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.
That's All
Ricky Nelson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Have you ever wanted to try
But you let her get you scared to death
And got you so mad you could cry
Well I'm sorry for you
But I really don't know why
'Cause you'll never know what you're missin' til you try
'Til You try
I can only give you love that lasts forever
And a promise to be near each time you call
And the only heart I own
For you and you alone
That's all, that's all
I can only give you country walks in springtime
And a hand to hold when leaves begin to fall
And a love who's burning light
Will warm the winter night
That's all, that's all
There are those I am sure who have told you
They would give you the world for a toy
All I have are these arms to enfold you
And a love even time can't destroy
If you're wondering what I'm asking in return dear
You'll be glad to know that my demands are small
Say it's me that you'll adore
For now and evermore
That's all, that's all
In Ricky Nelson's "That's All", he talks about the fear and hesitancy one may experience in approaching a potential lover. He acknowledges the feeling of wanting to kiss or try to start a romantic venture, but being too afraid to do so in fear of failure or rejection. He proceeds to express his love and devotion to his lover; offering her nothing but his heart, undivided attention, and a promise to always be there when she needs him. He reassures her with simple yet meaningful gestures such as walks, holding her hand when leaves begin to fall, and a burning love that will warm her on winter nights. He acknowledges that although he does not have extravagant possessions to offer her, he has nothing but his love that remains strong even through time.
Line by Line Meaning
Have you ever wanted to steal a kiss
Have you ever felt the desire to kiss someone when you are very fond of them?
Have you ever wanted to try
Have you ever wished to attempt something new, but you were scared of the outcome?
But you let her get you scared to death
You let someone or something frighten you so much that you couldn't act upon your genuine feelings.
And got you so mad you could cry
You got disappointed over something that made you so angry that any tears came out instead.
Well I'm sorry for you
I pity you for not taking chances or not having the courage to show your true feelings.
But I really don't know why
It's hard for me to comprehend the reason why you're trapped in this situation.
'Cause you'll never know what you're missin' til you try
You may be missing out on something extraordinary or beautiful if you don't take a chance and try it out.
Til You try
You won't understand the experience of something until you attempt it yourself.
I can only give you love that lasts forever
I can only offer you long-lasting and unconditional love as a promise.
And a promise to be near each time you call
I promise to be always available whenever you need me, no matter what.
And the only heart I own
The only heart I have belongs to you and no one else.
For you and you alone
You are the only one who will have my heart forever.
That's all, that's all
That's all I have to say. This is everything that I can offer you, and I hope it is sufficient.
I can only give you country walks in springtime
I can only promise to take you on beautiful and romantic walks in the countryside during the spring season.
And a hand to hold when leaves begin to fall
I can also promise to be there for you to hold your hand when the leaves start falling in autumn.
And a love who's burning light
My love for you is passionate and intense, just like a burning flame that never dies out.
Will warm the winter night
My love will help you stay warm during the cold winter nights.
There are those I am sure who have told you
I'm sure there are people who have promised you great things in exchange for your love.
They would give you the world for a toy
They might have promised to give you everything you desire as if it was just a plaything.
All I have are these arms to enfold you
All I can do is to hold you in my arms and make you feel safe and loved.
And a love even time can't destroy
My love for you is so strong that even the passing of time cannot diminish it. It will last forever.
If you're wondering what I'm asking in return dear
If you're curious about what I'm expecting from you, my dear,
You'll be glad to know that my demands are small
I have only a few simple requests, and you don't need to worry about it being challenging or complicated.
Say it's me that you'll adore
All I ask is that you love and adore me, and no one else.
For now and evermore
I'm asking that you make this commitment to love me now and always.
That's all, that's all
Again, that's all I have to say. It's simple and straightforward, but it comes from the heart.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BOB HAYMES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Carol Jahns
This is one of Ricky's best songs. It brings tears to my eyes when I hear it. I loved watching the Ozzie and Harriet show every week. It was a great time to grow up in. I have many of his albums.
Shadepuppy
For a few minutes, I was 17 again and enjoying Rick's singing as if we were both young.
Sun Light Orchestra
This song definitely deserves more likes and views. So underrated!
JjPlayz Mc
Love all his songs. He is still my Teenage Idol.
Julie De Leon
My crush up to now .
Beatty Yu
What a voice. Truly an idol in his time and forever..
Ella Menopause
I was lucky enough to grow up in the era of "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet", so I got to see Ricky on the show every week. He was about five years older than me, and I just idolized him, and he was the first singer I went nuts over 'back in the day'. He was too cool and such a good example for "us kids" to follow. So sad that he died in the crash of that plane in 1985 at 45; already, I've lived over 21 yrs than he has. Miss him to this day and always will. Thx for posting this video.
FilCanJay
Ricky Nelson was the coolest cat. Squeaky clean. For me he is right up there with Elvis, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly and the Everly Brothers. All time favs. Travelin' Man, Stood Up, Never Be Anyone Else, You tear Me Up, Someday and Half Breed. Classic.
daveedgeguitar
Actually most of the ballads were recorded because his mom , Harriet, loved them!
Darrell Turner
What a great wedding song !! congrats !! I wish you many years of happiness <3