Dave Nelson

American trumpeter, pianist, singer, songwriter, and arranger

born 1905 in Donaldsonville, Louisiana,
died April 7, 1946 in New York City, NY.

Dave Nelson is often referred to as the nephew of King Oliver, although some historians say he was actually related to Oliver's wife Stella. Nelson took over King Oliver's Orchestra (hence the name "Kings Men") when the King's health failed him. Five months later they recorded again under the name of Dave's Harlem Highlights.
In addition to occasionally leading his own band, Nelson worked with the Marie Lucas Orchestra, Ma Rainey, Ida Cox, Jelly Roll Morton, Richard M. Jones (who taught him how to arrange), Edgar Hayes, Jimmie Noone and Leroy Pickett. After playing with Luis Russell, in the fall of 1929 Nelson became part of Oliver's band, staying into 1931.
During his 1929 recording sessions for Victor, King Oliver had gum disease and was unable to play most of the time, so he hired other trumpeters to play his parts, using Nelson a great deal of the time. Nelson also co-wrote many of these songs and wrote a great deal of the arrangements.
Nelson was active until shortly before he died from a heart attack, working mostly as a pianist and as a music editor and arranger for a publishing firm. In addition to his recordings with Oliver, Nelson led two sessions in 1931 at the head of "The King's Men" that resulted in seven selections, all of which included his vocals.