About
Dr. Phil N. Nelson, H.C., Lh.D.
9 TIME AWARD WINNING RADIO PERSONALITY
2024 Honorary Doctorate Degree of International Humanities
2023 Honorary Doctorate Degree of Philosophy
2023 The Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award
2023 Kellys Choice Cares Humanitarian Award
2016 Black Men Rock Radio Icon Award
2014 Black Men Rock Best Radio Host/Radio Legend
2014 Nominated by the SEVAA , Men in the Arts
2008 Shared Stella Award WHUR 96.3 Washington DC
1998 Billboard Magazine Broadcaster of the Week
Born in Newport News Virginia, Phil Nelson had a dream at the age of 12 of being in journalism as a radio or televison broadcaster. He was the Dj of his first party in 1973 for his 13th birthday. From that point on, he developed a love for the music and the mechanics of using a turntable, a mic, a cassette player and a record player. Did I mention it was one of those 3 in one units. He spent 20 of his 40 years in broadcasting in the Hampton Roads Area (Norfolk and Virginia Beach) where he began his career at “WOWI 103” in 1984. From 1985 to 1993, he stepped into an interim role as music director and assistant program director in addition to his on air show for WOWI “103 Jamz”, “Touch 96.1” and “WMYK-94”.
Eager to prove himself in the business, his versatility earned him the coveted role as host of the station’s signature show “The Quiet Storm”. An overnight success, Phil Nelson quickly became a household name and a ratings generating machine for the station. Consistently maintaining the number one spot year after year, he soon caught the attention of the local news media. Both the Daily Press and the Virginian Pilot eagerly interviewed him, but his big break came when the local NBC affiliate WAVY/TV-10, requested a television interview to introduce Phil Nelson to Hampton Roads and in effect “put a face to the man behind The Quiet Storm”.
EARLY YEARS
His appearance on WAVY TV-10 opened up other doors for Phil Nelson such as providing him his television debut as news correspondent of a weekly segment called “You missed it News. As he established himself as a unique on-air personality, Phil Nelson soon became the talk of the radio industry.
From 1994-1999 he was featured in an exclusive in Billboard Magazine for his longevity and consistent ratings success in his market. In 1999, as the success of “The Quiet Storm” continued, he was given another show which he affectionately named “Pillow Talk” which debuted on Vibe 105.3 & 107.7. In spite of having his own show, Phil Nelson had a nostalgic longing for the show that launched his career and in 2002, when “The Quiet Storm” was moved from WOWI 103 Jamz to Vibe 105.3 management then decided to move him back “home” to the show he built and made number one.
In 2004, he left Hampton Roads and relocated to Northern Virginia. His talent and reputation soon caught the eye of the prestigious WHUR radio in Washington DC where he was the on-air personality for the overnight shift 12am-6am and The Quiet Storm fill in for 8 years. In 2019 he was picked up by Radio One Washington for on air weekends at Praise 104.1. Always involved in the community, Phil Nelson has contributed as guest speaker at several Historically Black Colleges and Universities such as Hampton University and Norfolk State University to name a few. He also received the United Negro College Fund Meritorious Service Award and the U.S. Naval Air Station Meritorious Service Award for his work with black colleges and universities during Black History month. In 1998 he was featured in Billboard Magazine. The year 2008 he shared the coveted Stellar Award for one of the best gospel shows on WHUR 96.3 in Washington DC. In 2014, he was nominated by the SEVAA Southeastern Virginia Arts Association, Man of the Arts. Also, in 2014 winning the Best Radio Host/Radio Legend Award, and in 2016, awarded the Radio Icon honor issued by the 4th Annual Black Men Rock Image Awards. Then in 2023 awarded The Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award issued by Connectional Ministries and Mission 2000 and G Paris Media Group along with the Founders of the National R&B Music Society, The Kellys Choice Award, The Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy in general studies, and in 2024 The Honorary Doctorate of International Humanities. His passion for radio and wanting to celebrate the radio careers of those in the business and the legends, prompted him to become the founder and chairman of The Hampton Roads Black Radio Announcers Assosciation, Norfolk Va. and the President Of The National Black Radio Hall of Fame, Virginia Chapter in St. Louis Mo.
As one of the highest rated evening personalities from Hampton Roads, Phil Nelson is humble and modest about his success. A single man/family-oriented man and deeply spiritual, he attributes his success to his faith and God. Since retiring from full time radio in 2020, he believes that his steps lead him to the next chapter of starting his own voice media business “Nelson Media & Investments/Mr. FM Productions. Taking his voice used on countless commercials and advertising over the years on radio, to providing imaging, custom drops, and voice overs for all occasions through his own voice over business. If you have a need for professional voice services for your Event, Radio or TV Station, DJ Drops, or even personal use, let Nelson Media Investments provide the voice of your product.