John L. Nelson was an American musician and the father of the famous artist Prince. He was born on June 29, 1916, in Louisiana and later moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota. Nelson was a skilled jazz musician, primarily known for playing the trumpet and piano. He contributed to the local music scene and influenced his son's musical journey. In addition to his musical career, John L. Nelson worked as a chef and was involved in various community activities. He had a significant impact on Prince's early life, encouraging his interest in music and creativity. Nelson passed away on August 25, 2001.