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.
I'm Not Afraid
Ricky Nelson Lyrics
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It's not a child's game
It can make or break your heart
But, darling, all the same
I'm not afraid (I'm not afraid)
No I'm not afraid (I'm not afraid)
But I disagree
Love can come to anyone
And love has come to me
I'm not afraid (I'm not afraid)
I'm not afraid as long as I know
That you'll always be with me
And as each tender kiss
Gets warm enough
Somehow I feel I'm old enough
Darling if you really care
And I'm sure you do
Take my hand and hold me tight
And make my dreams come true
I'm not afraid (I'm not afraid)
No I'm not afraid (I'm not afraid)
No I'm not afraid
The lyrics to Ricky Nelson's song "I'm Not Afraid" touch upon the theme of love and how it can be both serious and fulfilling. The opening lines emphasize how love is often viewed as a serious matter that can have a significant impact on a person's heart. Despite this, Nelson reassures his lover that he is not afraid of committing to their relationship because he believes in the power of love.
As the song progresses, Nelson addresses the criticism he may face from others who may perceive him as too young to know the true meaning of love. However, he disagrees with this notion and suggests that love can come to anyone, no matter how young they are. The chorus of the song reiterates his fearlessness in stating that he is not afraid, indicating his strong conviction in the strength of their love.
The lyrics also touch upon the intimate moments shared between two lovers, with Nelson suggesting that each tender kiss makes him feel older and more experienced. He expresses his desire for his lover to hold him tight so that they can fulfill each other's dreams, which shows his deep emotional attachment to the relationship. Overall, the song delivers a positive message about being unafraid to love deeply and fully.
Line by Line Meaning
Love they say is serious
Love is not considered a childish game.
It's not a child's game
Love is a profound emotion that should be taken seriously.
It can make or break your heart
Love can either bring you immense joy or tremendous pain.
But, darling, all the same
Regardless of the risks, the artist still wants to pursue love.
I'm not afraid (I'm not afraid)
The artist is not afraid of the risks associated with love.
People tell me I'm too young
Others think the singer is too young to experience love.
But I disagree
The singer does not agree with this sentiment.
Love can come to anyone
Love does not discriminate based on age.
And love has come to me
The artist has already experienced love.
I'm not afraid (I'm not afraid)
The artist is still not afraid of the risks associated with love.
I'm not afraid as long as I know
As long as the singer knows that their lover will be there for them, they will remain unafraid.
That you'll always be with me
The artist needs assurance that their lover will not leave them.
And as each tender kiss
With each gentle kiss.
Gets warm enough
As the kisses become more passionate and intense.
Somehow I feel I'm old enough
The singer starts to feel mature enough as their feelings for their lover grow stronger.
Darling if you really care
If their lover truly cares.
And I'm sure you do
The artist is confident that their lover truly cares for them.
Take my hand and hold me tight
The singer wants their lover to take their hand and show them affection.
And make my dreams come true
The singer wants their lover to be the one to fulfill their romantic dreams.
I'm not afraid (I'm not afraid)
Once again, the artist reassures themself that they are not afraid of the risks associated with love.
No, I'm not afraid (I'm not afraid)
The artist still remains unafraid.
No, I'm not afraid
The artist reaffirms one last time that they are not afraid of love.
Lyrics © HOUSE OF BRYANT PUBLICATIONS
Written by: F. BRYANT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind