Oliver Nelson

Oliver Nelson (1932–1975) was an American jazz saxophonist, clarinettist, and composer.

Nelson was born on 4 June 1932 in Saint Louis, Missouri. His family was musical: his brother was a saxophonist who played with

Oliver Nelson (1932–1975) was an American jazz saxophonist, clarinettist, and composer.

Nelson was born on 4 June 1932 in Saint Louis, Missouri. His family was musical: his brother was a saxophonist who played with Cootie Williams in the 1940s, and his sister sang and played piano. Nelson began learning to play the piano when he was six, and started on the saxophone at eleven. From 1947 he played in territory bands around Saint Louis, before joining the Louis Jordan big band from 1950 to 1951, playing alto sax and arranging. After military service in the marines, he returned to Missouri to study music – composition and theory – at Washington and Lincoln Universities, graduating in 1958.