[1] With a recording career that spanned over 50 years, Jimmy "T99" Nelson became a distinguished elder statesman of American music.

In 1941, he saw a performance by Big Joe Turner while he was visiting Oakland, California,[4] and realized he wanted to sing the blues.

[4] Nelson began touring, performing with bands led by Joe Liggins and Roy Milton, and playing venues including the Apollo and Howard theaters.

[7] 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.