Ricky Nelson

Ricky Nelson (1940–1985) was an American singer and actor who rose to fame as a teen idol in the late 1950s.

He first gained national exposure on his parents' television show *The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet*, then launched a music career with hits like "Poor Little Fool," "Hello Mary Lou," and "Travelin' Man." His clean-cut image and rock-influenced pop helped define early rock and roll.

He died in a plane crash while touring.

Related

rockabilly · rock and roll pioneer · teen idol · artist · entertainer · sitcom · Harriet · musician · rock and roll · Ozzie · Roy Orbison · singer · pop music · vocalist · Frank Sinatra · Dean Martin · Pat Boone · sixties

Opposites
musical persona and image

Ricky NelsonJerry Lee Lewis

Little Richard · Elvis Presley · Iggy Pop · Jim Morrison · Johnny Rotten

artistic approach and authenticity perception

Ricky NelsonMuddy Waters

Chicago blues founding figure

Robert Johnson · Johnny Cash · Woody Guthrie · Hank Williams · Bo Diddley

cultural background and access

Ricky NelsonElvis Presley

Johnny Cash · Little Richard · James Brown · Chuck Berry · Ritchie Valens

Family

sonnet, grandson, stepson, Nelson, Ricky, Richard, sonship, Nell, Neil

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Mostly American · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G