Concordia Journal Home > Archives > October 25, 2007 issue >

In Memoriam 

Ernie Nelson, 1934-2007

Friends at Concordia and in the larger music community of singer and composer Ernie Nelson were saddened to hear of his recent death. From 1997 to 2001, he was a member of Concordia’s Music Department, teaching voice and assisting with the jazz choir.

Music professor Charles Ellison told the Journal, “Ernie participated in many faculty events, including sacred music concerts, Black History Month concerts, jazz studies faculty concerts and concerts with yours truly.

“I met Ernie around 1976. I played in his band for several years, with lots of gigs at the Rising Sun. I was impressed with his musicianship, his golden, silky voice, his kindness, his soulfulness and humanity.”

Jazz studies faculty members and friends will present a concert in Ernie’s honour on Nov. 15 at the Oscar Peterson Concert Hall, starting at 8 p.m.