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.
Gypsy Woman
Ricky Nelson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Look in your crystal ball and tell me where my baby's gone
(Hey gypsy woman hey gypsy woman)
Hey gypsy woman (hey hey hey gypsy woman)
Look in your crystal ball and tell me if my baby's comin' home
(Hey gypsy woman hey gypsy woman)
She left one night like the wind she was gone
I don't know why but I know that I'm alone
Just lead the way gypsy woman and I'll go
Hey gypsy woman (hey hey hey gypsy woman)
Look in your crystal ball and tell me what my future will be
(Hey gypsy woman hey gypsy woman)
Hey gypsy woman (hey hey hey gypsy woman)
Look in your crystal ball and tell me if you see her with me
(Hey gypsy woman hey gypsy woman)
[ guitar ]
She left one night like the wind she was gone
I don't know why but I know that I'm alone
If it was me that made her leave I want to know
Just lead the way gypsy woman and I'll go
Hey hey hey gypsy woman (hey hey hey gypsy woman)
Look in your crystal ball and tell me what my future will be
Hey hey hey gypsy woman (hey hey hey gypsy woman)
Look in your crystal ball and tell me if you see her with me
(Hey gypsy woman hey gypsy woman)
The song "Gypsy Woman" by Ricky Nelson is about a man who is asking a fortune teller (the gypsy woman) to look into her crystal ball and tell him where his lost love has gone. He is seeking answers about why she left and if she will return to him. Throughout the song, Nelson expresses feelings of loneliness and confusion, asking questions about what his future holds and if he will be reunited with his love. He notes that she left suddenly, like the wind, and he does not know why or what he did wrong. He is searching for clarity and guidance from the gypsy woman, hoping that she can help him find his way back to his love.
The crystal ball is a symbol for a possible solution to his problem- the gypsy woman could have the answers to his questions. He is also seeking validation- if the gypsy woman sees his lover with him in the future, it will give him hope that he will be reunited with his love. In general, the song is about seeking guidance and answers when the future seems uncertain, and about the pain of losing someone you love.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey gypsy woman (hey hey hey gypsy woman)
The singer calls out to the fortune teller, addressing her in a friendly manner by repeating 'hey' with a melodious sound.
Look in your crystal ball and tell me where my baby's gone
The singer requests the gypsy woman to gaze into her crystal ball and predict the location of his missing partner, using the term 'baby' to refer to his loved one.
(Hey gypsy woman hey gypsy woman)
The singer repeats his earlier greeting to reinforce his interest in seeking the fortune teller's counsel.
She left one night like the wind she was gone
The artist remembers his lover's sudden and unexpected disappearance, comparing her to the swift movements of the natural force, wind.
I don't know why but I know that I'm alone
The artist confesses his ignorance about the reasons for his partner's departure but acknowledges the resultant loneliness he feels.
If it was me that made her leave I want to know
The singer wonders whether his actions or behavior led to his partner's exit and expresses his desire to discover the truth.
Just lead the way gypsy woman and I'll go
The singer places his trust in the gypsy woman's abilities and promises to follow her guidance if she can provide any leads.
Look in your crystal ball and tell me what my future will be
The artist seeks insights about his future from the fortune teller, hoping to gain clarity or a sense of direction.
Look in your crystal ball and tell me if you see her with me
The artist asks the gypsy woman to check if his partner is still connected to him in any way, either by showing up in his future or through their past bond.
[ guitar ]
There is a pause in the song for the guitar to take center stage and showcase its tune.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Doug H. in VA
He was a true rock and roll star : handsome, fantastic voice quality and phrasing. and he knew how to move and looked romantic all effortlessly... There was never anyone like Rick Nelson.
Jesse Gallego
He was cool too.
Maureen McGovern
He was my first crush.
Kim
I found another Rick Nelson.... @curiosityincorperated
bart8462
This song and String Along are his two best songs. . He could sing , really sing. The most underated singer of the 60's
Maureen McGovern
Rick was done in by a group from England.
Dale Herman
Love me some 'String Along'. Had an old Glen Campbell album where he covered it.
Woody Alain
This song is incredible. Absolutely everything in it is magical.
MrGoldenthroat
Woody - I feel similarly! It is an incredible, magical tune to be sure!!
Marilyn Stevenson
I love this song..simple as that. Ricky Nelson is wonderful singing this...terrific. So sad!!