Guitar Player Jay Neilson’s Suffers Major Health Issue

Canadian-born, and New Zealand-based country singer Tami Neilson has sure had a time over the last couple of years. While achieving career benchmarks and critical acclaim—often with her brother/guitar player Jay Neilson by her side—she and her family have also suffered some catastrophic health setbacks, and one after another.

Tami Neilson will be making her Grand Ole Opry debut on Tuesday, September 17th, as well as her debut at Dollywood on September 9th. These opportunities have been a long time coming, and are very deserved. But her brother Jay will unfortunately not be by her side like he’s been since the two grew up in a family band.

In late July, Jay Neilson had a small lesion removed from his forehead in what was supposed to be a routine procedure. It ultimately turned into a medical emergency with swelling of the brain. Jay experienced multiple seizures, which led to doctors having to remove part of his skull. Jay also suffered numerous strokes, and was placed in a medically induced coma.

“Jay is now coming out of sedation and has a long road to recovery ahead, learning to talk and walk again in the aftermath of a brain injury,” Tami Neilson says. “Doctors have said that he will be unable to drive for at least a year and he will be spending the months ahead in a rehab facility, working with speech and physio therapists.”

Missing the Opry debut is the least of Jay Neilson’s worries now. A Go Fund Me drive has been set up to help during what will be a very long recovery.

The Neilsons are no strangers to unexpected health issues. Over the Holidays in 2022/2023, Tami herself had to undergo multiple surgeries after a gallbladder removal turned into abdominal sepsis and a collapsed lung. Neilson had to cancel months of shows, but luckily recovered enough to get back out on the road.

Born in Toronto, both Tami and Jay performed in a family band from an early age, growing up around the likes of Roy Orbison and Kitty Wells, and touring with Johnny Cash. Tami Neilson moved to New Zealand in 2007 where she’s well-known as an award-winning classic country and soul singer, while also garnering a following worldwide from her powerhouse voice and country soul songwriting.

A duet with Willie Nelson called “Beyond the Stars” crowned Tami Neilson’s last album Kingmaker. She is currently releasing a succession of Willie Nelson cover songs.