Rick Nelson

Rick Nelson: From Idol to Icon

In remembrance of Rick Nelson’s untimely death 20 years ago, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is paying tribute to this early pop icon with Rick Nelson: From Idol to Icon, an exhibit of never-before seen artifacts. The exhibit includes instruments, clothing, handwritten lyrics and footage from The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet television show. Divided into four sections and highlighting different aspects of his life, the exhibit was curated with the assistance of his four children, Gunnar, Matthew, Tracy and Sam. Highlights include:

• Tuxedo and microphone, c. 1957
• Rio Bravo lobby card from 1959
• Outfit and guitar played at a rock and roll revival concert held at Madison Square Garden on October 11, 1971
• Outfit and guitar Nelson wore on the cover of the Garden Party album released in 1972
• Outfit Nelson wore onstage during his performance at Carnegie Hall, March 30, 1973.

More on Rick Nelson

Ricky Nelson captured America’s heart playing himself on his family’s 1950s TV series, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet. In 1957, he began singing on the show, and his first record, a cover of Fats Domino’s “I’m Walkin’,” reached Number Four and sold more than a million copies. Between 1957 and 1961, he had more than two dozen hits, including “Be-Bop Baby,” “Lonesome Town,” “Travelin’ Man” and “Hello Mary Lou.” In 1966 and 1967, he recorded Bright Lights & Country Music and Country Fever. He then formed the Stone Canyon Band, which featured future members of the Eagles, Poco and other country-rock bands. Nelson returned to the pop charts in 1972 with “Garden Party.” The song was about his appearance at a rock and roll revival show at Madison Square Garden, where the audience booed his long-haired look and new material.

Al Green's White Leather Jacket With Embroidery

Photo by Design Photography
Collection of Al Green