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.
Welcome To My World
Rick Nelson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Step into my heart leave your cares behind
Welcome to my world built with you in mind
Knock and the door will open seek and you will find
Ask and you'll be giving and find this world of mine
I'll be waiting here with my arms unfurled waiting just for you welcome to my world
[ guitar ]
Waiting just for you welcome to my world
The song "Welcome To My World" by Rick Nelson is a beautiful invitation for someone to step into his world, leaving behind their worries and cares. The lyrics are full of hope and optimism and convey the idea that miracles still happen in this world, though they may be few and far between. The first two lines of the song welcome the listener to come into Rick's world, and it is an open invitation to all. The third line is particularly poignant, as it speaks of a world built with the listener in mind. It suggests that Rick has an intimate understanding of the listener's desires and needs, and he is extending a warm and comforting hand to them.
The next two lines suggest that if the listener takes the initiative and becomes active in seeking to enter Rick's world, they will be rewarded with what they are looking for. The final lines of the song emphasize that Rick is patiently waiting for the listener, with open arms, to join him in his world. Overall, the song is a romantic, optimistic and welcoming song that speaks to the possibility of finding happiness and peace in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Welcome to my world won't you come on in miracles I guess still happen now and then
Come be a part of the special world that I have created for us. Even though they are rare, amazing things still occur.
Step into my heart leave your cares behind
Enter my life and my heart, and forget about all the worries that trouble you.
Welcome to my world built with you in mind
Everything in my world has been crafted to include you and your needs.
Knock and the door will open seek and you will find
If you seek me out and ask for my help, I will always be there for you.
Ask and you'll be giving and find this world of mine
By reaching out and communicating with me, you will discover everything about my world that I'm eager to share.
I'll be waiting here with my arms unfurled waiting just for you welcome to my world
I'm always ready and waiting to welcome you into my life with open arms. Come and see all that my world has to offer.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Jesse Collins, Kenny Blank
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
barrygioportmorien1
Great version by Ricky, he could sing a country tune as well as Rock n' Roll. A classy guy and singer.
Jason Garriott
Beautiful! I love this song anyway! But I love the way Ricky does it also!
Christine Choptij
Ricky Nelson ,the best
David was dreamy..I am glad Iiving in their era..RIP the Nelson family.
motomichi okura
One of my many favorites! Elvis did this in Hawaii, 1973. I LOVE BOTH VERY VERY MUCH. elvisokr1945
Danny Willis
Just lovely.
monpetitciel
I like so much!! Thanks 4 sharing!
Gary Bryson
Except for Jim Reeves version of this song, I like Ricky's version the best. Nice song.
Daisy_ Bond
I love Ricky's version! Does anybody know where the clip in this video where his brother David is a policaman/soldier is from? Is it an episode of the adventures of ozzie and harriet? Thanks so much!
Barbara R Christie
Love Ricky.
Nina Garcia
Thanks for these funny clips. I have this song in my cd.