The Nelons Inducted Into Gospel Music Association's Hall of Fame 2016

The Nelons Inducted Into the Gospel Music Association's Hall of Fame 2016
The Nelons being inducted into the Gospel Music Association's Hall of Fame 2016 on May 11. |
The Nelons Inducted Into the Gospel Music Association's Hall of Fame 2016
The Nelons being inducted into the Gospel Music Association's Hall of Fame 2016 on May 11. |

(Photo : Gospel Music Association/The Nelons)
The Nelons being inducted into the Gospel Music Association's Hall of Fame 2016 on May 11.

After 40 years in the industry, The Nelons were finally inducted into the Gospel Music Association's Hall of Fame 2016 on May 11, alongside Hezekiah Walker, Russ Taff and CCLI-founder Howard Rachinski.

Selah, Travis Cottrell and Michael English also performed the greatest hits of The Nelons to pay tribute to the legendary group, which was introduced at the event by Bill Gaither.

The Nelons started in 1977 under the name The Rex Nelon Singers. They changed into the current band name in 1985. The group has become a springboard for multiple artists to launch their careers including Katy Peach, Charlotte Rithie, Karen Peck, Paul Lancaster, Stan Whitmire, Jess Stice, Todd Nelon and Kelly Nelon, the daughter of Rex Nelon.

Over a span of four decades, The Nelons have produced 20 top 5 singles across more than 40 projects, as well as three Grammy nominations. Four of their recordings won the GMA Dove Award for Southern Gospel Album of the Year.

Kelly Nelon Clark spoke on behalf of her family, as well as a large number of past members that were in attendance to celebrate the occasion.

In a Facebook post on May 10, Kelly Nelon Clark shared how nervous she was to represent The Nelons inclusion to the Gospel Hall of Fame.

"Heading to Nashville with butterflies for tomorrow night's induction. Crying good tears and wishing my dad and my mom could be there," she said. "For those interested it will be taped and shown on TBN. I'll let you know the date."