About Romeo Nelson
Lived 1902 – 1974 (aged 72). Romeo Nelson was an American pianist.
Iromeio "Romeo" Nelson (March 12, 1902 – May 17, 1974)
Born in Springfield, Tennessee, renowned for its raunchy "signifying" lyrics, and "Head Rag Hop", featuring talking by Tampa Red and Frankie Jaxon.
"Head Rag Hop" also was released on the Brunswick Collector Series label, which read: "Head Rag Hop", Romeo Nelson, recorded September 1929. On the b-side of this 78 rpm record is "Wilkins Street Stomp", by Speckled Red. The record was part of a Brunswick album titled: Boogie Woogie Piano, Historic Recordings by Pioneer Piano Men. Also featured were: Montana Taylor, Speckled Red, and Cow Cow Davenport.
Nelson died of renal failure, in Chicago, Illinois, in May 1974. In 2016 the Killer Blues Headstone Project placed a headstone for Romeo Nelson at Restvale Cemetery in Alsip, Illinois.
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Important facts
People in Romeo Nelson's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Related people
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Romeo Nelson?
American boogie woogie pianist (1902–1974)
When was Romeo Nelson born?
Romeo Nelson was born on 12 March 1902.
When did Romeo Nelson die?
Romeo Nelson died on 17 May 1974.
What was Romeo Nelson's occupation?
Romeo Nelson was a pianist.
What nationality was Romeo Nelson?
Romeo Nelson was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Romeo Nelson. https://biography.guide/romeo-nelson/
MLA: "Romeo Nelson." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/romeo-nelson/.
Chicago: "Romeo Nelson." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/romeo-nelson/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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