Adam Carolla Show

Ricky Nelson’s Legacy, Elvis, and Growing up with George Harrison with The Nelson Twins

16 snips
Dec 16, 2025
Matthew and Gunnar Nelson, a dynamic musical duo and sons of legendary Ricky Nelson, share insights from their new memoir, 'What Happened to Your Hair?'. They dive into their family history, detailing their grandfather’s role in early radio and Ricky's rise through television. Anecdotes about growing up around icons like George Harrison and their own experiences in the music industry highlight the creative tensions that fuel their artistry. The twins reflect on personal stories and the unique challenges of maintaining a legacy in the ever-evolving music scene.
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ANECDOTE

Relocating After A Freeway Breaking Point

  • Gunnar moved from Los Angeles to Franklin, Tennessee after a tense freeway incident made him rethink living in L.A.
  • He cited lower cost, music scene access, and proximity to touring markets as reasons for the move.
INSIGHT

TV Launched Early Music Stardom

  • Ricky Nelson used television to launch a music career before TV promotion was common in rock and roll.
  • Ozzie integrated Ricky's singing into episodes, selling a million singles in a week and changing music marketing.
ANECDOTE

Ricky Versus Elvis On The Football Field

  • Ricky and Elvis played informal football games together until Ricky escalated by recruiting LA Rams players.
  • After that, Elvis never played Ricky again, showing playful rivalry turned serious.
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