We recently connected with Bernie Nelson and have shared our conversation below.

Bernie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I was blessed to always be in the presence of greatness. Learning from them the craft of songwriting and song plugging as well.

Bernie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My first contact with major country songwriters was while being produced by Robert Byrne ( Stranger In My House) and Mac McAnnly ( Two Dozen Roses) in Muscle Shoals. That opened doors in Nashville for me and I moved there in 1984.
Signing with MCA Music. Which allowed me to be around and learn from Don Schlitz ( The Gambler) and others like Paul Overstreet ( When You Say Nothing At All). Many more teachers would take me under their wings. Legends. Hall of Fame writers and producers.
With over 30 million records sold with versions of my songs on them by Kenny Chesney. Randy Travis, Kris Kristofferson, Trace Atkins, Willie Nelson, Wynonna, Chris Ledoux and many more, I continue to learn the craft now here in Texas.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

My first song recorded was by a group called The Whites on MCA records. My songplugger wouldnt Pitch my song to them thinking it was too country. I ended up finding a way to pitch it myself. It was my first cut, first title track and first single.
Never rely on one person to accomplish your dreams

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Hall of Fame writer Allen Shamblin is featured on the 700 Club with a piece called ” The Faith That Built Me.” Among other country standards Allen cowrote ” The House That Built Me “. This video is a must see for every aspiring or struggling veteran songwriter.

Contact Info:

• Website: bernienelson.com
• Instagram: Bnelsonmusicman
• Facebook: Bernie Nelson Music
• Twitter: @bernie_nelson
• Other: Email [email protected]

Image Credits
Bernie Nelson