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Jimmy Nelson

1919 – 2007

American jump blues and rhythm and blues shouter and songwriter

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About Jimmy Nelson

Lived 1919 – 2007 (aged 88). Jimmy Nelson was an American musician, singer, singer-songwriter and singing.

James Nelson (April 7, 1919 – July 29, 2007), known as Jimmy "T99" Nelson, was an American jump blues and rhythm and blues shouter and songwriter. and realized he wanted to sing the blues. Turner taught Nelson about singing, performance and the music business. Nelson, in turn, absorbed the shouting style of his mentor.

Nelson resumed touring and in 1999, released a comeback album Rockin' and Shoutin' the Blues from the Bullseye Blues & Jazz label. Two more newly recorded albums followed on his own Nettie Marie label prior to his death, both featuring an all-star back-up band including Duke Robillard. In 2004, Ace released Cry Hard Luck, featuring re-issues of Nelson's Kent and RPM recordings from 1951-1961.

Discography

Singles 1951: "T 99 Blues" (RPM 325) as Jimmie Nelson and the Peter Rabbit Trio 1953: "Meet Me With Your Black Dress On" (RPM 385) 1955: "Free and Easy Mind" (Chess 1587) 1956: "The Wheel" (Music City 797) 1960: "Unlock the Lock" (Kent 354) 1962: "What Was I Supposed To Do' (All Boy 8502) 1963: "Tell Me Who" (Paradise 1002; Chess 1877) 1965: "I'll Be Ready" (Paradise 1012)

Albums 1999: Rockin' and Shoutin' the Blues (Bullseye Blues 9593) feat. Doug James, Rich Lataille, Clarence Hollimon 2002: Take Your Pick (Nettie Marie 001) 2005: The Legend (Nettie Marie 002)

Compilation albums 1981: Jimmy "Mr. T 99" Nelson (Ace 10CH 35) [10" LP] 1987: Watch That Action (Ace CHD 228) 1988: Sweet Sugar Daddy (P-Vine) 2003: Cry Hard Luck: The RPM and Kent Recordings 1951-61 (Ace CDCHD 976)

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Important facts

Birth century
Nationality
Also known as
James Nelson

People in Jimmy Nelson's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Jimmy Nelson's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Jimmy Nelson?

American jump blues and rhythm and blues shouter and songwriter (1919–2007)

When was Jimmy Nelson born?

Jimmy Nelson was born on 7 April 1919 in Philadelphia.

When did Jimmy Nelson die?

Jimmy Nelson died on 29 July 2007 in Houston.

What was Jimmy Nelson's occupation?

Jimmy Nelson was a musician, singer, singer-songwriter and singing.

What nationality was Jimmy Nelson?

Jimmy Nelson was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Jimmy Nelson

· Wikidata: Q1303507

· DBpedia: Jimmy Nelson (singer)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Jimmy Nelson. https://biography.guide/jimmy-nelson-musician/

MLA: "Jimmy Nelson." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/jimmy-nelson-musician/.

Chicago: "Jimmy Nelson." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/jimmy-nelson-musician/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-23 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

Portrait: Wikimedia Commons · author & licence

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