
Nelson
Multiplatinum recording artists Matthew and Gunnar Nelson, the twin brothers behind the iconic music group NELSON, embody the enduring legacy of America's most extraordinary show business family. As the seventh generation of entertainers, they continue the traditions of excellence and integrity that have characterized their family for over 120 years. From the moment they burst onto the scene with their self-penned debut album, "After The Rain," Matthew and Gunnar Nelson captivated audiences with their striking good looks and trademark long blonde hair. However, it was their exceptional songwriting and commercially savvy rock sound that catapulted them to stardom, solidifying their status as third-generation torchbearers of the Nelson family legacy. In a remarkable achievement, their hit single "(I Can't Live Without Your) Love and Affection" secured the Nelsons' place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the only family in history to achieve number one record status in three successive generations.
Matthew and Gunnar's musical journey began at the age of five, honing their vocal, bass, and drum skills by playing originals in the hayloft above their parents' Studio City California farm. Inspired by their father's current success with his classic song "Garden Party" and the vibrant California country rock movement at the time, the twins dedicated their lives to music. At just 12 years old, they fearlessly took to the stages of the cutthroat L.A. punk and new wave club scene as part of the punky power-pop trio, The Strange Agents. Their concert career was born: two kids cutting heads with musicians twice their age like The Knack, The Go Go’s, and X.
In the face of tragedy, Matthew and Gunnar persevered and emerged stronger than ever. Mere months after their father's untimely death in a plane crash, their then-band, The Nelsons, made history as the first and only unsigned act to perform as the musical guests on TV's Saturday Night Live. Fueled by their unwavering dedication to being an unstoppable force to be reckoned with, Gunnar traded his drumming duties for the guitar, embracing a more active role in the band and blossoming into a proficient guitarist and fluent co-frontman. Guided by writing and production mentor John Boylan (Boston/Linda Ronstadt), the duo immersed themselves into refining their songwriting skills and developing their signature sound. The resulting NELSON sound coalesced a unique blend of rock attitude, pop hooks, country lyrics, and brother harmonies that has resonated with audiences globally for three decades.

From the moment they burst onto the scene with their self-penned debut album, "After The Rain," Matthew and Gunnar Nelson captivated audiences with their striking good looks and trademark long blonde hair. However, it was their exceptional songwriting and commercially savvy rock sound that catapulted them to stardom, solidifying their status as third-generation torchbearers of the Nelson family legacy. In a remarkable achievement, their hit single "(I Can't Live Without Your) Love and Affection" secured the Nelsons' place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the only family in history to achieve number one record status in three successive generations.
Throughout their illustrious career, Matthew and Gunnar have continued to impress with their songwriting prowess and electrifying performances. They have written and performed one number one and five top 10 singles, garnered four number one MTV videos, sold over five million records, and enthralled millions of fans across the globe with their magnetic stage presence. Their talent extends far beyond the music industry, as they have proven themselves to be multifaceted entertainers, savvy entrepreneurs, and ambassadors of unwavering positivity and resilience.
Born into the iconic Nelson family, whose matriarch and patriarch were none other than actress Harriet Nelson and bandleader Ozzie Nelson, Matthew and Gunnar were destined for greatness. Their father, the legendary Ricky Nelson, rose to prominence as one of the most influential rock artists of the '50s and '60s, selling over 100 million albums and earning a well-deserved place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Matthew and Gunnar's musical journey began at the age of five, honing their vocal, bass, and drum skills by playing originals in the hayloft above their parents' Studio City California farm. Inspired by their father's current success with his classic song "Garden Party" and the vibrant California country rock movement at the time, the twins dedicated their lives to music. At just 12 years old, they fearlessly took to the stages of the cutthroat L.A. punk and new wave club scene as part of the punky power-pop trio, The Strange Agents. Their concert career was born: two kids cutting heads with musicians twice their age like The Knack, The Go Go’s, and X.
In the face of tragedy, Matthew and Gunnar persevered and emerged stronger than ever. Mere months after their father's untimely death in a plane crash, their then-band, The Nelsons, made history as the first and only unsigned act to perform as the musical guests on TV's Saturday Night Live. Fueled by their unwavering dedication to being an unstoppable force to be reckoned with, Gunnar traded his drumming duties for the guitar, embracing a more active role in the band and blossoming into a proficient guitarist and fluent co-frontman. Guided by writing and production mentor John Boylan (Boston/Linda Ronstadt), the duo immersed themselves into refining their songwriting skills and developing their signature sound. The resulting NELSON sound coalesced a unique blend of rock attitude, pop hooks, country lyrics, and brother harmonies that has resonated with audiences globally for three decades.
In 1989, the newly rebranded NELSON, now signed to Geffen Records by the legendary A&R man John Kalodner (Foreigner/AC/DC), unleashed their debut album, "After The Rain." With Matthew and Gunnar serving as co-producers, the record swiftly skyrocketed to triple platinum status. The album's infectious and unapologetically radio-friendly songs, including the chart-topping "(Can't Live Without Your) Love and Affection," captivated audiences and cemented NELSON's place in music history. Their electrifying live performances during the AFTER THE RAIN world tour are legendary, leaving a profound impact on over a million fans fortunate enough to witness their powerful, inspirational, and life-changing shows. When not headlining their own arena shows, they joined forces with rock icons STYX, Peter Frampton, Cinderella, and America to name a few.
While NELSON faced challenges amidst the ever-changing landscape of the music industry, Matthew and Gunnar Nelson remained undeterred. They founded their own Stone Canyon Records label (a joint venture with Universal Music Group), and continued to create music, release albums, and tour, showcasing their unwavering commitment to their craft and their fans.
Over the years, Matthew and Gunnar Nelson have released seventeen albums and counting- each showcasing their evolution as artists and their ability to adapt to changing musical trends while staying true to their roots. NELSON’s discography includes albums such critically acclaimed albums as "Because They Can," "Imaginator," "Life,” "Lightning Strikes Twice,” and “Peace Out”. NELSON’s 30 plus year career is newly enshrined on 2022’s seventeen song “NELSON: Greatest Hits and Near Misses” album.
Beyond their music, Matthew and Gunnar have become multifaceted multimedia entertainers- stars of both traditional and virtual mediums. Their impact extends beyond the stage and studio as they have graced countless magazine covers from People to Billboard, and have appeared on prominent television shows including "The American Music Awards," "Late Night With David Letterman," and "Good Morning America." The Nelson family journey has been chronicled in the most successful A&E "Biography" episode in history, captivating over 300 million households. The telegenic twins are also fixtures on MTV, VH1, and Much Music as VJs, and continuously host national radio shows for Cumulus and SiriusXM. They are currently developing their own internationally syndicated podcast, “What Happens on the Road…”, and their autobiography “What Happened To Your Hair?” is scheduled for a fall of 2024 release.
In 2023, NELSON is back with a vengeance, ready to rock audiences once again. Represented by the prestigious ARM agency, they are embarking on a nationwide tour alongside esteemed bands such as Tesla, Warrant, Winger, Slaughter, Great White, and Lita Ford. Their unwavering dedication to their craft, coupled with their undeniable talent and showmanship, ensures that NELSON's live performances continue to be a testament to their enduring legacy and their unwavering commitment to their fans.
In conclusion, Matthew and Gunnar Nelson, the dynamic duo behind NELSON, have not only carried forward the culture shaping legacy of their family but have carved their own indelible mark in the entertainment industry. Their exceptional talent, disarming charisma, magnetic stage presence, and chart-topping hits have turned this collision of the Everly Brothers and the Smothers Brothers into an American treasure. From their early beginnings paying their dues in the vibrant L.A. club scene to taking their rightful place as rock legends for this century, they have more than proven their prowess as accomplished musicians, performers, and personalities. Matthew and Gunnar NELSON’s indelible mark on the entertainment industry is a testament to their unwavering passion, talent, and dedication.
And they’re only just getting started…

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