MUSIC IS…
“Music is a collection of tones, sounds, rhythms, lyrics… arranged with all the elements or any combination thereof, including utilizing silence, dissonance, and harmonies that create emotional responses and reactions.” – Keith Nelson
ABOUT KEITH
Keith Nelson is a world-class musician and community leader. For over forty years, he has energized artists and bands, making exceptional music across the globe.
Keith loves God. He loves people. He makes unforgettable music.
Welcome to our site!
Instruments:
Electric bass guitar & acoustic bass
Artists Worked With:
Adam Levine, Andrea Bocelli, Andy Grammer, Ariana Grande, Babyface, Bill Ross, Charice, CeeLo Green, Chaka Khan, Charlie Puth, Chris Botti, David Cassidy, David Foster, Diana Ross, Dino, Dionne Warwick, Donna Summer, Fernando Varela, Frank Wildhorn, Gladys Knight, Jackie Evancho, Jordin Sparks, Josh Groban, Katharine McPhee, Kenny G, Kenny Loggins, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Loren Allred, Mary J. Blige, Melissa Manchester, Michael Bolton, Michael Bublé, Natalie Cole, Nell Carter, Ne-Yo, Paul Anka, Peaches & Herb, Peabo Bryson, Peter Cetera, Philip Bailey, Pia Toscano, Reba McEntire, Ricky Martin, Rod Stewart, Sarah McLachlan, Seal, Shania Twain, Sheena Easton, Steven Tyler, Sting, Susan Anton, Tori Kelly, Usher, Wayne Newton
National Tours:
Donna Summer 1983-1989, Nell Carter 1984-1989, Dino 1989-1991, Diana Ross 1991-1995, David Cassidy 2002, Shania Twain 2013-2015, David Foster 2011-present
Recordings:
David Foster, Andrea Bocelli, Donna Summer, Shania Twain, Sheena Easton, Dino, Peaches and Herb, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Will Downing, David Perrico Pop Strings Orchestra, Steven Lee Group
Las Vegas Production Shows & Bands:
Disney’s The Lion King; Signed, Sealed, Delivered (featuring Chaka Khan); At the Copa (featuring David Cassidy & Sheena Easton); Donny & Marie; American Superstars; Gordie Brown; Jersey Boys; Clint Holmes; Wayne Newton; Folies Bergère; Lido de Paris; Frankie Scinta; Lon Bronson’s Allstar Review; David Perrico Pop Strings Orchestra; NFL Raiders House Band; Santa Fe & The Fat City Horns
Current:
Keith plays bass for musical “Hitman” David Foster and the NFL Raiders House Band. He is the Secretary/Treasurer of the Musicians’ Union of Las Vegas; and serves his community as Worship Pastor at Anthem Community Church in Henderson, NV.
Music History/Education:
When Keith was eleven years old, he lived in Madrid, Spain on the Torrejón Air Force Base. His father served in the United States Air Force; and his family traveled frequently, living on base housing for much of his childhood. While in Spain, Keith discovered a love and a talent for playing instruments. Music fascinated him. His first instrument of choice was the tenor saxophone.
In 1973, his father was reassigned to Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada. Keith’s family moved back to the states where he would continue his music education and eventually launch a lifelong career.
In high school, Keith played the saxophone in concert and jazz bands until Dr. Kay Jensen’s pop group (Sounds of the Sun) needed a bass guitar player. Keith volunteered to fill the musical void, and unbeknownst to him, stepped into his musical destiny. Eldorado High School purchased a Gibson Grabber for him to practice with. He had never played bass before, so the summer before his junior year, he locked himself into his room and practiced until he began to turn into a bass player.
In 1978, Keith attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) on a saxophone scholarship. After his sophomore year, he switched his instrument of focus to the electric bass. Keith graduated from UNLV in 1983 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Theory and Composition and a minor in Education.
Fresh out of college, God Almighty blessed Keith with a world tour: playing bass for Disco Queen, Donna Summer. A divine catalyst for his music career, this tour was the beginning of forty-plus years of work in shows, gigs, bands, recordings, tours, television appearances, videos, and countless relationships with the skilled artists who make music. The story is still being written…
FAITH
Keith had his first encounter with the Spirit of Jesus Christ when he was three years old. His family was relocating from Orlando, FL to Boulder, CO. During the road trip, they stopped at a rest stop. Keith wandered off by himself to some bushes. An elderly lady with blue hair suddenly appeared. She began telling Keith about Jesus Christ. She told him that Jesus does not live inside church buildings, but rather, He lives in the hearts of His people. Right after that, his mom came looking for him and the blue-haired woman disappeared.
Seven years later, Keith accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. When he was twenty-four, he fully submitted to the Lordship of Christ and began to follow Him. The Holy Spirit revealed to Keith the need to know His written Word. He discovered that God and His Word are one and the same. While living in Van Nuys, CA, Keith sought out a Bible-teaching ministry. He attended Church On the Way (led by Pastor Jack Hayford) and studied at The King’s Institute. Soon Keith developed a passion of his own for the Word of God. He began to serve the Body of Christ as a Sunday school teacher and played bass for weekly services.
In 1992, Keith moved back to Las Vegas where he met his wife, Brandi. The two were married in 1994 while attending a local Christian Church. Together, they served on the worship team and Keith led worship as the director of music. In addition to leading worship, Keith served as a council member and elder in the church. In 2008, he was ordained a pastor.
Today, Keith serves Christ and his community as the Worship Experience Pastor at Anthem Community Church in Henderson, NV. He is always ready and happy to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with any and all who have ears to hear. God is holy and worthy to be praised!
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” ~ John 3:16 ~