"Amazing moments"… 

part of TV family's life

In the background the music flowed from the radio and 18 year old Matthew Nelson, one of the identical twin sons of 1980’s teen idol Ricky Nelson, was at home where he was living with his dad, his “best friend”.

But on this night his dad wasn’t there.  He was on a concert tour.

And then Matthew's attention was drawn to the radio when heard the disk jockey announce that Teen Idol singer Ricky Nelson had just been killed in a plane crash.  Matthew passed out. 

He explained, “Usually in a tragic death the names are withheld from the media until the family is notified.”  But, Matthew continued, “when you’re in the public, those rules go out the window.”

Conversation a month earlier…

It was just a month earlier that Ricky - who would come to Matthew and Gunnar's concerts but “hide in the background” -  would share how much he loved them.  

Matthew continued, his dad also said, “‘I admire you as my peers in music.’  And we all kind of cried.  It was one of those amazing moments.” 

“It was nice to get that kind of validation from my musical and personal hero.”

 A month later, Ricky Nelson was dead.

Matthew added, “The fact is that if you choose to be in entertainment you open yourself up to scrutiny and I’m okay with it... it toughens you up a little bit.

“But I must say that I enjoy being who I am.”

What was it like growing up?

Ozzie, Harriet, David and Ricky

In a recent interview with Matthew in respect to the twins’ upcoming concert in Cannon Falls on October 18 as a fundraiser for the Shepherd’s Center, he recalled some moments being the son of Ricky Nelson and the grandson of Ozzie and Harriet Nelson - who had one of the longest running sitcoms on television...  “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet” which involved their whole family.

Matthew felt he got a good upbringing by being in the Nelson family.  He explained, Grandma and Grandpa always took time to relate to people.  They never acted like they were above anyone.

They were very humble about it and my Dad was the same way.  We were taught that we were fortunate to be able to do what we love to do.”

Matthew was about ten years old when Grandpa Ozzie died.  But Grandma Harriet would come to his sports activities.  And, he recalled, while she was in the grandstand she spent a lot of time talking to people.

Harriet had been a singer with the big bands before they started their show, Matthew continued, and actually took a little step back to be in her husband’s radio show.  And then the TV show ended up being one of the longest running sitcoms on TV.

Ricky’s surprise!

Although Ricky Nelson was on the road entertaining a lot, he came back for a special birthday party for the boys when they were 12 years old.  But he had planned a “twist” to the story!

You see, Ricky had told the boys they had dentist appointments that day!  (Bummer!)  Their mom (Kristen Harmon) was in on the deception and picked them up at school and dropped them off at the “dentist’s office”.  She told them she would park the car but they were late and had to get in the chair and get their fillings.

But as they walked into the building, Matthew noticed his brother’s drum set was there!  And then his guitar!  And the boys found out that it was really a recording studio!

Their dad had set up a recording session for them!  

Matthew and Gunnar had started playing instruments when we were about seven  years old.  And now they recorded one of the songs they had written.

The Pointer Sisters sang back-up vocals!

Then more family members showed up and they had cake in the control room!

Matthew recalled, “Only my dad could put something together like that!”

 What would you like to know?

  I had asked Facebook friends for questions so here are some of Matthew’s answers.

Wisdom from a teen idol?

Practical advice from his father, Ricky and his Grandma Harriet.  He was made to understand that because of their name, he and his brother would be given a “listen” as to their breaking into the music industry.  

But, they added,  “your talent will bring you in.”  

Also, “people will be more critical of you.” And Matthew recalled, “So we had to work harder”.  

                           Advice from Dad

They had their father’s experience to learn from.  Ricky had had to “re-invent” himself during his career.  After the teen-idol phase he went into a country-rock sound.  Ricky explained to the boys: “A career is a series of comebacks.”

He also advised, “Do what you feel is right and keep doing what you’re doing... and believe in what you’re doing.”  It’s persistence and integrity.

And... after five years of trying for a record deal they got their first one.  

What is important to you?

Matthew quickly responded, “My family and friends.  I enjoy being on stage... and making new friends...and to provide for my family and friends. Nothing else means anything... at the end of our lives the question is: did I make a difference to someone else’s life?

Living in the spotlight…

Living in the spotlight of the Nelson family Matthew revealed,  “There were far more blessings than curses.  My father would love to play live concerts and my brother and I are the same way.  

      I kind of feel him around when we do the show.”

He confidently predicted, “You’ll see.”

(Video interview on www.paulrosie.com)