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.
Teenage Idol
Rick Nelson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Some people say they envy me
I guess they got no way of knowing
How lonesome I can be
I need somebody to be my baby
Someone to tell my troubles to
I've got no time to ever find her
I travel around from town to lonely town
I guess I'll always be just a rolling stone
If I find fortune and fame
And lots of people know my name
That won't mean a thing if I'm all alone
I get no rest when I'm feelin' weary
I gotta pack my bags and go
I gotta be somewhere tomorrow
To smile and do my show
I travel around from town to lonely town
I guess I'll always be just a rolling stone
If I find fortune and fame
And lots of people know my name
That won't mean a thing if I'm all alone
Some people call me a teenage idol
Some people say they envy me
I guess they got no way of knowing
How lonesome I can be
How lonesome I can be
Rick Nelson's song Teenage Idol expresses the loneliness of a young famous musician who travels the country performing to adoring fans. The opening lines reveal that many identify him as a "teenage idol," and while some of his fans envy him, they may not understand the feeling of loneliness that comes with such a lifestyle. He needs someone to be his confidante, to help carry his emotional baggage, and offer him a sense of belonging that is difficult to find when always on the move.
The song is an introspective take on the cost of celebrity, especially for someone who longs to find a deeper connection outside the superficiality of fame. The chorus emphasizes the emptiness of success if he is all alone, even if he finds fortune and fame, and everyone knows his name. Finally, the song concludes with the refrain exploring the loneliness he feels, the irony of being a teenage idol yet feeling alone, and the realization that stardom and loneliness can go hand in hand.
Line by Line Meaning
Some people call me a teenage idol
There are people who identify me as a famed youngster
Some people say they envy me
Some individuals assert that they desire what I possess
I guess they got no way of knowing
I believe they lack the comprehension required to understand
How lonesome I can be
How desolate I become
I need somebody to be my baby
I require someone to be my caring companion
Someone to tell my troubles to
An individual with whom I can share my problems
I've got no time to ever find her
I am too busy to locate her
Cause I'm just passing through
As an itinerant person, I do not stay in one place for long
I travel around from town to lonely town
I move from one desolate town to another
I guess I'll always be just a rolling stone
I suspect I will constantly move from place to place
If I find fortune and fame
In case I achieve great prosperity and acclaim
And lots of people know my name
And numerous individuals recognize me
That won't mean a thing if I'm all alone
However, it would be irrelevant if I am solitary
I get no rest when I'm feelin' weary
Even when I'm tired, I do not get any time to rest
I gotta pack my bags and go
I have to quickly gather my belongings and depart
I gotta be somewhere tomorrow
I must be present in a specific place tomorrow
To smile and do my show
To put on a happy face and conduct my performance
Some people call me a teenage idol
There are people who identify me as a famed youngster
Some people say they envy me
Some individuals assert that they desire what I possess
I guess they got no way of knowing
I believe they lack the comprehension required to understand
How lonesome I can be
How desolate I become
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Jack Lewis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Anakin Vader
I feel the strong emotion in this song... Ricky gave us so many amazing songs to enjoy and cheer us up, yet he never asked for anything in return. Thank you Ricky! You were truly an amazing human being.
Dovahkiin KhajiitMaster
Anakin Vader yes and he was beautiful
Jean Finn
I used to watch him on television all the time. I was only 12 when this came out, but I remember it well. I loved all of his songs. I was able to see him in concert just before he had his fatal plane crash. Such a terrible loss for all of us.
Dennis The Menace
I know this comment is 7 years old and all, but whats with classic rockers and planes? They just take em out like flys
Soma Poet
What a song, you can hear the loneliness in his voice.
cilla e
Yes you can
Glen McGregor
Was a fan or Ricky from the beginning. He and I are only a few months apart in age. From the beginning he was very special. His songs talked right to all of us teenagers going through those difficult years. Have loved his music for a lot of years now and don't plan on changing. So very sorry we lost him what he had was a gift. You keep on sharing 'em and we will keep on listening. Ricky never grows old.
Gege
Like so many of my generation, Ricky was my first crush. Watched the show each week hoping he'd sing. Those eyes still get to me. He was gone too soon but I'm so glad he shared his talent with us. RIP, Ricky.
Robbie Winfrey
Ricky Nelson was awesome loved all his music, grew up with him and his family. Still listen to his music today in 2021. You will live in our hearts for ever brother.
Cathrine Lai
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