He was singular in being mentored by traditional rural southern blues harmonica practitioners and melding their approach with urban Chicago playing, thus creating his own distinctive sound.
From an early age Bob accompanied Versie to house parties, backyard barbecues and Saturday night fish fries around Bogalusa where cajun music, zydeco and blues were performed.
As a youngster he was encouraged and instructed by Versie's musical cohorts, Louisiana blues musicians (and Excello recording artists) Slim Harpo and Lazy Lester.
[citation needed] Through listening to these artists, Nelson learned to use his instrument as a "second voice" to interpret and elucidate the emotion and themes of a song.
Throughout his career Nelson toured with Luther "Georgia Boy" Johnson, Tinsley Ellis and John Lee Hooker.