Dave Nelson’s most significant contribution to jazz was his frequent work with King Oliver (his uncle) in New York during Oliver’s final years. Nelson was often the solo trumpet player on Oliver’s later albums, which led to confusion decades later when historians attempted to identify the soloist. Nelson took lessons on piano and violin before deciding to take up trumpet. In the mid-1920s, he moved to Chicago and became Oliver’s protégé. Nelson was also a member of the Marie Lucas Orchestra, Ma Rainey and Jelly Roll Morton. He was also a part of Richard M. Jones’s orchestra, which taught him how to arrange, Edgar Hayes, Jimmie Noone, and Leroy Pickett. In the fall 1929, Nelson joined Oliver’s band and remained there until 1931. After the experience was over, Nelson continued to lead his own groups of low-profile musicians in the 1930s. He played piano occasionally and provided the arrangements. In 1937, he recorded with Willie Smith. Nelson continued to be active until his death from a heart attack. He worked as a pianist and music editor for a publishing company. Nelson also recorded with Oliver and led two sessions at the head “The King’s Men”, which resulted in seven selections. Allmusic
