You’ve Been Listening to Musician Marty Nelson for Years. You Just Didn’t Know It

The former Manhattan Transfer member—and jingle composer, and background vocalist for Frank Sinatra—has a new album out.

Close-up shot of musician Marty Nelson.
Marty Nelson's newest self-produced album, Time Comes. Time Goes, is out now. Photo courtesy of Marty Nelson

After a decades-long career in the music industry, Marty Nelson felt it was the right time to produce and release his first solo album in 10 years. 

Nelson—an original member of the Manhattan Transfer, the Grammy Award-winning jazz vocal group—grew up in Neptune during the 1960s. The now-72-year-old had no idea that his high school gym class—with E Street Band bass player Garry Tallent, drummer Vini “Mad Dog” Lopez and singer John “Southside Johnny” Lyon—would one day produce a new wave of rock musicians. 

“I don’t know what’s in the water down in Neptune, but all these people ended up in the music business, which is pretty funny,” says Nelson, who now lives in Spring Lake.  

The album, Time Comes. Time Goes, blends his first love, bluegrass, with progressive rock. His songs reflect on experiences he’s had throughout his life, from a near-deadly car accident to his romantic encounters. 

You may recognize his voice from his successful career in jingles. He has written and sung on commercials for big brands such as Coca-Cola and McDonald’s. Nelson has also sung background vocals for Frank Sinatra.  

“You’ve been listening to [me] sing for more than 30 years,” he jokes. “You just never knew it!”  

Listen to Nelson’s music and watch his new music videos on his website and on YouTube.

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