Ken Nelson, Hall of Fame Member, Dies at 96

1/7/2008 Stephen L. Betts Ken Nelson, former head of country A&R for Capitol Records and a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, died Sunday (Jan. 6) at his home in Somis, Calif., just 13 days short of his 97th birthday. CMT.com reports Nelson had not been ill prior to his death. As the A&R (artists and repertoire) man in charge of Capitol Record’s country division for many years, Nelson played a major part in country music's post–World War II growth, guiding the recordings of several notable artists—including Buck Owens and Merle Haggard—with a crisp production style that helped define the Bakersfield sound and West Coast country. Nelson began his musical career in Chicago at radio station WJJD, where he wound up as music director. With an avid interest in classical music, he became the top announcer for broadcasts by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He involved himself with country music after the station put him in charge of its Suppertime Frolic hillbilly show, auditioning and scheduling performers for the program. Arriving at Hollywood’s Capitol Records in 1948, Ken Nelson first headed the label's transcription department, then took over in 1951 as chief country A&R man. In December of that year, he held a session with Hank Thompson that yielded the No. 1 smash, “The Wild Side of Life,” a success that set the pattern for a hit-making career at Capitol. Often working closely with Cliffie Stone, Nelson brought to Capitol and recorded the likes of Ferlin Husky, Jean Shepard, Tommy Collins, Wanda Jackson, Wynn Stewart, and Jerry Reed. He continued to produce Merle Haggard’s records well into the 1970s, even after stepping aside as head of Capitol's country division. He retired in 1976, and was elected into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001. At his request, according to his daughter, he will be cremated and no memorial service will be held.