J.D. Nash was the nom de plume of Rev. Andrew Mader, a longtime American Blues Scene contributor whose curiosity, range, and love of roots music shaped years of the publication’s coverage.
A music lover for as long as he could remember, J.D.’s first exposure to the sounds of the 1960s came through his older siblings’ records. During high school, his listening became increasingly eclectic. He moved beyond the era’s pop stations and began tuning in to KDKB, one of the nation’s early free-form FM stations, where the programming could move from rock, soul, jazz, blues, and country to comedy at any hour.
KDKB later became the first radio station to employ him, first as an apprentice in the promotions department and then as commercial voice talent.
J.D. lived many lives. He worked everywhere from the cotton fields of Arizona to Naval communications posts around the world. He spent more than 30 years as a DJ in radio and nightclubs nationwide. He was also an ordained minister, a social activist, a published poet, and a Native-E Award-winning songwriter.
While hosting the weekly program Blues Influence on WREN Internet Radio, J.D. first met the editors and publisher of American Blues Scene. He began contributing part-time by researching and publishing the weekly feature This Week in Blues Past. His role quickly expanded to list features, record reviews, artist interviews, and more.
J.D.’s work for American Blues Scene reflected the musical passion, historical curiosity, and generous spirit that defined him. This page preserves his place in the publication and honors the body of work he left behind.