Jonathan Nelson

Jonathan Nelson is an American gospel singer, songwriter, producer, and worship leader known for his contributions to urban praise and worship music. His early exposure to music and the Pentecostal church influenced his musical development and expression. Nelson studied at the Baltimore School for the Arts and Morgan State University, where he refined his vocal skills and deepened his understanding of choral performance. During a performance by Karen Clark-Sheard at his church, Nelson and his friends served as backup singers and later formed the group Purpose.

Under Nelson's direction, Purpose recorded their first album, "Everything You Are," which featured the song "Healed," written by Nelson. He met Donald Lawrence, a Grammy-nominated choir leader, at a workshop in Washington, D.C., where Lawrence heard "Healed" and later recorded it. The song became a gospel hit, earning Nelson the Stellar Award as Songwriter of the Year. Nelson also wrote Youth For Christ's ballad, "The Struggle Is Over," which spent 12 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Gospel Songs chart. Other notable songs written by Nelson include Bishop T.D. Jakes' "My Praise Is My Weapon" and "Manifest."

"Right Now Praise," released by Columbia Records, marked Nelson's major-label solo debut. The album's lead single, "My Name Is Victory," spent 65 weeks on the Billboard Hot Gospel Songs chart and was recognized as the Most Singable Song of the Year by Gospel Today magazine. Nelson's albums "Right Now Praise," "Better Days," "Finish Strong," "Fearless," and "Declarations" have produced several gospel music hits. "Finish Strong" reached No. 47 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on the Top Gospel Albums chart. Nelson was also nominated for a Dove Award for New Artist of the Year at the GMA Dove Awards.

Nelson reunited with Purpose to record the album "Everything You Are" and later released the dual singles "Manifest" and "Thank You Lord," followed by the album "The Reunion" featuring Purpose. As a songwriter, Nelson has written for artists such as JJ Hairston and Youthful Praise, Stephen Hurd, Maurette Brown Clark, and DeWayne Woods. He is a multi-Stellar Award and Dove Award-nominated gospel artist.

Nelson serves as Senior Director of Worship and Arts at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, where he oversees praise teams, choirs, and artistic ministries. Nelson's influence in gospel music continues to shape the genre and inspire aspiring artists, singers, and songwriters.