Steve Nelson

Steve Nelson (born August 11, 1954) is an American jazz vibraphonist and marimba player. In addition to his solo work, Nelson is known for collaborating since the 1990s with bassist Dave Holland's Quintet and Big Band.

Nelson graduated from Rutgers University with both bachelor's and master's degrees in music, and his teaching activities have included positions at Princeton University, Montclair State University, and William Paterson University. He has appeared at concerts and festivals worldwide and has made recordings as the leader of his own group. He has performed and recorded with Kenny Barron, Bobby Watson, Mulgrew Miller, David "Fathead" Newman, Johnny Griffin, and Jackie McLean.

In 2023, he appeared in Nathan Siegelaub and Ania Gruszczyńska's short documentary film Sparni, which was produced for the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and followed one of his students from Montclair, young aspiring vibraphonist Pierce "Sparni" Sparnroft. Some scenes in the film depict Nelson instructing Sparni while on campus.