Sherrill “Shaun” Nielsen
DOB Unknown – December 10, 2010
Shaun Nielsen was a singer, songwriter, producer, and pianist who is perhaps best remembered for his time singing with Elvis Presley. Besides performing on stage with Presley, Nielsen dueted with him on “Softly As I Leave You,” which was nominated for a Grammy in 1978. It was during those years that he sang with Voice, the Gospel group who opened for Presley. Nielsen was also part of such Gospel groups as the Singing Speers, the Imperials, and the Statesmen. All were inducted into the Gospel Hall Of Fame, making Nielsen the only person to be done so three different times. Sherrill “Shaun” Nielsen died of cancer on December 10, 2010. He was 68.
Dear ones,
My dear friend Sherrill Nielsen passed away on Friday, December 10, 2010.
I met Sherrill’Shaun’Nielsen and his wife Brenda for the first time on a performance
in Zaffelaere, near Ghent, Belgium at the end of 2004 That is where we decided
to start with a Gospel Album. The first album “Jerry Deewood sings with and from
Shaun Nielsen” was released in 2006 at the premises of the fabulous Sun Studio,
Memphis, Tennessee, where all recordings took place. The album hit all major
websites worldwide and even became a 7 months long Top 20 Favorite and a
Hot Top CD Review of the Southern Gospel News, a worldauthority. Not long afterwards,
a new album was realized in the Kelley road Studio, Memphis Tenn. and released in 2010.
This album almost got the same title as the first but we added “& Friends. Again the
album was good for a worldwide interest and in an amazing good interview on
‘Blues Again’, I clearly stated that Sherrill had a major influence on my singing career
if not THE major influence. Each album was good for 7 songs of Sherrill and one
song from myself. So, we spent a lot of time together, in spite of his many obligations
and performances in the States and in Europe. On this occasions he performed as a
duo with his devoted wife Brenda.
It was a real pleasure to see how we figured out what must be done. As we got further
into association I experienced Sherrill as a man with a great sense of humour, giving
so much and never asking something back, but most of all I knew him as a brother in
arms. That’s what we really were: brothers in arms, for the good music from rock over
blues to gospel and for the good cause.
So, I’m asking myself over and over again: Sherrill why do you have to leave us so soon?
I know for sure, that I’m gonna miss you for the rest of my days. May the music we
made together, and the songs we sang together, be your legacy for all those who onderstand.
Your devoted friend,
Jerry Deewood Belgium
Thanks for stopping by and leaving your kind words, Jerry!
Vince
In memorial and best thoughts and wishes