Rick Nelson, Rock 'n' Roll Pioneer

Ricky Nelson

Ricky Nelson (he later preferred "Rick") was 8 years old when he began his career in show business. After a successful run on radio, his family's situation comedy The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet enjoyed a 14 year television tenure. On the April 10, 1957, episode, "Ricky the Drummer," Nelson started his singing career by lip syncing to Fats Domino's "I'm Walkin'." He scored 36 Top 40 singles between 1957 and 1972 and ranked number 5 in Billboard's Top 25 Artists of the Decade 1950-1959.

As a country rock pioneer, Rick Nelson influenced Buffalo Springfield, Linda Ronstadt, and the Eagles. This book is a candid account of his life in rock and roll through stories told by musicians and producers on the road and in the studio with him. Actors and family members also provided invaluable memories and insights.