DAVID NELSON - RICKY NELSON'S BROTHER and A FRIEND LONG AGO PASSES TODAY

It's with sadness that I learned that DAVID NELSON, Ricky Nelson's brother, has passed away. I'm linking to the Yahoo News story that has a great picture of the brothers attached to it.

"To his credit and doubtless a big boost to his sanity, David Nelson never seemed to resent the shadows in which he walked." - Reporter David Hinkley

I was in Los Angeles when I first met Rick Nelson because we were both playing on EP Enterprises, Elvis football team, and then I met David, who I also considered to be a friend. He was the shyer of the two.

(325) JOHNNY RIVERS INTRODUCED ME TO JOHNNY and DORSEY BURNETT

JOHNNY RIVERS came out to Los Angeles from New York... following what seemed to be an exodus of talent to the West Coast from the East. Seemed like only Ersel Hickey remained behind. Johnny taught Ersel some guitar chords back in New York and then the two of them wrote a song for me. And when Johnny came out he stayed with me and my brother for some time while he tried and tried again... I've said it before and I'll say it again "JOHNNY RIVERS WOULD NOT QUIT!"

Though I met a lot of great artists in New York and on my tours, there were others I really wanted to meet that I met through Johnny.

Johnny is the person who introduced me to Johnny and Dorsey Burnett. Another song that Johnny liked to cover at Elvis' house parties is this one by Dorsey, "Hey Little One."