During his teenage years and early twenties, he played in various regional bands around the Chicago area, emulating multiple styles but focusing on rhythm and blues.

In 1978, Nelson moved to Los Angeles, and afterward worked with artists including Kenny Loggins and Jim Messina.

[3] In addition to playing bass, he was the lead singer on LRB's hit single "The Night Owls" (1981).

Nelson also shared lead vocals with Glenn Shorrock on the single "Take It Easy on Me" (1982), the band's last top US 10 hit.

Nelson's daughter Aubree died in September 1992, aged 13, in a car collision in San Diego.