Ricky Nelson: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1987

Ricky Nelson's life and career in links.

Rock Hall Bio:

http://rockhall.com/inductees/ricky-nelson/bio/

Official Site:

 http://www.rickynelson.com/

He began in show business on the Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet on the radio in 1949. Three years later, it moved to TV:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-qk4FMTkKo

The show ran from 1952-1966.

During the fifties, Ricky was influenced by Carl Perkins and decided to try music.

1957:

A Teenager’s Romance:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_awf9C4rSgc

I’m Walkin’ (Fats Domino cover):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GP4UOSiA75A

1958:

Stood Up:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tE455KVZswY

Poor Little Fool: (His first #1):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hrwJvdPtwI

Lonesome Town:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4iBMbwdxPQ

In 1959, he starred with Dean Martin and John Wayne in Rio Bravo.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IpEnsdXwFM

Nelson continued to score hits. His next #1 was in 1961.

Travelin’ Man:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0janfcZ8LUw&feature=related

Hello, Mary Lou:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLkCWT2neuI&feature=related

1962:

Young World:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCioEY-Anio

1963:

For You:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiXFRioXZiY

Nelson remained prolific, but music changed making it difficult for him to chart. He transitioned to country-rock making him a pioneer in the genre. His next big hit came in 1972. “Garden Party” was written after he was booed off stage for not performing his older songs.

Garden Party:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAHR7_VZdRw&NR=1

Nelson imploded after Garden Party. He fought with his record label and his band quit. He never scored a major hit again.

In 1985, he died in a plane crash.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YZxYAB2Wcg