Ricky Nelson was the first rock star to be a true child of radio and television

During his childhood, Ricky suffered with asthma attacks, and grew up thin and sickly. However beginning with his 1952 television debut he went from a scrawny twelve year old prankster to a rakishly charming young man in 1956. A modest young man Ricky was remembered as quiet and well behaved at Bancroft Junior High. In 1954, he enrolled at Hollywood High School and was an average student. By this time, he was earning a $100,00 annual salary from the TV show.

In 1956, rock and roll was sweeping the country and old styles of music out of the way. Ricky was a member of the Rooks, a clique at Hollywood high that liked to cause trouble for authority figures. Ozzie and Harriet were as average as one could be and still be TV stars.. Ricky resented their life style and authority. In retaliation, he immerse himself into rock and roll music, the antithesis of Ozzie's smooth big band sound. He grew sideburns, slicked his hair back, wore shirts with the collars turned up and even tried to tattoo himself on the shoulder and wrist. Mostly, he played rock and roll music - loud.

Legend has it that Ricky was dating a beautiful teenager named Arlene. His natural insecurity made him certain Arlene was going to drop him at any minute, after all she was a year older than him. Their few dates were "cold." On what he was certain was going to be their last date, an Elvis song was playing on the car radio. Arlene swooned over Elvis. Ricky quickly said that he was about to make his own record. Arlene responded by laughing.

Ricky pleaded with Ozzie to help him make a record after all Ozzie had been a recording star in his own right. Ozzie finally agreed and through his connections Ricky became part of the entertainment at Knott's Berry Farm. Ricky acquitted himself very well.

Next, Ricky sang on the show. Ricky choose Fats Domino's "I'm Walkin." The publics response was positive and a demo tape was made. The Nelson's talent agency, MCA, sent the tape out to more than twenty labels. Each turned it down until Barney Kessel heard it. Kessel was an acclaimed jazz guitarist and chief A&R man for Verve Records. He had also been Ozzie's guitarists in the 1940s. Kessel realized that Ricky's image had already been pre-sold through the weekly TV shows. A deal was made for one three hour recording session for Verve. Three songs "I'm Walkin''," "A Teenager's Romance," and "You're My One and Only Love" were completed.

On April 10, 1957 "I'm Walkin'" debuted on the TV show. Within a week "I'm Walkin'" backed by "A Teenager's Romance," was released by Verve. Through the summer "I'm Walkin'" moved up the charts. In mid-summer "A Teenager's Romance" caught on. Verve was swamped with orders and quickly fell behind in in pressing new singles. They also fell behind in paying royalties, a major transgression in Ozzie's eyes.

Lew Chudd of Imperial Records, Fats Domino's label, was one of the first to notice Ricky. After all, Imperial held part of the publishing rights to "I'm Walkin'." Chudd approached Ozzie about Ricky's contract. After he learned of Ozzie's unhappiness with Verve and that Verve only had an agreement for one session, Chudd and Ozzie made a deal. Ricky moved to Imperial with a five year contract guaranteeing $50,000 against royalties. Verve retaliated by releasing "Your My One and Only" with an instrumental by Kessel on the flip side.

The Verve single had just titillated the teen audience. It was obvious that Ricky's first Imperial single would be an instant smash. There were advanced orders for a million copies before Ricky had even entered the studio to record "Be-Bop Baby" and "Have I Told You That I Love You." A week later the songs were played on the TV show. The single roared up the US charts in the fall of 1957, but failed to make any impact in the UK.

Ricky was increasing dissatisfied with the session musicians provided for his recording sessions. He decided to form his own band of younger players after a near disastrous tour of the Midwest during which the promoter hired local musicians to back him. After hearing a demo of "Red Hot" by Bob Luman, another Imperial recording artist, Ricky contracted Luman' bass player James Kirkland and guitarist James Burton. After a brief work out they were hired to perform as his TV band. A short time later Richie Frost was added on drums with Gene Garf on piano.Burton had been an original member of Dale Hawkin's combo on "Susie-Q," before joining Luman. Frost was a session drummer who had worked on the musical score for the Nelson's show.

While this was happening, Ricky recorded his second Imperial single "Stood Up" and "Waitin' In School." With his style becoming more professional, "Stood Up" just missed being number one in the US and was the first of his records to make the charts in the UK creeping up to no 27 and staying in the charts for just two weeks.

The next single "Believe What You say" featured the new band. "Believe what You Say" had a full blown powerhouse sound. Burton's guitar work was full of fire and innovation, while the rest of the group held its own. Even Ricky's vocals improved.

Now Ricky's career outside the TV show accelerated. He received creditable reviews when he co-starred in John Wayne's Rio Bravo. His concerts were instant sellouts. His role in the TV show expanded, not just to allow him to sing, but to allow him to act. He was receiving ten thousand fan letters a week and was appearing in a monthly comic book. He raced cars and dated starlets.

With "Poor Little Fool" he topped the US charts for the first time, and in the UK the record made it to number 4 - staying in the charts for 13 weeks.

"It's Late" and "Never be anyone else but you" showed the singers real maturity and in the UK both sides got into the charts with It's Late reaching number 3 in June 1959 and staying in the charts for 20 weeks! - his biggest UK hit til then.

By that time most sales were on 45 so this fabulous 78 is a real rarity!

Superb Rare 1959 double-sided chart hit in excellent condition!