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I met Rick Nelson at a strange juncture in his life. It was 1984, and, at age 44, he was all grown up, his hit-making days long behind him. He was playing the Fairmont Hotel, in a room more accustomed to the likes of Tony Bennett and Ella Fitzgerald. But he was comfortable, tossing out his hits and his wonderful blend of country, rockabilly and rock.
Backstage, before his opening night show, I asked about Elvis. There were rumors about Col. Tom Parker being interested in managing him. He shrugged off that question, but talked openly about his old buddy. When Elvis died, he said, “I was really sad about it. He was a good friend of mine. He inspired a lot of people; he WAS rock and roll.”
Because of their touring schedules, he said, he didn’t see Elvis the last five or six years of Presley’s life. “But back in the 50s and early 60s, I saw a lot of him. We became real good friends. I was a big fan of his, and he listened to my records. He always liked the music, the guitar player, James Burton.” Presley even hired Burton to play behind him, at recording sessions and on tour.
Listen to Rick Nelson speaks about Elvis
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We need a Ricky Nelson in our lives.... he was great! I saw him in concert in Buffalo, N.Y. a few months befoe he passed away. How refreshing, entertaining he was! His voice was so clear and full of life. He is missed.
Ben~ Enjoyed hearing of your talk with Rick Nelson. I had the pleasure of meeting with Rick in 1974 (I think). I was an MP at Schofield Barracks and Rick played Conroy Bowl there. He put on a great show and the fans (of all ages) loved him. Before and after the show I remember Rick sitting backstage wearing nothing but a white T-shirt and fruit of the looms and white socks. He was signing autographs and being interviewed by a journalist.
Having grown up with The Nelsons I just found the scene very surreal and kind of comical.
I had the strongest desire to ask him all about Ozzie, Harriet and David but I restrained my- self