Candy Rocks
Whether performing for children, the elderly, or any generation in between, Candy Nelson has been bringing audiences to their feet for the past 25 years. In addition to superb technical skill and phenomenal vocal range, Candy has a captivating and evocative stage presence that can break your heart, fill your soul with joy, or make you fall in love. She has not only entertained, but enriched, given joy, and lovingly brought back wonderful memories to tens-of-thousands in venues as diverse as the PNC Bank Arts Center to military bases, life-event receptions and healthcare / assisted-living facilities.
I can do anything in my imagination - I can be anyone in my own creation - Candy Nelson singing in Darly the Dolphin & Friends
A dancer since age nine, Candy studied ballet, toe, jazz, tap, and Hawaiian with Joyce Christiano, protégé of Bob Fosse. She merited her place performing with The Joyce-ettes, a traveling dance troupe, which earned Candy the distinguished two-year service pin for entertaining the troops at Fort Dix, New Jersey. She went on to win numerous competitions in New Jersey including the Garden State Arts Center Talent Expo where she was awarded the top prize by host and Broadway dancer Ben Vereen. By the age of 14, she was accepted into the prestigious New Jersey Ballet Company.
With a passion for singing equal to her passion for dance, Candy auditioned for the Dayton Chorale, a classical singing group. Instantly accepted, she helped them to place second in the World Classical Competition in Ottawa, Canada. That success and recognition lead to a record and a variety of appearances on local and national TV.
Not one to sit idle too long, Candy took her newfound love of singing and performing on the road. Going from classical to rock, she formed and fronted a band that developed a strong following in the Florida club scene. Goldyrocks performed at The Burt Reynolds Dinner Theater and won the coveted Battle of the Bands at Sunfest in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Moving to New York, she spent years of vocal training with voice coach Dennis Kiser and went on to form The Candy Rockmore Group with keyboardist Randy Ledet. They established themselves as one of the most sought after and prominent bands on the East Coast club circuit. Voiceovers, studio, and commercial work quickly followed.
Overwhelming enthusiasm and response from children was received at their popular beach shows. Inspired by the natural attraction children have towards her, Candy – together with Randy – turned their attention to children’s’ music. They danced, laughed, and sang their way to produce Darly the Dolphin and Friends, a children’s CD that includes three original, fun loving songs, along with modern and inventive versions of some old, well-loved classics. From the Cajun slant of “This Old Man” to the heavy metal guitar riff on “Do Your Ears Hang Low?”, Darly the Dolphin and Friends is enjoyed by parents along with their kids. The songs impart self-esteem, friendship, as well as exposing children to different styles of music, instruments, and harmonies, all the while captivating, entertaining, and inspiring them. Candy says “I want children to learn to believe in themselves, to dream, to strive for greatness, and have joy and love in their souls.”
I want children to learn to believe in themselves, to dream, to strive for greatness, and have joy and love in their souls. - Candy Nelson
In 2016, Candy earned her Associates Degree in Education K-12 in addition to her Bachelors Degree in Psychology with Magna Cum Laude Honors from Montclair State University in Montclair New Jersey. Candy finds that her educational background further connects her to generational audiences.
Candy has been described by self-proclaimed music critics as having the tonal quality of the great carburet singer Edith Piaf; the scale-range and "punch" of Janice Joplin; the vivaciousness and dancing chops of Ann Margaret, and the warm crooning qualities and sentimentality of Patsy Cline.
Entertaining and deeply touching people in all stages of life brings Candy as much richness as she gives. Candy is poised to continue to broaden her horizons. With her vast professional experience, talent, and creativity, Candy Nelson will be a great asset to every artistic endeavor she touches.