In 1987, I produced a six-hour radio tribute to the late Rick Nelson. Featuring special guests who knew and loved Rick and his music, the three decade musical career of the man, for whom the term "teen idol" was coined, was explored in depth.

Woefully underappreciated by music critics, Rick Nelson was the second highest selling Rock and Roll artist from 1957 through the early 60s. He placed 35 recordings on the Top 40 charts, had the first number one record on the Hot 100 and influenced scores of musicians, including Bob Dylan, Linda Ronstadt, and John Fogerty. An estimated 100 million of his records have been sold. More than any artist of the 1950s, Ricky Nelson brought Rock and Roll into America's living rooms and introduced it to the parents, making it acceptable for their kids to play. Through success and failure, he remained committed to his music until the end of his life.

All of the guests gave their time for free, out of their respect and affection for Rick Nelson.

Parts One and Two of the documentary, covering Ricky's years with Imperial Records, were removed by request of UMG, which holds the copyright to those recordings. To hear those fantastic recordings, please visit Ricky Nelson - Topic, the official Rick Nelson channel.

I apologize for any ad interruptions. These ads were not authorized by me.

PART FOUR:

Rick is at the vanguard of the country-rock movement of the 1970s, recording with the Stone Canyon Band.

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