Matthew and Gunnar Nelson are back on the charts. Gunnar Nelson calls Franklin home and was recently featured on Celebrity Wife Swap where a scene was filmed in downtown Franklin. The title track from their new holiday album This Christmas (Stone Canyon Records/Digitally Sound Records) hits #17 on adult contemporary radio and #6 on the holiday music chart. Proceeds from the song are being donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, which is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
“We’ve been changed men ever since our first visit to the St Jude Children’s Research Hospital a decade ago. It’s a humbling, inspiring experience. What struck us is that everyone at St. Jude truly CARES. No child is ever turned away due to an inability to pay. There’s nothing like it in the world…it’s simply magical. So, we’re stepping up and getting into the spirit of giving that makes Christmas so special. We have committed to donating 100% of our profits from the download sales of our current holiday single ‘This Christmas’ to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. We are honored to be allies in hope and healing with our family and friends at St. Jude. We hope the mood and our music move fans to get involved, contribute and support St. Jude,” said Matthew and Gunnar.
Written by Matthew, Gunnar, Michael Bonagura from Baillie & the Boys and his daughter Alyssa Bonagura, who also contributed vocals, “This Christmas” features a unique narrative twist.
“It’s a challenge to write a Christmas song that’s not like something people have heard a million times before,” said Gunnar. “So we started talking about this concept of two best friends that realize, on the night of miracles, that actually they’re in love with each other and always have been. If miracles can happen on Christmas, maybe that’s the night people in love can risk telling each other.”
This Christmas, Matthew and Gunnar’s first-ever holiday album, is available digitally on iTunes and Amazon and in stores. More than just a collection of holiday songs, the album, which was produced by Matthew and Gunnar, affirms the power of their unique bond and family heritage.
“In addition to our original single ‘This Christmas,’ we were able to rearrange Christmas classics that people the world over have loved like family members for generations,” said Matthew. “We’ve made them sound fresh and new while at the same time respecting their integrity and history. We’re absolutely thrilled with the results, and hope our listeners will be too,” added Gunnar.
