Ricky Nelson: Idol for a Generation

Singing Fats Domino's "I'M WALKIN'" as part of his parents' sit-com (OZZIE & HARRIET SHOW), it probably seemed that this was just a ratings gimmick in response to the current "fad" of rock & roll. Although that particular performance is less than inspiring (and an insult to Fats Antoine Domino), Ricky soon found his voice and with major assistance from guitarist Jim Burton and good material from the Burnette brothers, Gene Pitney and others, Ricky (later "maturing" to just RICK) left an indelible stamp on the roots of rock & roll, and even managed a hit with a personal social comment ("GARDEN PARTY"). Along with Elvis, Little Richard, and the aforementioned Fats, Rick Nelson is a vital component of the roots of the music that turned out to be a "bit" more than just a "fad". Put "POOR LITTLE FOOL", "NEVER BE ANYONE ELSE BUT YOU" or "HELLO MARY LOU" on your CD player (or even better, on your turntable!!) and read about Ozzie's boy. A good solid read..

Despite the remarks in the above reviews concerning Joel Selvin taking a negative position concerning some aspects of Rick's life, I find this book to be a TOTALY unbiased examination of one of the most interesting lives of our times. Mr. Selvin cuts to the chase in his effort to seek the truth and follow it where ever it may lead. I had the honor of being co-president of Rick's national fan club during the mid 70's and I knew many of the people aluded to in this book. I can say with only one exception that Joels appraisal of these people is right on the mark. Remember, the function of any biography is to show a true picture of a subject's life. Joel Selvin has accomplished this in a most artful way. His very readable biography can at times be disturbing to those who resist seeing this most talented rock star as he was. Joel Selvin, I salute you!

Rick Nelson knew by the age of 16 what he wanted to do with the rest of his life! He wanted to be a Rock n' Roll singer! Yes, Rick had very famous parents and did not come from 'proverty'. But Rick worked very hard to achieve and keep his success, regardless of his parents' position in the entertainment world! And he kept on working until his tragic death at age 45 in a plane crash on 12/31/85. Rick had it no better than anyone else in life, nor did he have it any worse. He had his good qualities and he had his bad qualities. After all, Rick Nelson was a human being. Somehow, I think Americans had really bought into the idea that the "Nelsons" they saw on tv every week were really the way they appeared on tv. Or did we only NEED to believe that a family could be so perfect? No person, let alone a family, could be that perfect! It was all make-believe! Somehow, the author, Joel Selvin, while reporting/writing accuratly about the human Rick Nelson, does seem to write about Rick's life in a very negative, hurting way. It's alright to write about a person's fallicies, all human beings have them, but there is never a good reason to simply tear a person apart, just to be tearing a person apart!

When I bought this book, they had only one in the store and it was not on the shelf yet. I believe I may have been fortunate enough to get the one they had for their own perusal. In any case, I found the book to be one of the most absorbing stories I can ever recall reading Yes, I was a real fan of Rick Nelson, especially in later years, so my opinion of the book may be prejudiced..I recall seeing him in a coffee house in Bryn Mawr, PA in 1972,I believe it was, and was saddened to see that the show of attendance was very sparce. There were no tickets to be purchased in advance, and I attended two nights in a row with no problem of getting in. It saddened me, however, I was priviledged to be in a small room while he sang with the Stone Canyon Band, and found it to be a stunning performance. The book was very easy to read text-wise, but very difficult to read content-wise. His hermit-like lifestyle after his divorce broke my heart. What a sad existance, preceding a disastrous ending to what almost was and could have been a "story-book life".

I was a fan of Rick Nelson's and though it was hard to read parts of this book, Joe Selvin provided an insight to Nelson's life.