Born in Teaneck, New Jersey, in 1940, Eric Hilliard Nelson spent virtually his entire life in show business. One of two sons born to bandleader Ozzie Nelson and vocalist Harriet Hilliard, Ricky and his older brother, David, appeared on their parents radio show in 1949. Later, the show, “The Adventures of Ozzie And Harriet” moved to television and ran for fourteen seasons from 1952-1966.
It was while he was on TV that Ricky made his rock and roll debut by singing the Fats Domino classic, “I’m Walking” in 1957. Ozzie managed Ricky’s early career and got him a five year deal with Imperial Records, after clashing with his first label, Verve, over royalties.
Singing on the Nelson’s TV show became such a success, Ricky would perform songs at the end of many of the show’s episodes. It was a great springboard for one of rock’s earliest teen idols.
On his birthday in 1961, he officially changed his recording name from Ricky to Rick Nelson.
When his music career was still going strong, Rick also focused on his acting career and appeared in such movies as “Rio Bravo” with John Wayne and Dean Martin in 1959, “Wackiest Ship In The Army” with Jack Lemmon in 1960 and “Love And Kisses” in 1965.
In 1963, Rick married actor Mark Harmon’s sister, Kristin. They divorced in 1982.
By 1964, Rick’s recording career had all but ceased to exist, until 1972, when “Garden Party” went Top 10 for him. Here’s a look at Ricky Nelson’s twenty biggest hits, according to Billboard’s weekly Top 40 charts.
1. Poor Little Fool – 1958
Although Rick’s first #1 single, he reportedly loathed the song so much, he refused to perform it on his family’s television show.
2. Travelin’ Man – 1961
His only other #1 single, the flip side “Hello Mary Lou” also went Top 10.
3. Stood Up – 1957
4. A Teenager’s Romance – 1957
5. Be Bop Baby
The flip side, “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?” was also a hit for Bing Crosby and the Andrew Sisters in 1950.
6. I’m Walking – 1957
Rick’s first hit single was also a hit for Fats Domino who went to #4 on the weekly charts also in 1957. This is also the B-Side of “A Teenager’s Romance.” (see #4)
7. Believe What You Say – 1958
The flip side “My Bucket’s Got A Hole In It” also went Top 20.
8. Young World – 1962
Written by Jerry Fuller.
9. Teen Age Idol – 1962
10. Never Be Anyone Else But You – 1959
11. Garden Party – 1972
Written after Rick was booed off the stage at Madison Square Garden, while trying to perform newer songs. Although, some reports say the booing was in relation to police trying to remove some drunken patrons from the balcony.
12. It’s Up To You – 1963
13. For You – 1964
Ray Noble went to #1 in 1934 with this song.
14. Lonesome Town – 1958
15. Hello Mary Lou – 1961
Written by Gene Pitney, this was also the B side to “Travelin’ Man.” (see #2)
16. It’s Late – 1959
The flip side of “Never Be Anyone Else But You.” (see #10)
17. Just A Little Too Much – 1959
18. Sweeter Than You – 1959
The B-side to “Just A Little Too Much” also went Top 10.
19. I Got A Feeling – 1958
The flip side of “Lonesome Town.” (see #14)
20. A Wonder Like You – 1961
The first single released as “Rick” Nelson.
Ricky Nelson dreaded air travel and regularly toured by bus. However, in 1985, he purchased a 14 seat DC-3 for a series of concerts. On New Year’s Eve, after departing Gunterville, Alabama for Dallas, the plane crashed in DeKalb, Texas, northeast of Dallas. With the exception of the two pilots, seven people perished on that flight, including Nelson, his fiancee (Helen Blair) and members of his band.
Rick and Kristin had three children; a daughter, Tracy, who went on to be a film and TV actress and twin sons, Gunner and Matthew, who went on to form the duo Nelson and had a successful recording career, including a #1 hit on Billboard’s weekly charts.
Ricky Nelson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and in 2007 he was inducted into the Hit Parade Hall of Fame.
