Henry was born in Ocala, Florida January 10, 1930. Henry’s first encounter with sacred steel guitar music was through Willie Eason, who later became Henry’s brother-in-law. Henry learned Willie’s style and began to add his own touch to it. His praise music became the foundation of what is considered by many to be true House of God praise music.

Henry’s up- tempo, driving one chord style is what aroused the church congregations to a state of spiritual ecstasy.

Henry enjoyed singing “Just a closer walk with thee” as he played his steel guitar while dazzling his audience in the process. He shared the stage with several gospel greats such as Rosetta Tharpe. Henry also played steel behind the legendary gospel great Mahalia Jackson, in New York at the Columbia recording studio.

The song was titled “To me it’s so wonderful. Henry was inducted into the Sacred Steel Hall of Fame in 2011. Henry Randolph Nelson passed away April 8, 2001.​