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.
How Does It Go
Ricky Nelson Lyrics
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Ricky Nelson
I heard about a song that fills your heart with happiness
A special kind of song that only lovers know
I′m told that melody will take away the loneliness
Oh how does it go, oh how does it go.
Someone whose warm caress can make me all a-glow
I hope I find her soon, I long to hear that magic tune
Oh how does it go, oh how does it go.
Where are you little girl
Oh won't you hurry to my arms
Where are you little girl
I need to find you so.
′Cause I can't bare to live inside this world of loneliness
Without someone to care I just can't get along
Your loves the only song my heart will ever want to know
Oh how does it go, oh how does it go.
Well your loves the only song my heart will ever want to know
Oh how does it go, oh how does it go...
Ricky Nelson's "How Does It Go" is a song about searching for love and the power it holds. Nelson sings about a special melody that lovers know, one that fills the heart with happiness and takes away loneliness. He longs to find someone who will provide him with a warm caress and who he can share this magical tune with. Nelson poses the question, "How does it go?" as he waits in anticipation for the love that he yearns for.
The lyrics showcase a yearning for love and the importance it holds in our lives. The special kind of song and melody that Nelson sings of are symbolic of the magic and power that love can bring. The song speaks to the listener's heart, reminding them that love is an essential part of life, and they too should search for their own magic tune. The song is slow and melodious, creating a dreamy and romantic vibe that perfectly complements the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
I heard about a song that fills your heart with happiness
I have heard about a unique kind of song that brings immense joy and contentment to one's heart and soul.
A special kind of song that only lovers know
It is a song that is exclusive to people in love, who can truly appreciate its beauty and significance.
I'm told that melody will take away the loneliness
It is said that the tune has the power to alleviate one's sense of loneliness and give them the feeling of warmth and belonging.
Oh how does it go, oh how does it go.
I am curious about the melody, and eagerly want to know how it sounds or what it feels like.
Before I hear that song, I guess better find someone
Before I can fully appreciate the melody, I need to find a lover who can share that feeling with me.
Someone whose warm caress can make me all a-glow
I am looking for a person who can make me feel happy and loved, and whose touch can light up my whole being.
I hope I find her soon, I long to hear that magic tune
I wish to find my true love as soon as possible, so that I can finally experience the beauty and enchantment of the song.
Where are you little girl
I am searching for my soulmate, and addressing her affectionately as 'little girl'.
Oh won't you hurry to my arms
I am eagerly inviting my lover to come to me and fill my life with love and happiness.
I need to find you so.
My life feels incomplete without my lover, and I am desperate to find her and never let her go.
'Cause I can't bare to live inside this world of loneliness
Being lonely is unbearable for me, and I cannot bear to live in a world without love and companionship.
Without someone to care I just can't get along
I need someone to love and care for me, and their presence is crucial for me to survive and thrive in life.
Your loves the only song my heart will ever want to know
The song of my lover's love is the only one that matters to me, and it is the only melody that I wish to hear for the rest of my life.
Oh how does it go, oh how does it go.
I continue to be curious and intrigued about the magical melody of love, and I eagerly await to experience it with my beloved.
Well your loves the only song my heart will ever want to know
My heart beats only for my lover, and their love is the most precious and beautiful song that I have ever heard.
Oh how does it go, oh how does it go...
My curiosity and eagerness to experience the melody of love remain unabated, and I want to hear it over and over again with my beloved.
Writer(s): Jerry Paul Keller, Jay Goodis
Contributed by Charlie C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.