50 Years Ago... Ricky Nelson had changed his name to plain Rick Nelson and was complaining about a "Garden Party"

 

50 Years Ago… “Garden Party” by Rick Nelson & The Stone Canyon Band was all over the radio.

Ricky Nelson – as he had been known in his younger days – had been one of the original rock’n’roll teen idols. So it only makes sense that Rick Nelson – as he now preferred to called, what with being a “grown up” & all – would write one of the first teen idol complaining that he’s not getting any respect songs.

“Garden Party” is the story of Rick getting booed during his set at a rock’n’roll revival concert at Madison Square Garden, presumedly for playing country music & dressing like a hippy. He also tries – very hard – to get some cred by being cryptic with his lyrics. Y’know, like Dylan. But you don’t win any prizes for guessing with “Yoko brough her walrus” is referring to.

“Garden Party” is a 4. Please Rick, go drive a truck.