JEFFERSON, Texas (KTAL/KMSS) — One of the most accomplished professional musicians in East Texas is being celebrated with the dedication of a historical plaque in his hometown of Jefferson.
Born in Jefferson in 1913, H. Stedman “Steady” Nelson began taking music lessons as a child and studied throughout his teenage years.
Steady was determined to pursue a career performing jazz and swing music and relocated to Houston to seek opportunities in the music industry.
In Houston, a veteran trumpet player from Beaumont encouraged Steady to move to New York in order to play with the nation’s leading big bands.
Downtown Texarkana hosts free Wings and Blues Festival
Steady married his wife, Ruth “Ezy” Ezel Nelson, shortly after, and they moved to New York City together.
His career flourished, and he performed with some of the most notable orchestras and bandleaders of the swing era, including Jimmy Dorsey, Hal McIntyre, Gene Krupa, and Woody Herman’s original herd.
Steady earned a reputation as one of the most respected and accomplished trumpet players in the country and later moved to Los Angeles, joining the NBC Orchestra.
At a time when swing and big band music were “pop” music in America, he was one of the notable and elite musicians in the genre.
After touring and performing for years, Nelson became a successful accountant but continued to play jazz swing and contemporary music for the rest of his life.
H. Stedman “Steady” Nelson died in 1988, but his legacy and dedication continue to inspire musicians and music lovers.
Clive Davis, music industry giant, dies
To recognize his contributions to American music, Steady will be honored with a historical marker in Jefferson. The ceremony will be followed by a special big band concert celebrating the music he excelled at playing.
The festivities will also include an announcement that Steady has been selected as a Texas Music Pioneer by the Texas State Historical Association. The distinction recognizes his role in preserving and advancing Texas’ musical heritage.
Community leaders, historians, musicians, and residents are invited to participate in the celebration of a native Jeffersonian who used his talents to grace the stages of America’s most famous orchestras.
Exploring Historic Jefferson, Texas: 77th Annual Pilgrimage Tour
Hosted by the Opera House Theatre Players, the marker dedication takes place at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 3, 2026, downtown in Mead Park, followed by a reception at Green Gables Bed and Breakfast Inn next door.
The Sounds of Swing will perform the big band concert at 7 p.m. in the Visitor Center on Austin Street. Concert tickets are $20 per person and are available online, by email, or by calling
(903) 665-8243 or (903) 926-2760.
You can now stream KTAL 6 and KMSS 33 News live 24/7 on your smart TV with KTAL Now, our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite needed—watch for free, anytime. Just download it on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming.
More Local News
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.