Nelson began his entertainment career in 1949, playing himself in the radio sitcom series, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet. In 1952, he appeared in his first feature film, Here Come the Nelsons. In 1957, he recorded his first single ("I'm Walkin' b/w "A Teenager's Romance", Verve 10047X4S), debuted as a singer on the television version of the sitcom, and released the No. 1 album titled Ricky. In 1958, Nelson released his first #1 single, "Poor Little Fool", and in 1959 received a Golden Globe nomination for "Most Promising Male Newcomer" after starring in Rio Bravo. A few films followed, and when the television series was cancelled in 1966, Nelson made occasional appearances as a guest star on various television programs. In his twenties, he moved away from the pop music of his youth, and began to perform in a more country rock style. After recording several albums with mostly session musicians, most of which flopped, he formed the Stone Canyon Band in 1969 and experienced a career resurgence, buoyed by the live album In Concert at the Troubadour, 1969 and had a surprise hit with 1972's "Garden Party", which peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100. His comeback was short-lived, however, as his record label was bought out and folded, and his followup albums were not well promoted by his new label. He continued to perform live and take small television roles through the 1970s, though his label dropped him by the end of the decade. He released two more albums, with unimpressive results, before his death in a plane crash on New Year's Eve, 1985.
Nelson was married once, to Sharon Kristin Harmon, from 1963 until their divorce in 1982. They had four children: actress Tracy Nelson, twin sons and musicians Gunnar and Matthew, and actor Sam.
Nelson was born on May 8, 1940, in Teaneck, New Jersey. He was the second son of entertainment couple Harriet Hilliard Nelson (born Peggy Lou Snyder; July 18, 1909 – October 2, 1994) and Ozzie Nelson (March 20, 1906 – June 3, 1975). His father Ozzie was of half Swedish descent. The Nelsons' older son was actor David Nelson (October 24, 1936 – January 11, 2011).
On May 8, 1961 (his 21st birthday), he officially modified his recording name from "Ricky Nelson" to "Rick Nelson". His childhood nickname proved hard to shake, especially among the generation who had watched him grow up on "Ozzie and Harriet". Even in the 1980s, when Nelson realized his dream of meeting Carl Perkins, Perkins noted that he and "Ricky" were the last of the "rockabilly breed".
In 1963, Nelson signed a 20-year contract with Decca Records. After some early successes with the label, most notably 1964's "For You" (#6), Nelson's chart career came to a dramatic halt in the wake of Beatlemania, The British Invasion, and later the Counterculture era. However, instead of dropping him, Decca kept him on board.
In the mid-1960s, Nelson began to move towards country music, becoming a pioneer in the country-rock genre. He was one of the early influences of the so-called "California Sound" (which would include singers like Jackson Browne and Linda Ronstadt and bands such as Eagles). Yet Nelson himself did not reach the Top 40 again until 1970, when he recorded Bob Dylan's "She Belongs to Me" with the Stone Canyon Band, featuring Randy Meisner, who in 1971 became a founding member of the Eagles, and former Buckaroo steel guitarist Tom Brumley.
Nelson died in a plane crash on New Year's Eve 1985, flying from Guntersville, Alabama, to Dallas, Texas, for a concert. The plane he was on, a Douglas DC-3, had a history of mechanical problems. All seven passengers, including Blair, died. Only the two pilots survived.
Nelson's funeral took place at the Church of the Hills, Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills Cemetery, on January 6, 1986, and he was privately buried in the Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills Cemetery, in Los Angeles. His estate was bequeathed to his children.
It's Up To You
Rick Nelson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Because I've done everything I can
I hope that you
Will say that I'm your loving man
Make up your mind
And do what you're gonna do
Well you know how I feel
It's all so clear
That I would give everything I own
To have you near
Never leave me all alone
I need your love
So, darling, please be fair
Let me know where I stand
And I hope that you say you care
Well I've laid my cards on the table
And its oh so plain to see
That I'm ready, willing and able
To love you faithfully
It's up to you
No, it's not for me to say
You love me too
Oh, but I hope you feel that way
Make up your mind
And do what you're gonna do
Well you know how I feel
So I'm leaving it up to you
Make up your mind
And do what you're gonna do
Well you know how I feel
So I'm leaving it up to you
It's up to you
Darling, it's up to you
Baby, it's up to you
Darling, it's up to you
Baby, it's up to you
Darling. it's up to you
Baby, it's up to you
The song "It's Up to You" by Rick Nelson is a plea from a man to his lover to make a decision about their relationship. The man has done everything he can to express his love and devotion to her, but he is still unsure of where he stands with her. He hopes that she will acknowledge him as her "loving man" and that she will reciprocate his feelings. Despite his efforts, he ultimately leaves it up to her to make a choice.
The man is very open about his feelings, laying his "cards on the table," and stating that he is "ready, willing, and able to love [her] faithfully." He is clear that he needs her love and wants her to be fair with him. The woman's decision is important to him, and he hopes that she will say she cares for him.
The song's straightforward lyrics and catchy melody make it a classic example of 1960s pop music. It's a simple love song with a universal message that many people can relate to, which explains why it was so popular.
Line by Line Meaning
It's up to you
The decision is in your hands
Because I've done everything I can
I have done my part in the situation
I hope that you
I desire that you
Will say that I'm your loving man
Will express your love to me
Make up your mind
Decide for yourself
And do what you're gonna do
Act in accordance with your decision
Well you know how I feel
I have been clear about my emotions
So I'm leaving it up to you
I am giving you the power to decide
It's all so clear
The situation is unambiguous
That I would give everything I own
I would sacrifice all my possessions
To have you near
To be with you in close proximity
Never leave me all alone
To never abandon me
I need your love
I require your affection
So, darling, please be fair
Be just and impartial, my love
Let me know where I stand
Communicate your position to me
And I hope that you say you care
And I desire that you express your feelings for me
Well I've laid my cards on the table
I have been honest and upfront
And its oh so plain to see
And it is very evident
That I'm ready, willing and able
That I am prepared, eager, and capable
To love you faithfully
To love you with loyalty and devotion
No, it's not for me to say
I do not have the authority to decide
You love me too
You also have feelings of love for me
Oh, but I hope you feel that way
However, it is my wish that you reciprocate my love
Darling, it's up to you
My love, the decision rests with you
Baby, it's up to you
My dear, the choice is yours
Darling, it's up to you
My love, the decision is in your hands
Baby, it's up to you
My dear, you have the power to decide
Darling. it's up to you
My love, you must make the choice
Baby, it's up to you
My dear, the responsibility lies with you
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Jerry Fuller
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@alinaeaton3019
U know, I really wish my Mom Candis Eaton was still around so I could thank her 4 making Ricky Nelson's music one of my fondest childhood memories, & EVERYTIME i hear a Ricky Nelson song it immediately puts a smile on my face & in my heart, it prob even puts a smile on my Mom's face too
(even though she's gone) I know she's up there driving 2 the Bowling Alley in her big ole Lincoln Continental blaring Ricky Nelson songs just smiling, & singing along, clapping her hand on her steering wheel & just "Bee-Bop Baby"(ing) it just like she did when I was little,
I'm 50 now & I can't hardly remember "💩", but i STILL remember the words & every strum of Ricky's 🎸 as if i was 10yrs old again & bee-bopping along w/my Mom & little sister to the bowling alley. Lol.
So 4 what it might, may, or could be worth......
THANK Y☺️U M🥰M
4 having GR8 taste in music
& introducing Ricky Nelson's music into my life. It's 40 yrs L8R Mom & I STILL love it & I STILL love "U"!
"R.W.L.U.&.G.A.D" mom,
I DO! Always & 4ever!
Mom, "U", Music & My kids
& they're kids are my Ultimate "Happy🥰Place".
I miss the"💩"outtayouuu!
@joannastovallJoannaJoannaboots
Yes Ricki was a sweet young man. I lived in the 50's. Was best time to live anywhere.
@John-ob7dh
Agree.I was lucky in 57 I was 16 ,so enjoyed the 50s .And of course 22 in 63 so I had the 60s as well .
@davidtimbs7020
Rick never received the credit and career he truly deserved. I really liked his music.
@anthonywiertel500
Rick was an absolute icon! His music and The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet transcend time! May God rest the souls of the Nelson family!🙏🇺🇸💕📿
@DougCeleste
OMG!!! SIXTY years later and this song still sounds as GREAT as ever! Rick, you live on in our hearts and thanks for the cherished memories of your music which are timeless classics!
@adnan-sg1hs
Yes Doug together with Elvis and Clif Richard
@user-ix2hz7fj9g
The man was magic
@DougCeleste
@@user-ix2hz7fj9g You got that right! I remember him singing songs at the end of each Ozzie and Harriet show in the later years that the show was on. Glad I saw him in concert in San Jose, CA. in 1981 4 1/2 years before he died and left us much too soon. I hope you saw the VERY touching and well done PBS special about him around 2005. 😎
@johnmiller7612
Back when America was great. Let's make it great again!
@debraberry3820
Ricky had such a “poise” that no-one else had. Very gentle and clean sound...just had it all...love watching him!