Ricky Nelson: Idol for a Generation

Rating:
Summary: Only when the truth is told can we fully understand.
Review: 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!

Rating:
Summary: It's all about the music; all you have to do is listen.
Review: I once read in an interview given of the late Rick Nelson's son, where he was asked about a recent biography at that time about his father. I remember verbatim what he said, in that he recommended nobody read this the book, and was amazed at what people will do to make money. Out of respect and loyalty I didn't read it. As a few years had past, I had by accident came across this biography at the library, and curiosity overcame and I read it. In the beginning of the book I liked the little story about greek mythology, as I studied it in school. I shut the book when I read a bad word, as I don't use words, and don't hear much either. I found this biography to be rather disparaging. I think, the songs of his life captures the true essence. It's all in the listening. Over the years I have relatives and friends that have known or met members of the whole Nelson family, and had asked what were they like. The word gracious was mentioned more than once. As that word can apply to many.The Nelson family were and are exactly as they appear. After finishing the book in an hour, I discovered it was constructive, at least, in understanding why my mother and great-aunt don't play bridge. And, why his son said what he did in that article ten years ago. He inherited, at least, two things from his father: musical talent and personal integrity. Rick Nelson lived an extraordinary life, and always remained his own person and part of his life he couldn't share. He was always uncompromisingly true to his convictions.

Rating:
Summary: It's all about the music; all you have to do is listen.
Review: Joel Selvin set out to destroy Rick Nelson's reputation with his book, and he succeeded. He seeks to disparage Rick as a person at every turn, even when praising his music. Ozzie Nelson doesn't come off mu ch better in this mean-spirited book. Gunnar and Matthew Nelson have gone on record as being against this book, and that's enough for me.

Rating:
Summary: thumbs down to Joel Selvin's hatchet job
Review: Joel Selvin set out to destroy Rick Nelson's reputation with his book, and he succeeded. He seeks to disparage Rick as a person at every turn, even when praising his music. Ozzie Nelson doesn't come off mu ch better in this mean-spirited book. Gunnar and Matthew Nelson have gone on record as being against this book, and that's enough for me.

Rating:
Summary: From sit-com sub-plot to rock and roll idol
Review: 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..

Rating:
Summary: From sit-com sub-plot to rock and roll idol
Review: 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..

Rating:
Summary: This one slammed Rick more than the other biography.
Review: 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".