Was one of two rock stars to have never appeared on "New American Bandstand 1965" (1952). The other was Elvis Presley, though Elvis did speak on the phone on Bandstand to host Dick Clark on January 8, 1959, Elvis' 24th birthday. He was overseas in the army at the time.
Was the first teen idol to use television as a way to promote hit records. His version of "I'm Walkin' " made #4 on the Billboard singles chart and sold over a million copies after he performed it on TV.
When Rick Nelson appeared at The Rock Revival at Madison Square Garden in 1971, he was unaware that he was to appear in clothing from the era of the height of his popularity. Not aware of this he appeared in contemporary clothing and was booed because of this. Afterwards, and as a result of this, he wrote the hit song, "Garden Party".
Younger brother of actor/director, David Nelson.