About Ryan 'Gooch' Nelson


Gooch & The Motion deliver a unique blend of country, blues, and rock n’ roll straight out of South Jersey. Nine-time Grammy Award-winning producer Joe “The Butcher” Nicolo says, “They have a one-of-a-kind sound that also makes you nostalgic of artists you’ve listened to in the past.”

The band’s second studio album Outside the Window is out now and can be streamed everywhere HERE. The album showcases bandleader Ryan “Gooch” Nelson’s growth lyrically and musically since his debut release Comin’ Home. The energy and connection within the band is truly at all-time high!

Formed in 2016, Gooch & The Motion began as a rotation of many talented musicians from the Philadelphia and New Jersey-area. The core of the band has blossomed into a fully dedicated six-piece group that can connect with any audience ranging from a festival crowd to an intimate club. The Motion have performed with The Allman Brothers, Luther Dickinson, Lynryd Skynyrd, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Walter Trout, and the Zac Brown Band.

Listen to Gooch & The Motion


Stream 'Outside the Window'
Stream 'Comin' Home'
Stream 'Jam in the Van - Live Session'

“Faith powers South Jersey quadriplegic bluesman Ryan ‘Gooch’ Nelson”

Courier-Post

See Press for Gooch
Press

Faith powers South Jersey quadriplegic bluesman Ryan 'Gooch' Nelson

- Courier-Post
Watch Segment & Read Article

“Ryan “Gooch” Nelson, a quadriplegic and cancer survivor, talks about his latest album Outside the Window and how South Jersey became an inspiration for his music.”


Gooch & the Motion Perform ``Zodiac``

- PHL17 | Morning News
Watch Segment

“Ryan “Gooch” Nelson is a quadriplegic soulful blues artist from Woodstown, NJ, who was paralyzed in a car crash 16 years ago.

He has fought off cancer more than once, but still became an acclaimed musician, with a new album out and a documentary on his life coming out.”


After paralysis and cancer, Ryan Nelson finds his voice

- Delaware Online
Read Article

“Ryan “Gooch” Nelson will host album release concert at World Cafe Live at the Queen in Wilmington Thursday. Nelson, formerly of the blues band 61 North, is back with a new act: Gooch & The Motion.”


Ryan “Gooch” Nelson: Making music – no matter what

- SJ Magazine
Read Article

“Since his accident, Gooch has shared the stage with bands and musicians such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Allman Brothers and The Wailers. His debut solo album, “Coming Home,” was released in 2016 on Blacbird Records with nine-time Grammy Award-winning producer Joe “the Butcher” Nicolo.”


Get on board with Gooch and the Motion’s bluesy debut

- WXPN The Key
Read Article

“For someone who has been an avid musician nearly all his life with dreams of breaking big, Gooch felt restless without the freedom to create music.”


Ryan 'Gooch' Nelson Crafts Stunning Debut Album as Quadriplegic

- The New York Independent
Read Article & Interview

“A quadriplegic who was recently diagnosed with cancer, he’s conjured a rip-snorting, foot-stomping songs for his debut album Comin’ Home. It’s a tribute to anyone who’s undergone personal tragedy.”


Gooch Nelson's Transcendent Blues

- No Depression
Read Article

“Nelson sounds like Dr. John, a gravelly graveyard croak perfectly suited for R.L Burnside’s “Shake ‘Em On Down,” his greasy slide like hot lard for Adam Monaco’s mandolin skitterings popping in a hot hill country skillet.”


The Composition of Success with Gooch and the Motion

- THAT Music Mag
Read Article

“A New Jersey native, Gooch was always predestined for a career in music. ‘I started playing the guitar when I was 12,’ he admits. ‘I’m pretty much completely self taught. I’ve always had a good ear to hear the music, to absorb it and pick it up and play it.'”