Phillip Nelson

Phillip William Nelson (born February 27, 1986) is an American model, actor, novelist, singer and activist. He rose to fame with his television series Human Desires, his 2012 debut album Fragments, and his 2012 modeling campaign for Calvin Klein.

1986-2010: Early life and struggles
Nelson was born in Durant, Oklahoma; his father is Native American and his mother is of English descent. Due to his mother's death he was raised by his father. He is the youngest of three children, his brother John Fred Nelson Jr. and sister Sharon Dean Nelson. In 2001, his father died from cancer causing him to be emancipated by state of Oklahoma when he was fifteen years of age. Being disowned by a majority of family for his sexual orientation, he learned to survive on his own. In 2005, Nelson graduated high school from Pryor, Oklahoma, later receiving his college degree in Contemporary Dance from the New York Performing Arts Center. In 2009, Nelson wanted to return to college to pursue a degree in acting, at Rogers State University in Claremore, Oklahoma. In 2010, Nelson was brutally attacked for his sexual orientation in Oklahoma. After fighting the legal services Nelson entered the public eye campaigning for LGBT rights becoming one of the many faces for the gay community. Standing for equality, he can be seen in the PBS Documentary Out in America. In 2011, he moved to Hollywood, California where he expanded his modeling, acting, and singing careers.

2007-present: Calvin Klein, Think Green Recycling, and City Models
Prior to moving to Hollywood, California, Nelson maintained his modeling career. He started modeling in 2007 while he lived in New York City. Since then, he has appeared in numerous print campaigns across the globe. In 2011, his modeling career expanded to working with Calvin Klein, Banana Republic, as well as campaigns for the Think Green Recycling and Marriage Equality. He was featured in GQ Magazine (June 2011) and a five page spread in Lifestyles for Men Fall Fashion 2011, as well as many other publications. Also during 2011, Nelson signed with Model Scout in Los Angeles, was a featured model in Fashion Week runway, guest appearance on America's Top Model Cycle 18 UK vs. USA, and was a recipient of Starlight Production's male model of the year award. In 2012, he signed with City Model Management in San Francisco, California where he continues to pursue his modeling career.

2011- present: Human Desires, Ricky, and more
Nelson first started acting at a young age. He stated that acting was always a part of his life, whether it was in front of a mirror as a child or on the stage as an adult. In 2009 Nelson made his acting debut as supporting actor in Dracula: The Ballet in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Two years later, in 2011, he expanded his acting career to new levels by landing the lead role in the United Kingdom LGBT series, Human Desires. He can be seen in 2011's "Scary Tales: Cinderella Episode, " where he plays the dancer in pink. While exploring his acting career, he was featured in various music videos such as Nick Cannon's "If I Die Young" and Benni Cinkle's "Can You See Me Now ." Late 2011, Nelson signed a contract with Loffer Studios for the the lead role in the feature film Ricky (an autobiography on the life of Hollywood legend Ricky Nelson). The release date for Ricky is scheduled to be Fall 2013. In 2012, he signed a contract with Magic Empire productions for the lead role in the comedy feature, Route 66 Experience  (filming to begin Spring 2013). Also in 2012, Nelson appeared in the short film Dean where he plays Hollywood legend James Dean.

2009-present: Leaf in the Wind (A Memoir)
Nelson is preparing to release the novel Leaf in the Wind: The Lie, Life, and Truth, A Memoir by Phillip Nelson . For the promotion of his memoir, he released the lead single "Feel" from his debut album Fragments, which is also a soundtrack for his memoir. This made him the first novelist in history to release a soundtrack for a novel. In a 2012 interview with Fearless Radio, Nelson announced that his novel will be released Spring 2013. The novel is based on his philosophical values of life and self discovery as he reveals the extensive sexual, physical, and emotional abuse he has overcome.

2011-present: Fragments, A Little Christmas, and Third Album
On October 11, 2011 Nelson signed with the independent record label, Fireburst Entertainment. After signing with the label he released a teaser single of "Someone Like You," by Adele, as well as a teaser music video. After which, Fireburst released a 5 track limited edition EP "Heartache to Love: The Covers." In 2012, Nelson released three charity singles: "On My Mind," "Titanium," and Disney's "Part of Your World. " All proceeds from the charity singles were donated to the charitable causes within Nelson's organization, Share a Little Love. Shortly after, he released his first official single "Feel," on April 5, 2012. "Feel" became Nelson’s first #1 hit, surpassing 300,000+ single sales within two weeks. After the release of "Feel," Nelson released his debut album Fragments  on April 12, 2012. He received critical success and praise worldwide, making him the highest grossing artist with Fireburst Entertainment. On April 23, 2012, Nelson recorded his first concert, Fragments: Unplugged (The Live Sessions). The Deluxe Edition to Fragments was released on June 22, 2012 which contains a listing of 28 tracks (29 on digital format) and a music video. Fragments sold 450,000+ copies to date. On September 29, 2012, Nelson released a new version of "Someone Like You," for the one year anniversary of being with Fireburst Entertainment. He announced that his second studio album, A Little Christmas, will be released on November 2, 2012. It is rumored that his third studio album, Review My Kisses, will be released in December 2013. Nelson was awarded the Outstanding Achievement award by Fireburst Entertainment.

2010-present: Share a Little Love
Nelson is a philanthropist who has donated time and money to organizations such as the Nature Conservancy and more. In 2010, Nelson began his charity organization, Share a Little Love. The organization educates awareness for: the Human Rights Campaign, the Think Green: Recycling Foundation, Animal Rights, Children Against Child Abuse, Amnesty International, Rape and Victim Awareness, and many other charitable organizations. He stated that he plans to launch the organization's first building in 2013-2014. In September 2012, Nelson announced that his organization was in remembrance of his fiancé, Russell Winnigston.

Discography
Other Albums - Singles:

Music videos
 * "Someone Like You" (2011) - Teaser Music Video
 * "Feel"(2012)