Draft:Freddie Nelson

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Freddie Nelson
Freddie Nelson performing with guitar
Background information
Origin	Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Genres	Rock, pop, punk, blues
Occupation(s)	Musician, singer, songwriter, producer
Instrument(s)	Vocals, guitar, bass, drums, keyboards
Years active	2001–present
Labels	Mascot Records, independent
Website	freddienelson.com

Freddie Nelson is an American guitarist, singer, songwriter, and producer. He is best known for his collaboration with guitarist Paul Gilbert on the 2010 album United States, his solo work including the 2017 album Shake the Cage, and as the frontman of the Pittsburgh-based rock band Too Tall Jones.

Early Life and Career

Nelson began performing professionally at the age of 11 in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania music scene. He played in numerous established regional bands before stepping into a frontman role with the band Too Tall Jones, which included Rusted Root bassist Patrick Norman. The band released the album BiPolar in 2001, which caught the attention of Paul Gilbert and led to their first collaboration.

Collaboration with Paul Gilbert

In 2010, Nelson co-wrote, performed, and co-produced the album United States with Paul Gilbert, released on Mascot Records. The album blends melodic rock with elements of classic and progressive rock, with critics noting Queen-style harmonies and virtuosic guitar work.

The duo toured Asia in support of the album, including multiple performances in Japan. Several shows from the tour were recorded and released as official live bootleg albums.

Nelson reunited with Gilbert in 2016 for the album I Can Destroy, produced by Kevin Shirley (Aerosmith, Silverchair). Nelson contributed vocals, guitar, and wrote the track "Gonna Make You Love Me". The album was performed live in Tokyo and later released as PG-30 Live at Zepp Tokyo 2016.

Solo Career

In 2017, Nelson released his debut solo album, Shake the Cage, which he wrote, produced, and performed in full. The album was released on July 7, 2017, through WOWOW Entertainment in Japan. It was mixed by Rob Hill (Queen, Cypress Hill, Deftones) at X Music Studios in Los Angeles, and mastered by Maz Murad at Metropolis Studios in London.

The single "Hey Doll" was accompanied by a music video. A lyric video for the song "Light" was also released.

In 2020, Nelson released a cover of Leonard Cohen’s "Hallelujah" that was featured by PBS affiliate WQED.

Musical Style and Influence

Nelson’s music blends rock with elements of punk, pop, and blues. His vocal range has drawn comparisons to Freddie Mercury, Ian Astbury, and Butch Walker. In 2015, Raw Ramp Magazine named him among “the sweetest singers since Mercury.” A review by Center Stage Magazine noted his “four-octave vocal range and rich harmonies,” calling his album *Shake the Cage* “one of the most eclectic bodies of music released this year.” Similarly, Art & Culture Maven described his tone as reminiscent of The Cult’s Ian Astbury, with clear Queen-era influences.

Reception

Shake the Cage was positively reviewed by several music outlets. Blues Rock Review wrote that Nelson “proves that he has the chops as a vocalist and guitarist to be a compelling frontman and performer.”

Awards and Recognition

In 2021, Nelson was inducted into the Pittsburgh Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Discography

Solo

• Hey Doll (2017) – single
• Shake the Cage (2017) – album
• Hallelujah (2020) – single

With Too Tall Jones

• BiPolar (2001)

With Paul Gilbert

• United States (2010, Mascot Records)
• I Can Destroy (2016, earMUSIC)

Guest Appearances

• ProgPop (2019) – Thomas Lang – vocals on “Donkey” and other tracks

Live Albums (with Paul Gilbert)

• Official Bootleg – Tokyo Vol. 1 (2010)
• Official Bootleg – Tokyo Vol. 2 (2010)
• Official Bootleg – Nagoya (2010)
• Official Bootleg – Osaka (2010)

References

This page will be placed in the following categories if it is moved to the article namespace.

Categories:

• American rock musicians
• Living people
• Singers from Pennsylvania
• Guitarists from Pennsylvania
• American male singers