Arzell Nelson was born in the"City of the Seven Hills", Cincinnati, Ohio(also known as, "Little Italy").
In 1981,he received the "Kool Jazz Festival Award" for his original musical "Little Boy Jazz" performed at the "Tony Award Winning" Playhouse In the Park Marx
Theater.
Arzell has opened up on stage with such artist, such as, Stanley Turntine, Jeff Lober, Hiroshima, Phylis Hymen(in the 80's he produced a concert video of Phylis Hymen), Philip Bailey, George Dukes, Freddie Hubbard and David Valentine(flute) . As a composer, PapaZell has written 5 musicals and over 300 songs. His earlier recordings were recorded during the mid 70's in New York City at Columbia Records.
During the 80's & 90's Arzell promoted concerts, such as, Freddie Jackson, Melba Moore, Whispers, Barry White,Prince, Huey Lewis & The News, Destiny Child, Jagged Edge, John B, De Barge, Stevie Wonder,Gil Scott Heron,Richie Havens and the "COORS & BUDWEISER JAZZ EXPLOSION CONCERT SERIES".

Arzell "Papazell" Nelson

Arzell Nelson retired as the Executive Director of Cincinnati Human Relations Commission in 1998.During his career with the Commission,Arzell was presented the key to the City of Cincinnati by three different Mayors.The Governor George Voinovich of Ohio recognized his work by proclamation on two different occasions for civic leadership and for promoting cultural diversity. President Clinton recognized Arzell with two letters of appreciation for service rendered.
In addition, just to name a few, he received other awards such as:
* BRIDGES for a Just Community's "The Berry/Gottschalk Award".
*Theodore Berry Leadership Award, "Mark of Excellence Award".
*National Forum for Black Public Administrators" Mark of Excellence Award"
*Culan's Humanitarian Award
*Ukraine Department of State's, "A.C. Makapehko Award"
*Miami Purchasing Association's "Multicultural Award"
*City of Shreveport,Louisiana's "Key To The City" for developing their Human Relations Commission.

Arzell Nelson was born in the"City of the Seven Hills", Cincinnati, Ohio(also known as, "Little Italy"). He attended Burdett Elementary, Sawyer Jr. High, Indian Hill High, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Bible Seminary and The Cincinnati Theological Seminary(AB).He was greatly influenced by his parents(Willie & Parrie) and grandmother(Nettie). His father made his first instrument...a bamboo flute(at age 5). At the age of 5, his father introduced Arzell to the violin,drums and piano.
In 1981,he received the "Kool Jazz Festival Award" for his original musical "Little Boy Jazz" performed at the "Tony Award Winning" Playhouse In the Park Marx
Theater.
Arzell has opened up on stage with such artist, such as, Stanley Turntine, Jeff Lober, Hiroshima, Phylis Hymen(in the 80's he produced a concert video of Phylis Hymen), Philip Bailey, George Dukes, Freddie Hubbard and David Valentine(flute) . As a composer, PapaZell has written 5 musicals and over 300 songs. His earlier recordings were recorded during the mid 70's in New York City at Columbia Records. His music compositional work at that time was of contemporary style and most of his music arrangements were of the disco/dance genres.
During the 80's & 90's Arzell promoted concerts, such as, Freddie Jackson, Melba Moore, Whispers, Barry White,Prince, Huey Lewis & The News, Destiny Child, Jagged Edge, John B, De Barge, Stevie Wonder,Gil Scott Heron,Richie Havens and the "COORS & BUDWEISER JAZZ EXPLOSION CONCERT SERIES".