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.
Fools Rush in
Ricky Nelson Lyrics
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And so I come to you, my love, my heart above my head
Though I see the danger there
If there's a chance for me, then I don't care
Fools rush in where wise men never go
But wise men never fall in love, so how are they to know?
When we met, I felt my life begin
So open up your heart and let this fool rush in
Fools rush in where wise men never, never, never go
Eh, but wise men never fall in love, so how are they to know?
Ahh, when we met, girl, I felt my life begin
So open up your heart and let this fool rush in
Just open up your heart and let this fool rush on in
Just open up your heart because I-I-I-I-I-I-I am coming in
Open up your heart and let this fool rush in
The lyrics to Ricky Nelson's song "Fools Rush In" describe the impulsiveness of falling in love, or more specifically, how people tend to disregard the potential dangers associated with it. The phrase "fools rush in where angels fear to tread" is a quote from Alexander Pope's "An Essay on Criticism" and suggests that only naive or reckless individuals would willingly venture into hazardous situations. Despite recognizing the risks, the singer declares that he loves his partner enough to risk everything for them. He tells them to "open up [their] heart and let this fool rush in," emphasizing that he is willing to take this chance for them.
The lyrics also touch on the idea that falling in love requires a certain level of impulsiveness or spontaneity. The singer acknowledges that "wise men never fall in love, so how are they to know?" implying that those who are overly cautious or analytical may miss out on the joys of true love. He believes that when he met his partner, his life truly began, and this intensified his desire to take the plunge and fully commit to their relationship.
Overall, "Fools Rush In" is a romantic ballad that celebrates the power and allure of love while acknowledging the risks that come with it. The lyrics suggest that in matters of the heart, it can be worthwhile to be impulsive and take a chance on love.
Line by Line Meaning
Fools rush in where angels fear to tread
People tend to take risks where rational individuals would avoid, making impulsive decisions that may end in disaster.
And so I come to you, my love, my heart above my head
Despite the consequences and potential risks, I cannot resist my feelings and impulsive desires, and I choose to pursue you.
Though I see the danger there
I am aware of the potential risk and hazards, but I choose to ignore them due to my strong feelings towards you.
If there's a chance for me, then I don't care
If there is a probability of being successful, it does not matter to me what risks may be involved.
Fools rush in where wise men never go
People who act impulsively and recklessly tend to take risks that sensible and prudent ones would avoid.
But wise men never fall in love, so how are they to know?
Wise individuals are less prone to making foolish decisions when it comes to love, but they miss out on the exhilarating experiences and excitement of love.
When we met, I felt my life begin
Meeting you, my love, has filled my life with joy and excitement, making me feel alive and revitalized.
So open up your heart and let this fool rush in
Give me a chance to pursue you with all my impulsive and passionate love, without reservation or second thoughts.
Just open up your heart and let this fool rush on in
Do not hesitate, but allow me to pursue you wholeheartedly without reservations, even if this means any future heartache.
Just open up your heart because I-I-I-I-I-I-I am coming in
Open your heart for love and allow me to enter and shower you with all my love and passion.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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