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.
A Teenage Idol
Ricky 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 feeling weary
I got to pack my bags and go
I got to 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
Ricky Nelson's song "Teen Age Idol" sheds light on the realities of being a famous teen idol. The song talks about how some people call him a teen idol, and some say they envy him, but not many people understand how alone he can feel. He sings about the need for somebody to be his baby, someone to share his troubles with. However, he is always traveling from town to town, performing and never staying in one place long enough to find someone to share his life with.
The song highlights the toll that fame and fortune can take on someone's life. While many people dream of fortune and fame, for Ricky Nelson, he realizes that achieving these goals are not enough to keep him happy, as he craves human connection as well. He speaks of the need to feel connected with somebody, and how the adoration of his fans is not enough to satisfy his emotional needs.
In conclusion, "Teen Age Idol" serves as a reflection of how the glitz and glamour of fame can sometimes have a negative impact on someone's life, making them feel isolated and lonely, despite having millions of admirers.
Line by Line Meaning
Some people call me a teenage idol
People refer to me as a young, successful and famous personality.
Some people say they envy me
People express their admiration and jealousy towards me.
I guess they got no way of knowing
I believe that those people are unaware of a certain aspect of my life.
How lonesome I can be
I feel isolated and lonely even with all the fame and attention I receive.
I need somebody to be my baby
I require a person to love and support me, someone to confide in.
Someone to tell my troubles to
I desire someone to share my problems and sorrows with.
I've got no time to ever find her
I am always on the move, and I don't have the time to form meaningful relationships.
Cause I'm just passing through
I am constantly traveling from place to place, never staying in one location for long.
I travel around from town to lonely town
I move from one desolate area to another as a part of my work.
I guess I'll always be just a rolling stone
I realize that I will probably never settle down or have a stable home life.
If I find fortune and fame and lots of people know my name
Although I may obtain wealth and become well-known, it will not guarantee happiness.
That won't mean a thing if I'm all alone
None of my material possessions or achievements will compensate for my solitude.
I get no rest when I'm feeling weary
I don't have the luxury of taking a break or slowing down, even when I'm exhausted.
I got to pack my bags and go
I have to constantly move on to the next location for my work.
I got to be somewhere tomorrow
I always have a duty or obligation, with no time to relax or unwind.
To smile and do my show
I have to perform and entertain others, regardless of my personal struggles.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Jack Lewis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@garrygoodlet3712
I remember as a kid, sitting in the floor in front of our old black and white 13in. T.V. set and enjoying every word he sang. I wish could be at this standard once again.
@normanduke8855
It's a shame but I think life gets to be so vile that we gladly give it up. All of this culture did give us a good base to face life with. Age. 74
@belindabarkley8652
.and our Friday night dates didn't begin until his weekly show was over!
@RickW-HGWT
Amen !.
@mikeguerrero72
I'm with you, cause I did the same.
Can you imagine being this good looking?
@summerwolf3207
Love how he closes his eyes to feel the music when he sings! ❤ he was such a very handsome man with a beautiful, soothing voice, bluest eyes , most gorgeous smile and sunny, humble personality. I'll always love you Rick!❤
@123Deni
Ricky will always be missed by those of us who grew up with him and his music! RIP Ricky, we love you! ☺☺
@tangobango9653
No bells, whistles or auto-tune, just a pure, wonderful voice!
@romanromero4332
Tango Bango no there was auto tune back in his time
@issasultan2896
@I’m lonely I want some love shes talking about this specific video tho