Johnny What’s crazy is in 1987 the cameras were so big, they won’t think he is crazy because they know he is recording himself. Today, some cameras are so small, it does look like people are talking to themselves lol.
*What’s crazy is in 1987 the cameras were so big, they won’t think he is crazy because they know he is recording himself.* Yes, they would've thought he was crazy for filming himself out in public. At the time, camcorders were reserved for special occasions (e.g. birthdays, graduations, weddings, vacations) or goofing off at home. Also, people normally recorded others or their surroundings. I never knew anyone to point the camera at themselves and talk to it, especially when out and about. It would've been seen as narcissistic and pointless. There was no Internet on which to share such videos. Not to mention you would look awkward doing it with a clunky camcorder.
“I’m afraid people are gonna think I’m crazy for talking to this camera.” Actually, Nelson you were a pioneer and you didn’t even know it. Rest easy, sir.
That vine tree he planted outside his house is still there today. His home is now a museum and the top floor is dedicated to him I visited today in New York !
@@Tom-ed-w Actually, the nonprofit organization which is in charge of Nelson's tapes did the uploading. Nelson still lives in these recordings, however.
I wish I knew this person - I was around back then, but in Chicago. I actually have my son named Nelson. It could have been after him! He's so sweet and interesting
hello, I want to express my feelings here. I am a Turk and I met Nelson Sullivan, the owner of these videos, on RU-vid 4 years ago. although he doesn't know me, he must feel in his grave that I admire him. I watch all of his videos and I spend most of my time on RU-vid with his videos. I understand that you may be surprised and find crazy about what I said, but it makes me feel good. As someone who loves nostalgia, I can say that I am not an American, but I remembered that I am a human being at a time when technology has developed so much. What we feel, our feelings, our love and longing have no language, religion or race. I enjoy watching his videos, it's like I'm on a life journey with him, I love you my friend. RIP🙏
Mr. Chapo 1978 The quality of his camera was great for the year. And he would live his day doing his activities while talking to a video camera, like it was a normal thing to do. But nobody really did that at the time. Cause if you walked around in public places talking to a video camera you would look very odd.
He was essentially vloggin in 87, like he was producing this for youtube even before it existed. He truly engaged with this future audience, he knew what to do.
I heard Rupaul say that after Nelson passed, he and some other friends in the group moved into the building and Blackout stayed with them till he then passed on 1990. At least the dog was in a familiar place and with familiar people. Rupaul moved into Nelsons old room.
Here we are on the eve of your birthday of March 15th. You would turn 75 yrs old today. What would a 75 yr old Nelson be like. Not much different than 41 yr old Nelson I suspect. Forever young now and really more alive and present than ever thru your huge collection of video from the 80’s in NYC and Georgia. Millions of people have enjoyed and will enjoy your work. Happy Birthday Nelson! Kershaw’s finest!
I was just at Nelson’s house and sat in those same stairs 5:13 The front door is a bit more worn out and there is a Hermès boutique right next to his house. Was a true blessing having had the chance to go. I’ve been watching these videos for years and having had the chance to immerse in his world (34 years later) was very special
Wish i could hug you Nelson and tell you how many of us on RU-vid love you and appreciate your work !! ❤❤❤❤❤ sending you all my love wherever you are Nelson xxxx ❤❤❤❤❤
Tina Turner Footage For certain. Would have loved to see how his little show would have played out if he managed to accomplish his dream of turning his footage into a TV show.
Hey Nelson, reaching back through time to send love and wish you a very belated happy birthday. I hope you somehow sense all the people from the future who love you!
You don’t have to state that you’re a straight man while saying you like/love/support another fellow man platonically. No one is gonna think you’re gay, or whatever. And besides, ain’t nothing wrong with being gay too. But I’m just saying man, you don’t need to explain that you’re straight so that you can publicly say you like another guy as a friend or whatever
@@AS-bc9qd it is homophobic actually, it's a way of safelly using affection and usually cis male men use it with the purpose of protecting their masculinity, therefore it's a way of toxic masculinity, that's why we see boys still use the expression "no homo" or shout "ha gay!" at someone as an insult. read between the lines.
After watching hours of this my reality feels somehow different I miss him so much even though I never met him or wasn't even alive at that time. He inspired me to be a better human and to live my life to the FULLEST and be ME no matter what other people think about it Thank you Nelson :) Shine bright ✨
I walked past 5, 9th avenue this morning. I have been watching Nelson’s life on RU-vid for weeks and felt the need to go say hi to him. His little building with the little porch is still there ❤️ I expected to see Blackout pop his little face out the door lol. There is a store called Loro Piana next door.
I was in NYC during Dec. for the holidays and went to his old house as well. His steps and I believe the original door are still there, but that whole area is sooooo different and nice!!! all high end stores and restaurants. Can't believe it but glad his original house is still there. I believe the tree/vines growing next to his door is all original when he planted it. Crazy sight to see.
I discovered these videos accidentally, And I'm so glad that I did. Nelson was a very special man, I watch these videos occasionally and it always relaxes me. Thank you so much Nelson Sullivan, you had so much to offer the world. We could sure use you these days.
All I ever heard growing up was the bad parts of the decade. They told me about the skyrocketing crime, violence and drugs. But this shows me a whole different side of the 80's, we rarely hear about the good and only about the bad. Thanks Nelson I wish you were with us today, you and your soothing voice.
@Konga 5000 Pros : Shit was cheaper and you didn't need a six figures salary to live here. Cons everything you just said in regards to crime and sanitation. You want the cheap crib, all you needed was master level martial art skills, God level street smarts and a scary ass looking face.
I can't believe such a nice guy went so young and is no longer here. He should still be alive and vlogging. I'm not a gay man but I would have been Nelson's friend because he was so kind and creative. Happy Birthday Nelson. Rest In Paradise, and hug Blackout and Douglas🐈 for us because I know you're all back together now. 🕯🕯🕯
I must confess I did not know Nelson Sullivan. Watching his videos, which were somehow ahead of their time, I got the feeling he was a sort of capturer of the New York City feel. I think they are very few those who could deliver the true soul of this city during what they were probably their best years. I just can say that I regret I didn't live in New York City in the 1980s. Fortunately enough, Nelson's collection on RU-vid allows me to immerge myself in that fantastic period. Thank you Nelson, and may you rest in peace.
Makes me really sad to see the beautiful simplicity of technology back then as we enter the age of AI. There's this organic feeling to life back then and we're just moving further and further away from it.
Nelson, wherever you are man, I just wanted to say I love you... back in the 80s you were this amazing guy... thank you so much for your videos!!! God bless!
These videos randomly popped up on here and I can't stop watching his!!! They are pure gold!!! He would have really enjoyed RU-vid and all the technology we have today ❤
Before RuPaul was so famous... if I could interview him I would ask him about Nelson. It’s hard to believe Nelson would be 70 now. I’m convinced that wherever Nelson is, Blackout is with him! I often wonder what would Nelson make of RU-vid, his fame and all the people that would stand in line for miles to meet him.
These keep popping up in suggested videos. I don’t remember how I came across these. But I had to google him. Apparently he has 1,900 hours of film. I think it’s cool they are uploading this stuff. It’s like a trip back in time.
maddielovelee n October 2012, New York University's Fales Library & Special Collections accepted the Nelson Sullivan Video Archive as a donation from Atlantans Dick Richards and David Goldman, and Robert Coddington of Durham, N.C. (operating collectively as the 5 Ninth Avenue Project).
I was going to say exactly the same thing . He kinda sounds like the gay carácter Bruce from Family guy. I wonder if it’s based on him or took the voice from Nelson....
This was wonderful. Many of my favorite Nelson videos are when he's on his own, documenting his surroundings, and talking to us, and letting us see his pets. Blackout is so beautiful and she and Nelson clearly love each other so much. It's good to see Nelson addressing the camera, talking about learning to do that, and looking so very handsome. And as a bonus, we get more Liz Lizzard, one of my favorite of the Nelson friends who weave in and out of these videos. This was just a great, great way to lift my day. Thank you. And thank you Nelson, wherever you are.
stumbled on this channel & i’m crying with the biggest smile on my face. thank you for preserving the memory of your friend & allowing strangers online to bear witness as well.
How did everyone else here get hooked on Nelson videos? I first found him when I was looking up Keith Haring videos and ended up on his tape of Haring's New Years Eve party.
I found him on my feed yesterday. I like watching retro videos of big Cities.. New York, London etc.. And a video on him walking round Meatpacking district came up in my feed. What can I say, I'm hooked! I love his energy.. Definitely think he was a time traveller and Mystic.. I was 13 in 1989. Fascinated by Social History .. Mad how we lived without Social Media and tiny cameras...So sad he died x He definitely would have been a U Tube phenomenon.. Its crazy he talks of people thinking hes crazy that hes talking to a camera... Its the norm these days! I really feel I have joined a very special club, finding himxx
The McDonald's Outlaw party video was in my suggestions a couple weeks ago, and I decided to check it out at 3am. Since then I've watched so many more. I've gone deep down the wormhole & I love it!
Happy birthday Nelson !!!! You are the most beautiful soul I have ever encountered you deserve sooo much more recognition you are the first vlogger to ever walk this earth !
I wouldn't say they staid in style. More like went out of style and recently came back. Sunglasses in the nighties and 2000's were getting slicker and smaller like the agents in the movie the Matrix.
Wow! Didn’t know he smoked! He must have quit. Yay Nelson!!! You can tell this was early in his “video-ing” (ha - cute!) career as he’s so self conscious. Bless his heart! I wish I had a time machine & could zap myself back to 1987 to give him a hug & tell him it will all be ok.
I love watching your videos Nelson. I know so many of your friends. I just wish that I could have known you. I hope and pray that you are in a better place now. Blackout reminds me of my pluppy Hunny girl. She's a black lab/St. Bernard mix. Sadly, I lost her in my divorce with my ex-husband. You are an amazing person and a pioneer. Love to you, your family and friends. ❤️❤️❤️
Just a thought that if Nelson was born again after his death in 1989, he would be in his 20s now and probably doing new age vlogging somewhere and if he watches these videos, he would see his after life. 😮
I'm totally straight,,but I just adore Nelson, ,I have friends that passed on,,,they probably knew nelson as they were in that scene at that time,,,such a shame they are all gone now,,miss them all soooo much,,,such good times ,,now I wish I went to cali and new York with them as I was invited many times ,,too bad,,,,my loss
Nightwave Radio your right,,I'd probably be right along with them, ,6 feet under,,,instead I'm older and in pain from years of labor,,I've been on my own since I was high school, ,we all don't have loving families, ,it's been survival since I was six,,,not complaining, ,we do ok now,,our son is even in med school,,so at least we could provide for our children the way parents should take care of the babies the bring into the world, my father bragged one time "he did the bare minimum" ,,he is a tool,,I never how the right way to raise children as our childhood was pure crap,,,but I KNEW WHAT NOT TO DO,,,and things are turning out well for our children
Nightwave Radio I was in the same scene in a different city (Atlanta.) We even had a Limelight here, owned by the same people I think... I’m not proud of it but I did plenty of drugs in the 80’s and early 90’s. I’m still alive as are most of my friends from those years. A few did pass away & I miss them very much but no, we aren’t all dead!
Can someone tell me who updates his videos ? This is wonderful, praise to the one who keeps memories on Nelson. I accidentally discovered his character and works two months ago. He was excellent.
I feel like i have know Nelson all my life, but i never met him..smiles. He is from South Carolina, like myself. So sad he died so young, bu the sure left a a great Vlog!!! so interesting. Rest in peace Nelson.
