Sandy Nelson's song "Teen Beat" rose to #4 on the charts in 1959. Subsequen… Read Full Bio ↴Sandy Nelson's song "Teen Beat" rose to #4 on the charts in 1959. Subsequently he signed with the Imperial label and pounded out two more Top 40 hits, "Let There Be Drums", which went to #3 in Britain, and "Drums Are My Beat". All three were instrumentals (a feat seldom, if ever, repeated).
Sander L Nelson was born on 1 December 1938 in Santa Monica, California. He attended high school with Jan Berry, Dean Torrence (who together became Jan and Dean), and Kim Fowley. After gaining respect as a session drummer, he played on such well-known songs as "To Know Him Is To Love Him" (Phil Spector's Teddy Bears, 1958), "Alley-Oop" (The Hollywood Argyles, 1960), "A Thousand Stars" (Kathy Young and the Innocents, 1960) and more.
Nelson continued to record into the early 1970s.
Sander L Nelson was born on 1 December 1938 in Santa Monica, California. He attended high school with Jan Berry, Dean Torrence (who together became Jan and Dean), and Kim Fowley. After gaining respect as a session drummer, he played on such well-known songs as "To Know Him Is To Love Him" (Phil Spector's Teddy Bears, 1958), "Alley-Oop" (The Hollywood Argyles, 1960), "A Thousand Stars" (Kathy Young and the Innocents, 1960) and more.
Nelson continued to record into the early 1970s.
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Marlena Linne
THIS, my friends, is how to play the drums. This record hit the charts in 1959, when I was 15 years old, and we couldn't believe what we were hearing. Oh, there were the vocal or guitar megahits, but never anything like this. It was incredible. I bought the 45 and still have it.
Daniel's Den
Born in 1958. The best!
Daphne S
I was born in ‘65 and grew up with a vast eclectic array of music thanks to my mother. Today I still love it all, but the 60s and 70s own my heart. Nothing today comes close.
Paul Waelder
I was 14 and having it on a LP (33 tpm) with colorful Las Vegas cover.
Pam Grimm
I was 13. Didn’t we have some great instrumentals? I think I bought the 45, too!
Pam Grimm
Oh boy, I LOVED Teen Beat! And it still sounds great today. So proud of my son, who became such a good drummer.
Ed Halfen
As a 65 year old drummer getting back into it, I realize all my go-to riffs are from Sandy. Kudos and thanks to Mr.Nelson...
Marakesh7
One of my teenage heroes. Always bought his records as they were released. Great drum sound and unique.
Robbie Russell
ive been a self taught drummer since early 60s. thanks to Sandy Nelson, John Bonham, Cozy Powel, and ALEX Van Halen.GOD BLESS THEM ALL!.
David Walsh
Man you nailed it with those 4 still to this day Jan. 8 2023