In addition to concerts, awards shows, and commercials, Mr. Nelson has performed, arranged, and produced music for featured films such as Hoodlums, my Best Friend's Wedding, Love Relations (HBO feature), and the documentary The Invisible Men of Honor: The Legend of the Buffalo Soldiers.

Throughout his career, Mr. Nelson, has served as Minister of Music for several prominent Music and Arts departments, including New Faith Baptist Church International- Matteson, IL; First Church of Deliverance- Chicago, IL; and Christ Universal Temple- Chicago, IL. Mr. Nelson serves as Artistic Director- Special Programming for Matteson School District #162 in Matteson, IL. Mr. Nelson has served as an elected member of the Chicago Chapter Board of Governors for NARAS (The National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences) Committee for the Grammy's. He is also a signatory to SAG-AFTRA and AFM.

As Music Director/Conductor:[edit]

His credits include Ms. Aretha Franklin, Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Holliday, Anita Baker, Della Reese, Ben Vereen, PBS special “Going Home to Gospel featuring Patti La Belle”, The Annual Stellar Awards (1992-2015) George Gruntz’s Cantata performed in Switzerland, Salute to Leontyne Price at Carnegie Hall, Chicago Symphony Orchestra featuring The Christ Universal Temple Ensemble, The Chicago Gospel Festival, and many more. In addition to concerts, award shows and commercials, Mr. Nelson has performed, arranged and produced music for featured films such as Hoodlums, My Best Friend’s Wedding, Love Relations (HBO feature) and for the documentary The Invisible Men of Honor: The Legend of the Buffalo Soldiers.

Over the span of his career, Mr. Nelson has served as Minister of Music over several prominent Music and Arts departments inclusive of New Faith Baptist Church International – Matteson, IL; First Church of Deliverance – Chicago, IL and Christ Universal Temple – Chicago. IL. Mr. Nelson currently, serves as Artistic Director - Special Programming for Matteson School District #162 in Matteson, IL. Mr. Nelson has served as an elected member of the Chicago Chapter Board Governors for NARAS (The National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences) Committee for the Grammy’s. He is also a signatory to SAG-AFTRA and AFM.|Career}} Mr. Nelson’s credit are several recognitions and awards for his continued pursuit of musical excellence. His most recent recognition was the Chicago Defender’s “Men of Excellence Award”. However, he considers his most rewarding accomplishment to be his daughter, Paige. Mr. Nelson gives credit to God first, and to list a mentors who guided and shaped his musical career. His mentors include Fred Nelson Jr. (father), Donald Byrd (Fred’s tour arranger and MD with Ray Charles), Robert Mayes (Virtuoso Musician), and Wendell Logan (Fred’s Oberlin College Professor). Mr. Nelson believes that he is without a doubt, merely a blessed channel for God to express Himself to uplift man through music.|Awards & Recognitions}} Serving The City of Chicago

• Musical Director for Swiss Composer George Guntz’s Cantata performed in Chicago, Switzerland and Germany
• Musical Director for Mass Choir at Millennium Park for Chicago 2016 Olympic Campaign; composed “I Believe” for the campaign
• Musical Director for Annual Chicago Gospel Fest Segment “Evening of Gospel Elegance”
• Served on Chicago Gospel Fest Executive Committee for multiple years

Music Director/Conductor/Performances[edit]

• Aretha Franklin – MD/Conductor – 2011 to 2018
• Jennifer Hudson – 2022 to Present
• Annual Stellar Awards – 1992 to 2015
• Jennifer Holliday
• Rodrick Dixon of Three Mo’ Tenors
• Jay Leno Show – 100 Voice Choir
• Christ Universal Temple – Performances have included artists Ben Vereen, Ann Nesby, Della Reese, Jonathan Butler, Gladys Knight, Jerald Albright, and Thee Mo’ Tenors
• PBS Special – “Going Home to Gospel with Patti Labelle”
• PUSH Anniversary Orchestra
• Carnegie Hall Salute to Lyontyne Price

Recordings (Producer/Composer/Musician)[edit]

• Celine Dion – Skies of L.A. Pianist
• Chuck Magione – Pianist
• Neil Diamond - Pianist
• Fred Nelson III – “The Project”
• First Church Of Deliverance “He’s Been So Good” (26 weeks on Billboard Top 5)
• Christ Universal Temple “It’s About Time”
• Sears Association Gospel Choir “ Songs of Celebration

Film[edit]

• Hoodlum – Arranger / Pianist
• My Best Friends Wedding – Pianist
• The Invisible Men of Honor - Buffalo Soldiers – Composer /Arranger
• Love Relations (HBO feature)– Original Score/Composer /Arranger

Numerous TV/Radio Commercials (Producer/Arranger)[edit]

• McDonalds, Coca Cola, Tide, Kellogg’s, Illinois State Lottery, American Airlines, Sears, Gatorade, Jewel Foods
• Coca Cola – Featuring Anita Baker
• Illinois Bell – Featuring Phyllis Hyman, Angela Bofill
• Schlitz – Featuring the Ojays
• United Airlines – Pianist for “Rhapsody in Blue” campaign

Affiliations[edit]

• NARAS – (Served on Chicago Local Board of Governors)
• SAG/AFTRA
• AFM|Career Accomplishments}}

References[edit]

External links[edit]

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