Every few decades we are blessed with voices that are both undeniably and instantaneously classic. These artists go on to become cemented in the fabric of our hearts. This generation gave us the incredible talent in none other the critically acclaimed Jonathan Nelson. A Baltimore, MD native, Jonathan Nelson’s inspiring nearly twenty-year career has exposed millions across the world to the electrifying sound of urban praise and worship music. 

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Jonathan’s musical roots started with a dream and a request. His father, Bishop James D. Nelson Sr, prayed to God to give him a song. God did answer his prayers! He birthed twin sons, Jonathan and Jason Nelson who were his song. Both Jonathan and Jason went on to fulfill the promise of God and both became highly gifted singers and songwriters. Jonathan’s upbringing surrounded by the sound of music, and the Pentecostal church shaped his complex musical vocabulary and expression from an early age. 

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Jonathan is a lover of God, music and his family! He is the husband to Christina Nelson. They are the proud parents of two beautiful children, J. Andrew and Julianna. Jonathan takes his role as a husband and father very serious. He and his wife pride themselves on being balanced parents to creatively gifted children.

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Over the years Jonathan has become one of Baltimore’s leading voices. This afforded him the opportunity to build and cultivate one of gospel music’s premiere ensembles, PURPOSE. PURPOSE, under the direction of Jonathan, would go on to record their first album, “Everything You Are”. This independent album would feature the title song, “Healed” written by Jonathan himself. This song captured the attention of Grammy award winning and gospel music legend, Donald Lawrence, and countless other artists. This within itself catapulted his trajectory to the forefront of gospel music as a prolific songwriter, producer, and captivating worship leader. Connecting with some of America’s most notable pastors, including Pastor Jamal Bryant and Bishop Henry Fernandez. Jonathan, solidified himself as a keenly effective worship leader connecting him with congregations both large and small weekly as a gifted leader of worship. 

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Jonathan’s impact reached far beyond Sunday morning, as an international recording artist, he has become a multi Stellar award and Dove award nominated gospel music powerhouse! His albums: Right Now Praise, Better Days, Finish Strong, Fearless, & Declarations have captured some of today’s biggest gospel music hits! “My Name is Victory”, “Expect the Great”, “Called to Be”, “Finish Strong”, “Manifest” and the Caribbean inspired anthem island medley “I Believe” are only a few pieces in his chart-topping catalog. Jonathan Nelson has become a cornerstone in gospel music. Having pinned the sound of a generation, Jonathan continues to pave new ways for aspiring artists, singers and songwriters alike. 

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Currently, the Director of Worship and Arts at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA Jonathan inspires thousands 

of congregants weekly through passionate and electrifying moments of praise and worship. Jonathan came back full circle and took the music industry by storm with the reunion of his famed group, PURPOSE. In May 2020 he released a Dual single release “Manifest” and “Thank You Lord”. Listeners across the country have grabbed ahold of the new music and have deemed them instant classics. The highly anticipated new album Jonathan Nelson Ft. PURPOSE “The Reunion” released October 2020. Jonathan says “this record is a celebration of 20yrs in music, it represents years of friendship and family. It’s a reminder that God gave us all a gift with a purpose and a reason. You must decree it, declare it, and claim it to be you yours… for it must come to pass and manifest on the Earth” and Jonathan is sure of this purpose to launch the next 20 years of his inspiring career to even greater heights.