Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals bassist Juan Nelson has died at the age of 62
Nelson joined the group in 1994.
Ben Harper (L) and Juan Nelson. Image: Scott Dudelson / Getty
Juan Nelson, bass player for Ben Harper And The Innocent Criminals, has died at the age of 62. No cause of death is known at present.
Ben Harper shared the news on Twitter, writing: “Beloved husband, father, musical genius, BHIC band member of 27 years, and the finest man I’ve ever known. It’s near impossible for me to put words to this pain and loss. Rest In Glory our beloved Reverend Juan.”
Juan D. Nelson
August 24, 1958-June 9, 2021
Beloved husband, father, musical genius, BHIC band member of 27 years, and the finest man I've ever known.
It's near impossible for me to put words to this pain and loss.
Rest In Glory our beloved Reverend Juan
.
.
.
Photo @gavinconaty pic.twitter.com/8nWxe4GlyM— Ben Harper (@BenHarper) June 10, 2021
Harper also shared that “In lieu of flowers the family set up their own GoFundMe page,” in order to help with expenses, including remaining medical bills. You can see the GoFundMe here.
Juan D. Nelson
August 24, 1958-June 9, 2021In lieu of flowers the family set up their own GoFundMe page.https://t.co/EQlIr6NndH
— Ben Harper (@BenHarper) June 12, 2021
Nelson became part of Harper’s band in 1994. In addition to the Innocent Criminals, he also toured, performed, or recorded with artists such as Vesta Williams, All For One, Tower of Power, Sun Bear, Neal Larson, Big Advice, Yanni, and more.
Aside from playing bass, Nelson was also a producer, composer, and songwriter, with writing credits on tracks from 1995’s Fight for Your Mind, 2003’s Diamonds On The Inside, 2006’s Both Sides Of The Gun, and 2007’s Lifeline.
