Nelson, Romeo
(1902–1974)> PIANIST · GUITARIST
Nelson, Romeo Iromeio Nelson, 12 March 1902; Springfield, TN – 17 May 1974; Chicago, IL Pianist whose 1929–1930 Vocalion recordings show him influenced by Pine Top Smith and Clarence Williams. At age six he moved with his family to Chicago, then at thirteen to East St. Louis, where he learned to play the piano. From the 1920s into the 1940s, he performed at house rent parties, but seldom in clubs and taverns. He supplemented his performing income through gambling. His Vocalion sessions came…