biography
“He’s a tremendous talent who deserves to be seen. My family and I have been in Country music since I was 10 years old. When I see talent like Jake, it’s only right to help him out like I was helped. He is a legitimate country talent, plus, his politeness strikes you – He respects people and he respects who he is!” (Mr. Don Jesser, Professional Rodeo Announcer, PRCA, Antelope Valley Press, 05/07/07)
Although he is not a rodeo competitor, Jacob Nelson is a huge Rodeo Fan and huge Country Music Fan. He has been singing for the Showdown Rodeo for the past 6 years. To give back to the “All-American” institution that has given him so many opportunities, Jake wrote, copyrighted, and recorded an original song about the “Rodeo Experience”. The upbeat, honky-tonk song titled “Just Can’t Wait” was debuted at the Showdown Rodeo on May 31, 2007. The song was met with overwhelming enthusiasm and support. “Just Can’t Wait” has received radio play both on the FM radio market as well as on the internet. Jake was the Featured Artist of the Night on WBRF, North Carolina, with the Night Rider, Bruce Hodges. To further promote the rodeo experience, Jake also produced a music video to accompany the song – it was featured on the Antelope Valley Today television show.
Mrs. Pam Zamrzla, wife of Showdown Rodeo Organizer Johnny Zamrzla, said, “Everytime I listen to it (Just Can’t Wait) I hear more of the words and realize their meaning. I can see this playing on CMT (Country Music Television) and I am not impressed with a lot of stuff – He has outdone himself!” (Antelope Valley Press)
Jake started singing the National Anthem to open the rodeo 6 years ago. “It is SO cool and such an honor to stand in the rodeo arena in front of 5000 patriotic rodeo fans and sing the Anthem”, said Jake. “I really like it when people tell me that I made the hair on back of their neck stand up!!!”
Jake’s CD, “Just Can’t Wait” was released May 31st, the opening day of the 2007 Showdown Rodeo. The CD includes “Just Can’t Wait”, “Burning Love”, “The National Anthem”, and “Just Can’t Wait – Showdown Rodeo Version”. The CD can be downloaded from iTunes or purchased on Jake’s Website (www.jacobnelson.com).
Jake sends out a very special thank you to Mr. Monroe Conner and The Honky Tonk Truckers (www.honkytonktruckers.com) for being such awesome musicians and backing him up in the studio making his CD!
“I am so extremely grateful to Mr. Johnny Zamrzla, the Showdown Rodeo Committee, and Mr. and Mrs. Don Jesser, for all of the opportunities they have given me”, says Jake. Not only have they given Jake the opportunity to sing at their rodeo, they have also made it possible for Jacob to sing at other events. Jake had the opportunity to sing for 3 nights at the Gold Coast Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was a guest of and sang with Susie Dobbs and the Way Out West Band (www.susiedobbs.com). He also sang at the Thomas and Mack Center for an event at the National Rodeo Finals (NFR) in Las Vegas.
Jake is a member of both the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA). He has been in several television commercials including spots for Mervyn’s, JetBlue Airlines, Toon Disney, and others. He has also appeared as Young Andy in the sitcom “According to Jim”, and he has Co-Starred on three episodes of the hit Nickelodeon show “Zoey 101”. Jake was cast as “Brett”, one of the lead roles in the workshop for the new musical “13” written by Dan Elish and Jason Robert Brown. He has done Voice Over radio spots for Hewlett Packard and Paramount’s Kings Island.
Jake has been singing since a very early age. He has gained experience singing in front of small and large crowds singing at several community and charity events. He had the opportunity to sing the National Anthem for Governor Arnold Schwarzennager. He has had the opportunity to sing, on several occasions, for US Congressman Howard “Buck” McKeon. He was also invited to sing at the Universal Sheraton for the Los Angeles Police Department’s Jack Webb Awards Ceremony. Other singing events include Kids’ Fest, United Way Telethon, Valley Oasis Amigas Charity, Support the Troops Rally, Welcome Home Vietnam Vets Ceremony, Make A Joyful Noise I, II, III, IV, and other charity events.
Balancing school (he will start his sophomore year of high school) with acting and singing is tough, but he understands that his education is priority one.
Jacob is often asked how he got started singing and if he has any advice to offer young singers. Jake started singing Karaoke at a local restaurant. He became involved with community theatre. An opportunity presented itself when a band failed to show at the Antelope Valley Fair. Jake took the stage to fill in! His performance was so well received, that he was asked to come back the following night and sing again. His advice is to always be prepared and to never pass up an opportunity to sing. Be grateful for the opportunities presented to you, and to always be prepared and to work hard at what you do. He also believes in giving back. “It is a lot of hard work and it does not happen over night”.
Jacob intends to pursue his singing, but he also wants to be a pilot!!!
Jacob Nelson is 15 Years Old!!