Iromeio Nelson was born 1th March, 1902 in Springfield, Tennessee, although he moved to Chicago at the age of six. He also spent some time in East St. Louis for a time in the early 1920’s, which is where it is said that he learned to play the piano. He spent most of his life playing piano at rent parties throughout the city, although he is also said to have also supported himself by gambling.
1929 saw him make his only recordings for ‘Vocalion Records’ which included ‘Head Rag Hop’ with Tampa Red and Frankie Jaxon. He was known for playing boogie woogie at breakneck speed, often taking existing numbers and speeding them up greatly in live performances.
Romeo Nelson dies from renal failure in May 1974, Chicago, Illinois.
| Romeo Nelson (Title) | |
| Dyin’ Rider Blues Head Rag Hop Gettin’ Dirty Just Shakin’ That Thing Getting Dirty 1129 Blues (The Midnight Special) Wilkins Street Stomp Head Rag Boogie Head Rag Nop Rag Head Hop |