(December 11, 2025) While the familiar expression “born for this” can be an over the top cliché, some musicians were ready for their lifetime assignment from the cradle. Jason Nelson broke into a durable family ministry with his father, James D. Nelson, Sr., who pastored at Greater Bethlehem Temple Church in Baltimore, Maryland for 3 decades, and a twin brother, Stellar award winning songwriter, Jonathan Nelson, who established a respectable career as an artist and worship leader.
Once Jason developed his artistic impact backed by his gift of singing at G.B.T.C, he dropped scriptural nuggets sometimes blending older school R&B, including the breakthrough hit, “Shifting the Atmosphere” and his First Listen debut in 2021, “Residue.” Yet, while sustaining a recording resume earning the respect of critics and crossing over to the Billboard 200 and Top Gospel Songs, it was Jason’s self-confidence that allowed him in 2007 to accept the spiritual baton of G.B.T.C. from his father.
Continuing the First Listen holiday focuses, Jason returns with an original Christmas contribution, “Shepherd’s Song” (Jaelyn Song Music/Fair Trade Services). Surrounded by a snap your finger spunk, Jason acknowledges the greatest gift ever that started in a manger long ago:
“Before there ever was, a gift under a tree/
Without a melody, or carol we could sing/
The shepherds, through faith believed/
Messiah, the King of kings/
A child, born to bring salvation/
For you and me.”
In a change of pace from Jason’s previous singles, Jerome Baylor (who also co-wrote and co-produced Residue) sits in the production chair, crafting a light-hearted soundtrack tossing in big band jazz tidbits with brass, rhythm guitar, bass and subdued drums. And Jason’s silky tenor wraps this hopeful sentiment during the crazy around this season. Check it out!
By Peggy Oliver
