In His Own Words - Lord Nelson

I'm the son of a twenty-plus year Vietnam Veteran and being raised in a military environment on Army bases across the nation, I was blessed to hear and be influenced by so many different genres of music. Influences that range from old school R&B, Rock, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Country, Folk and Pop. With that being said, my real passion was hip-hop. Growing up, I recorded demos and performed live with a few different groups around the Carolinas. Being a fan of Run DMC, Public Enemy, EPMD and the groups that pioneered hip-hop in the late 80's and early 90's, I always envisioned myself working as a part of a group and never made an attempt to try it alone. Unfortunately, none of the groups achieved more than regional success.

In 1995, I attended my first Stuck Mojo show in my home town of Columbia. I have known Bonz since middle school and a mutual friend of both he and I, told me that I had to check out the rock group that Bonz was performing with. I was blown away by the band and instantly became a big fan. From that point on, I was at every Mojo show that came through Columbia.

Even back in those early days, I had offered to write, perform or just help the band in any way that I could. On one beautiful day in 2006, Bonz phoned me and told me that Rich Ward wanted to have a few guest vocalists on the new Southern Born Killers album and that I was the first one that he had thought of. I gladly said yes and quickly made my way to Atlanta. The recording session was magical, with Bonz and myself laying down some amazing vocals. When we were done, Bonz and Ward thanked me and asked if I would be interested in writing more in the future. Of course my reply was, whenever and whatever you need.

At some point, it was decided that Bonz was not going to carry on as the band's lead vocalist, leaving the band with no lead singer and an album that was not complete. A couple of months after this, Rich called me and informed me that Bonz was no longer in the band, which was the first time that I had heard the news. He said that he had worked with several guys, but had not yet found a permanent replacement for Bonz and while he was still auditioning guys, asked if I would be interested in collaborating with him to write some of the vocal parts for Southern Born Killers.

Originally, I think Rich was looking for someone who would move the band in more of a melodic direction, but when we came together to write, we both knew that our chemistry undeniable. Even though the band was still in the process of auditioning new vocalists, I think all of us knew that it was a perfect fit. When the band did finally offer me the gig, it really did take me awhile to decide. Bonz was a good friend and had introduced me to Stuck Mojo and I needed a little time just to process all of it. What I was sure of, was that I have a love for music and my dream had always been to make records and to tour the world.

After a lot of soul searching, praying and talking to many of the people in my life who mattered, I accepted. How could I pass up this opportunity to be part of an established band with so much respect and history. I hoped Bonz would understand. I knew I could never replace him and that changing lead vocalists in an established band is rarely accepted by the entire fanbase. All I hoped for, was that the Mojo fans were willing to give me an unbiased chance to bring what I have to offer to the table and the overwhelming majority of you have done that. Thank you so much. I have been so humbled by your kindness and support.

I have said many times that each one of my Stuck Mojo band mates has welcomed me like a brother. We are a family and with all that I am, I trust and believe in who the band is, what we stand for and in our success in the future.

- Lord Nelson