The American Dream: The Complete Imperial and Verve 1957-1962

• Artist: Ricky Nelson
• Rating:
• Release Date: November 06, 2001
• Type: Compilation (best of)
• Genre: Rock

Review

This is one of the more difficult Bear Family sets to take on simply because it is such an intimidating package. Never mind that Nelson is an American myth, having eked his way into that terrain by dying in a plane crash while still in his forties, and despite being managed by Colonel Tom Parker, he still looked fantastic despite the unsubstantiated rumors of drugs, alcoholism, and twisted sex that poured forth from the tabloids after his passing.

But that Ricky (or Rick as he was known then) Nelson doesn't even appear inside this box set. The material documented here begins near the end of the rockabilly era in 1957 and ends before the Beatles came stateside. The 180 tracks contained on this set represent five years in the recording life of Ricky Nelson, who before he even began his recording career was a television star with his real-life family, the Nelsons, parented by Ozzie and Harriet. In fact, Ricky Nelson starred in a number of motion pictures during the era when these recordings were made -- most notably Rio Bravo with John Wayne and Dean Martin and The Wackiest Ship in the Army -- and remained on the TV program until 1966, four years after these sessions leave off in 1962. Ricky Nelson was indeed America's most popular and respectable teen idol.

For starters there's the hardbound book that's 180 pages long with rare photographs galore, including some risqué shots of a "party" at Nelson's house; some shots with Eddie Cochrane's widow, Sharon Sheeley; shots from the TV show; wedding day photos; record covers from seven different countries; all of the original singles and LP sleeves; press clippings; and magazine and fan club shots, as well as stills from the movies and even a full four-color reproduction of the Ricky Nelson comic book. A large chunk of the book is dedicated to an exhaustive essay by Todd Everett that fills in not only biographical details, but cultural ones as well, and quotes many of the major figures in Nelson's life at the time at length, including, but not exclusively, Gene Pitney, Johnny Rivers, Johnny Cash, and Larry and most notably Lorrie Collins of the Collins Kids, whom Nelson was romantically linked to early in his career. In addition to Everett's essay there are copious production notes on remasters and mono and stereo mixes as well as how most of the recordings were constructed in the studio. This adds up to an insanely beautiful package and we've yet to comment on the music.

Of the 180 tracks included here, part of disc five and all of disc six have previously unreleased alternate takes, unheard masters, and unreleased tracks -- impressive by even Bear Family standards. Disc one begins with Nelson's first Verve single, his cover of Fats Domino's "I'm Walkin'" (that featured Domino's drummer, Earl Palmer, on the session all the way from New Orleans), backed with "My One and Only Love," a syrupy teen anthem that rocketed to the top of the charts. The rest, in a sense, was history, though it didn't run out all over the margins of press and radio like a river. After leaving Verve Nelson went to Imperial, and it is from here and Challenge that the rest of the recordings on this set come -- in complete chronological order, which means track duplication in sequence. For whatever reason, since there are usually only two or three takes, it's not as irritating as it is, say, on the complete Verve Bird sessions when there are sometimes 13 versions of the same tune all in a row.

All of the hits are here, such as "Hello Mary Lou," "Travelin' Man," and the stuff you'd expect to find on the Imperial masters LPs and CD, but those tracks only tell a small part of an amazing musical odyssey. This set proves beyond the shadow of a doubt that Nelson was not gifted with a golden voice, but it was a good one, and he interpreted material well. One such cover is his 1962 version of the Gershwins' "Summertime." This is a version that rivals Janis Joplin's for its raw, steamy emotion and one that equates with the Clash's version of "Brand New Cadillac" in its rock & roll firepower. (And James Burton's guitar playing on this track is not even to be believed -- only heard and whistled at.) The material Nelson got -- whether it was from Domino, Lieber & Stoller, Carl Perkins, Don Gibson, Jerry Fuller, J.D. Loudermilk, Scotty Wiseman, Johnny and Dorsey Burnette, Johnny Cash, Baker Knight, and dozens of others -- was mostly top shelf. Nelson and producer Jimmy Haskell's choice of standards by Sammy Cahn, the Gershwins, Hank Williams, and many more were not idle or random selections. Everything was picked first for musical value and then with the notion of selling it.

But there's so much more: the gospel EP of Glory Train plus three Nelson recorded after Elvis' "Pace in the Valley" -- his truly moving version of "The Stars Fell on Alabama," his wicked early "Be Bop Baby," and a throat-clenching rendition of "Have I Told You Lately (That I Love You)" -- and the list goes on and on, including one of the spookiest covers of "Gloomy Sunday" ever. Of the unreleased material, it's fascinating to hear Nelson's awesome band with guitarist James Burton (where do you think Gram, Emmylou Harris, and Merle Haggard first heard him?), bassist James Kirkland (and later Joe Osborn), and drummer Richie Frost, who put together the backing tracks before adding a vocal. Or to hear jazz musicians like pianist Jimmy Rowles and bassist Leroy Vinnegar, or country guitar ace Joe Maphis, or the fabulous vocal groups the Jordanaires and the Four Preps sit in. These folks all appear on final issued masters as well, but the process involved is an intimate experience collectors and hardcore fans will be delighted to hear.

Listening to this set through is exhausting, draining, and obsessively thought-provoking. It asks questions that cannot yet be articulated let alone answered as to not only how this kid did it -- and Elvis being in the army for a couple of those years cannot be the simple explanation -- but why he did this, put himself through this much sweat and blood and agony in five years with another whole life or two to live. But ultimately, The American Dream is one of the most remarkable rock & roll experiences this writer has ever had. So massive is the contribution enclosed in this 12-by-12-inch box, that it will without doubt be poured over and analyzed by fans, historians, musicologists, and trivia nuts for decades to come. Well done Bear Family. ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide

Tracks

CD 1

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
I'm Walkin' [Mono Version]	Dave Bartholomew, Fats Domino	Rick Nelson	(1:58)
You're My One and Only Love [Mono Version]	Barney Kessel, Jack Marshall	Rick Nelson	(2:04)
A Teenager's Romance [Mono Version]	David Gillam	Rick Nelson	(2:18)
Be-Bop Baby [Mono Version][Version]	Pearl Lendhurst	Rick Nelson	(2:14)
Have I Told You Lately That I Love You [Mono Version]	Scotty Wiseman	Rick Nelson	(1:59)
If You Can't Rock Me [1st Recording]	Willie Jacobs	Rick Nelson	(1:58)
Your True Love [Mono Version]	Carl Perkins	Rick Nelson	(1:59)
Honeycomb [Mono Version]	Bob Merrill	Rick Nelson	(2:55)
Boppin' the Blues [Mono Version]	Carl Perkins	Rick Nelson	(1:56)
Baby I'm Sorry [Mono Version]	Kenneth Scott	Rick Nelson	(2:21)
I'm Confessin' [Mono Version]	Al J. Neiburg, Ellis Reynolds, Doc Daugherty	Rick Nelson	(2:16)
Be-Bop Baby [LP Version]	Pearl Lendhurst	Rick Nelson	(2:00)
Have I Told You Lately That I Love You [LP Version]	Scotty Wiseman	Rick Nelson	(1:58)
Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On [Mono Version]	Sunny David, Dave Williams	Rick Nelson	(2:11)
True Love [Mono Version]	Cole Porter	Rick Nelson	(2:15)
Am I Blue? [Mono Version]	Harry Akst, Grant Clarke	Rick Nelson	(1:38)
Teenage Doll [Mono Version]	Pearl Lendhurst, George Lendhurst	Rick Nelson	(1:40)
If You Can't Rock Me [Mono Version][Version]	Willie Jacobs	Rick Nelson	(1:54)
Stood Up [Mono Version]	Sharon Sheeley, Dub Dickerson	Rick Nelson	(1:53)
Waitin' in School [Mono Version]	Dorsey Burnette, Johnny Burnette	Rick Nelson	(2:02)
My Bucket's Got a Hole in It [Mono Version]	Clarence Williams	Rick Nelson	(2:02)
Believe What You Say [Mono Version][Version]	Dorsey Burnette, Johnny Burnette	Rick Nelson	(2:06)
Shirley Lee [Mono Version]	Bobby Lee Trammell	Rick Nelson	(2:00)
I'm Feelin' Sorry [Mono Version]	Jack Clement	Rick Nelson	(2:19)
There's Good Rockin' Tonight [Mono Version]	Roy Brown	Rick Nelson	(1:49)
Someday (You'll Want Me to Want You) [Mono Version]	Jimmie Hodges	Rick Nelson	(2:51)
Down the Line [Mono Version]	Roy Orbison, Sam Phillips	Rick Nelson	(2:34)
Unchained Melody [Mono Version]	Alex North, Hy Zaret	Rick Nelson	(2:18)
Poor Little Fool [Mono Version]	Sharon Sheeley	Rick Nelson	(2:32)
My Babe [Mono Version]	Willie Dixon	Rick Nelson	(2:34)

CD 2

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
I'm in Love Again [Mono Version]	Dave Bartholomew, Fats Domino	Rick Nelson	(2:19)
There Goes My Baby [Mono Version]	James Burton, James Kirkland	Rick Nelson	(2:15)
Believe What You Say [LP Version][Version]	Dorsey Burnette, Johnny Burnette	Rick Nelson	(2:05)
Don't Leave Me This Way [Mono Version]	Rick Nelson	Rick Nelson	(2:29)
Lonesome Town [Stereo]	Baker Knight	Rick Nelson	(2:15)
I Got a Feeling [Stereo]	Baker Knight	Rick Nelson	(2:05)
I'll Walk Alone [Mono Version]	Sammy Cahn, Jule Styne	Rick Nelson	(2:38)
Restless Kid [Stereo]	Johnny Cash	Rick Nelson	(2:18)
It's All in the Game [Mono Version]	Carl Sigman, Charles Dawes	Rick Nelson	(1:58)
Lonesome Town [Mono Version]	Baker Knight	Rick Nelson	(2:12)
Cindy [Stereo]	Traditional	Rick Nelson	(2:00)
It's Late [Mono Master]	Dorsey Burnette	Rick Nelson	(1:57)
One of These Mornings [Stereo]	Dorsey Burnette	Rick Nelson	(1:55)
Old Enough to Love [Mono Version]	Merle Kilgore	Rick Nelson	(2:17)
Trying to Get to You [Stereo]	Rose Marie McCoy, Charlie Singleton	Rick Nelson	(2:14)
Gloomy Sunday [Stereo]	Sam M. Lewis, Rezso Seress, Laszlo Javor	Rick Nelson	(2:06)
Be True to Me [Stereo]	James Kirkland, Nat Stuckey	Rick Nelson	(2:24)
Never Be Anyone Else But You [Stereo]	Baker Knight	Rick Nelson	(2:15)
Just a Little Too Much [Stereo]	Johnny Burnette	Rick Nelson	(1:57)
Sweeter Than You [Stereo]	Baker Knight	Rick Nelson	(2:52)
I've Been Thinkin' [Mono Version][Version]	Johnny Burnette	Rick Nelson	(1:49)
It's Late [Stereo Mix]	Dorsey Burnette	Rick Nelson	(1:46)
I Can't Help It (If I'm Still in Love With You) [Stereo]	Hank Williams	Rick Nelson	(2:18)
You Tear Me Up [Mono Version]	Baker Knight	Rick Nelson	(2:20)
Just a Little Too Much [Stereo]	Johnny Burnette	Rick Nelson	(2:13)
Sweeter Than You [Stereo]	Baker Knight	Rick Nelson	(2:21)
I've Been Thinkin' [Stereo]	Johnny Burnette	Rick Nelson	(2:03)
One Minute to One [Stereo]	Baker Knight	Rick Nelson	(2:05)
So Long [Stereo]	Don Nelson	Rick Nelson	(1:59)
Blood from a Stone [Stereo]	Johnny Bachelor, Rupert Stevens	Rick Nelson	(2:16)

CD 3

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
You'll Never Know What You're Missin' [Stereo]	Baker Knight	Rick Nelson	(2:31)
You're So Fine [Stereo]	Dorsey Burnette	Rick Nelson	(2:19)
That's All [Stereo]	Alan Brandt, Bob Haymes	Rick Nelson	(2:03)
A Long Vacation [Stereo]	Dorsey Burnette	Rick Nelson	(2:12)
Hey Pretty Baby [Stereo]	Dorsey Burnette	Rick Nelson	(2:20)
Half Breed [Stereo]	John D. Loudermilk	Rick Nelson	(2:03)
Don't Leave Me [Stereo]	Johnny Burnette	Rick Nelson	(2:17)
Make Believe [Stereo]		Rick Nelson	(1:56)
Mighty Good [Stereo]	Baker Knight	Rick Nelson	(2:17)
I Wanna Be Loved [Stereo]	Baker Knight	Rick Nelson	(2:44)
Again [Stereo]	Lionel Newman, Dorcas Cochran	Rick Nelson	(1:52)
I'd Climb the Highest Mountain [Stereo]	Lew Brown, Sidney Clare	Rick Nelson	(2:09)
Young Emotions [Mono Version]	Jay Livingston, Mack David	Rick Nelson	(2:35)
Make Believe [Stereo]		Rick Nelson	(2:10)
Glory Train [Mono Version]	Baker Knight	Rick Nelson	(2:39)
If You Believe It [Mono Version]	Ozzie Nelson	Rick Nelson	(2:18)
March With the Band of the Lord [Mono Version]	Ray Johnson	Rick Nelson	(2:41)
I Bowed My Head in Shame [Mono Version]	Baker Knight	Rick Nelson	(2:34)
Right by My Side [Mono Version]	Baker Knight	Rick Nelson	(2:42)
Here I Go Again [Stereo]	Don Covay	Rick Nelson	(2:14)
Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans? [Stereo]	Eddie DeLange, Louis Alter	Rick Nelson	(2:32)
When Your Lover Has Gone [Stereo]	Einar A. Swan	Rick Nelson	(2:24)
Baby Won't You Please Come Home [Stereo]	Clarence Williams, Charles Warfield	Rick Nelson	(2:11)
Time After Time [Stereo]	Sammy Cahn, Jule Styne	Rick Nelson	(2:12)
I'm Not Afraid [Stereo]	Felice Bryant	Rick Nelson	(2:38)
Yes Sir, That's My Baby [Mono Version]	Walter Donaldson, Gus Kahn	Rick Nelson	(2:04)
You Are My Sunshine [Stereo]	Jimmie Davis, Charles Mitchell	Rick Nelson	(2:32)
Ain't Nothin' But Love [Stereo]	Baker Knight	Rick Nelson	(2:22)
Proving My Love [Stereo]	Baker Knight	Rick Nelson	(2:05)
I'm All Through With You [Stereo]	Baker Knight	Rick Nelson	(2:45)

CD 4

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
You Are the Only One [Stereo]	Baker Knight	Rick Nelson	(2:41)
Milk Cow Blues [Mono Version]	Kokomo Arnold	Rick Nelson	(2:13)
Hello Mary Lou [Mono Mix][Version]	Gene Pitney	Rick Nelson	(2:17)
Everybody But Me [Stereo]	Dave Burgess	Rick Nelson	(2:14)
Break My Chain [Stereo]	Jerry Fuller	Rick Nelson	(1:56)
Travelin' Man [Stereo]	Jerry Fuller	Rick Nelson	(2:23)
Oh Yeah, I'm in Love [Stereo]	Doris Payne, Gregory Carrol	Rick Nelson	(2:07)
Sure Fire Bet [Stereo]	Gene Pitney	Rick Nelson	(2:11)
Stars Fell on Alabama [Stereo]	Mitchell Parish, Frank Perkins	Rick Nelson	(2:36)
Lucky Star [Stereo]	Dave Burgess	Rick Nelson	(2:17)
My One Desire [Stereo]	Dorsey Burnette	Rick Nelson	(2:17)
I'll Make Believe [Stereo]	Johnny Rivers	Rick Nelson	(2:22)
Hello Mary Lou [Stereo Mix][Version]	Gene Pitney	Rick Nelson	(2:19)
That Warm Summer Night [Stereo]	Jerry Fuller	Rick Nelson	(2:17)
Everlovin' [Mono Version]	Dave Burgess	Rick Nelson	(2:06)
A Wonder Like You [Mono Version]	Jerry Fuller	Rick Nelson	(2:36)
Thank You Darling [Stereo]	Jackie DeShannon, Sharon Sheeley	Rick Nelson	(1:39)
History of Love [Stereo]	Dave Burgess, Jerry Fuller	Rick Nelson	(2:05)
Today's Teardrops [Stereo]	Gene Pitney, Aaron Schroeder	Rick Nelson	(2:16)
Baby You Don't Know [Stereo]	Dave Burgess, Jerry Fuller	Rick Nelson	(2:02)
There's Not a Minute [Stereo]	Frederick Tobias, Clint Ballard, Jr.	Rick Nelson	(2:23)
Mad Mad World [Stereo]	Dorsey Burnette, Joe Osborne	Rick Nelson	(2:02)
Sweet Little Lovable You [Stereo]	Dave Burgess, Jerry Fuller	Rick Nelson	(2:33)
Stop Sneakin' Around [Stereo]	Baker Knight	Rick Nelson	(2:33)
Excuse Me Baby [Stereo]	Dorsey Burnette	Rick Nelson	(2:39)
I Can't Stop Loving You [Stereo]	Don Gibson	Rick Nelson	(2:42)
Summertime [Stereo]	George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin, Dubose Heyward	Rick Nelson	(2:16)
Congratulations [Stereo]	Jerry Fuller	Rick Nelson	(2:16)
Poor Loser [Stereo]	Jerry Fuller	Rick Nelson	(2:22)
Young World [Mono Version]	Jerry Fuller	Rick Nelson	(2:27)
I've Got My Eyes on You (And I Like What I See) [Mono Version][Version]	Dave Burgess	Rick Nelson	(2:05)

CD 5

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
Teenage Idol [Mono Version]	Sam M. Lewis	Rick Nelson	(2:30)
It's up to You [Stereo]	Jerry Fuller	Rick Nelson	(2:52)
I Need You [Double Vocal]	Baker Knight	Rick Nelson	(2:26)
Brand New Girl [Stereo]	Traditional	Rick Nelson	(3:26)
Brand New Girl [Stereo]	Traditional	Rick Nelson	(2:07)
Scratchin' [Mono Version][Version]	Dave Burgess, Jerry Fuller	Rick Nelson	(2:31)
Tears [Mono Version][Version]	Dave Burgess	Rick Nelson	(2:20)
Doggone It [Mono Version][Version]	Dave Burgess	Rick Nelson, The Trophies	(2:09)
Desire [Mono Version][Version]	Lon Dobro Combo, Jerry Fuller	Rick Nelson, The Trophies	(2:28)
Cindy [Mono Version][Version]	Traditional	Walter Brennan, Rick Nelson, The Trophies	(1:18)
My Rifle, My Pony and Me [Mono Version]	Dimitri Tiomkin, Paul Francis Webster	Dean Martin, Rick Nelson	(2:12)
Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans? [Mono Version]	Eddie DeLange, Louis Alter	Rick Nelson	(1:43)
I'm Walkin' [Mono Version]	Dave Bartholomew, Fats Domino	Rick Nelson	(1:38)
You Are the Only One [Mono Version]	Baker Knight	Rick Nelson	(2:31)
Stood Up [Mono Version]	Sharon Sheeley, Dub Dickerson	Rick Nelson	(1:27)
Trying to Get to You [Mono Version]	Rose Marie McCoy, Charlie Singleton	Rick Nelson	(1:38)
Just Because [Mono Version]	Bob Shelton	Rick Nelson, Lorrie Collins	(1:41)
Baby I'm Sorry [Mono Version]	Kenneth Scott	Rick Nelson	(1:48)
Waitin' in School [Mono Version]	Dorsey Burnette, Johnny Burnette	Rick Nelson	(1:32)
You Are the Only One [Mono Version]	Baker Knight	Rick Nelson, Lorrie Collins	(2:36)
Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On [Mono Version]	Sunny David, Dave Williams	Rick Nelson	(1:51)
Never Be Anyone Else But You [Mono Version]	Baker Knight	Rick Nelson	(1:52)
Cindy [Mono Version][Version]	Traditional	Rick Nelson	(1:55)
Sevillanas [Mono Version]		Rick Nelson	(1:28)
Again [Mono Version]	Lionel Newman, Dorcas Cochran	Rick Nelson	(1:53)
Rick Flat-Picking [Mono Version]	Rick Nelson	Rick Nelson	(:16)
Have I Told You Lately That I Love You [Mono Version]	Scotty Wiseman	Rick Nelson	(2:12)
The Christmas Song [Mono Version]	Mel Tormé, Robert Wells	Rick Nelson	(2:26)
Jingle Bells [Mono Version]	J.S. Pierpont	Rick Nelson	(1:44)
Radio Ad-Album Plug [Mono Version]		Rick Nelson	(1:40)

CD 6

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
You're My One and Only Love [Mono Version][Take]	Barney Kessel, Jack Marshall	Rick Nelson	(3:39)
I'm Walkin' [False Start/Take 4]	Dave Bartholomew, Fats Domino	Rick Nelson	(2:50)
A Teenager's Romance [False Start/Take 4]	David Gillam	Rick Nelson	(2:42)
If You Can't Rock Me [Mono Version][Take][Version]	Willie Jacobs	Rick Nelson	(2:37)
Poor Little Fool [2nd Guitar Overdub/With Chorus]	Sharon Sheeley	Rick Nelson	(2:42)
Restless Kid [Different Chorus Overdub][Version]	Johnny Cash	Rick Nelson	(2:15)
Believe What You Say [Backing Track/Alt James Burton Overdub]	Dorsey Burnette, Johnny Burnette	Rick Nelson	(2:13)
Don't Leave Me This Way [Mono Version][Take]	Rick Nelson	Rick Nelson	(2:33)
Lonesome Town [Stereo]	Baker Knight	Rick Nelson	(2:23)
If You Can't Rock Me [Mono Version][Take][Version]	Willie Jacobs	Rick Nelson	(2:24)
It's All in the Game [Mono Version][Alternate Take]	Carl Sigman, Charles Dawes	Rick Nelson	(2:02)
One of These Mornings [False Start + Take 16; Alt Ricky Vocal][Version]	Dorsey Burnette	Rick Nelson	(3:36)
Be True to Me [False Start]	James Kirkland, Nat Stuckey	Rick Nelson	(:28)
Be True to Me [Alt Chorus Overdub][Version]	James Kirkland, Nat Stuckey	Rick Nelson	(1:24)
It's Late [Ricky Overdub/2 Takes/Without Chorus][Version]	Dorsey Burnette	Rick Nelson	(2:06)
It's Late [Master/Alt Stereo Mix][Version]	Dorsey Burnette	Rick Nelson	(1:56)
Trying to Get to You [Stereo][Take]	Rose Marie McCoy, Charlie Singleton	Rick Nelson	(2:15)
Cindy [Stereo][Alternate Take]	Traditional	Rick Nelson	(:50)
Cindy [Master]	Traditional	Rick Nelson	(1:55)
Just a Little Too Much (Track) [Mono Version][Version]	Johnny Burnette	Rick Nelson	(2:10)
Never Be Anyone Else But You [Alt Overdub 1][Version]	Baker Knight	Rick Nelson	(2:19)
Young Emotions [Stereo]	Jay Livingston, Mack David	Rick Nelson	(2:39)
I've Been Thinkin' (Track) [Mono Version]	Johnny Burnette	Rick Nelson	(1:52)
Never Be Anyone Else But You [Alternate 2][Version]	Baker Knight	Rick Nelson	(2:18)
Doggone It [Mono Version][Version]	Dave Burgess	Rick Nelson, The Trophies	(2:09)
Tears [Stereo]	Dave Burgess	Rick Nelson, The Fleas	(2:37)
Scratchin' [Stereo]	Dave Burgess, Jerry Fuller	Rick Nelson, The Fleas	(2:34)
I've Got My Eyes on You (And I Like What I See) [Mono Version][Version]	Dave Burgess	Rick Nelson	(1:33)
I Need You [Single Vocal]	Baker Knight	Rick Nelson	(2:27)

Credits

Glen Campbell (Guitar), Glen Campbell (Vocals), Dean Martin (Vocals), The Jordanaires (Vocals), Frank Capp (Drums), Barney Kessel (Guitar), Barney Kessel (Leader), Barney Kessel (Producer), Red Mitchell (Bass), Pete Jolly (Piano), Jack Marshall (Guitar), Ozzie Nelson (Vocals), Ozzie Nelson (Producer), Harriet (Vocals), James Burton (Guitar), Billy Strange (Guitar), Vincente Gomez (Guitar), Dorsey Burnette (Guitar (Rhythm)), Walter Brennan (Vocals), John Audino (Trumpet), Mike Brown (Mastering), Dave Burgess (Guitar), Dave Burgess (Guitar (Rhythm)), Dave Burgess (Vocals), Dave Burgess (Producer), Johnny Burnette (Guitar (Rhythm)), Irving Cottler (Drums), Marshal Cram (Trombone), George M. "Jud" DeNaut (Bass), Harold Dicterow (Violin), Teddy Edwards (Saxophone), Todd Everett (Liner Notes), Todd Everett (Biographical Information), Don Ferris (Piano), David Frisina (Violin), Irving Geller (Violin), Rene Hall (Vocal Arrangement), Jimmie Haskell (Arranger), Jimmie Haskell (Leader), Jimmie Haskell (Producer), Jimmie Haskell (Cowbell), Howard Roberts (Guitar), Bob Hyde (Photography), Bob Hyde (Illustrations), Bob Hyde (Tape Research), Bill Inglot (Mixing), Bob Jones (Reissue Producer), Bob Jones (Mastering), Bob Jones (Transfers), Bob Jones (Tape Comparison), Bob Jones (Tape Research), Bob Jones (Discography), George Kast (Violin), Rick Nelson (Main Performer), Jim Pierce (Piano), Jerry Puckett (Guitar), John Rotella (Clarinet), John Rotella (Saxophone), Ray Siegel (Bass), Leroy Vinnegar (Bass), Allen Harris (Piano), Joel Selvin (Photography), Joel Selvin (Illustrations), Anthony Terran (Trumpet), Gene Garf (Piano), Jan Hlinka (Viola), Kurt Reher (Cello), Manuel Newman (Violin), Ambrose Russo (Violin), Lorrie Collins (Performer), Paul Smith Trio (Piano), Neal Matthews, Jr. (Guitar), R.A. Andreas (Photography), R.A. Andreas (Illustrations), Richard Weize (Discography), Buzz Adlam (Arranger), Trevor Cajiao (Photography), Trevor Cajiao (Illustrations), Jurgen Koop (Photography), Jurgen Koop (Illustrations), Sanford Schonbach (Viola), Nadine Wuppesahl (Artwork), Hans Peter Zdrenka (Photography), Hans Peter Zdrenka (Illustrations), Manuel Stevens (Trumpet), Bo Berglind (Photography), Bo Berglind (Illustrations), Gordon Anderson (Liner Notes), Wolfgang Taubenauer (Artwork), Packy Smith (Photography), Packy Smith (Illustrations), Jerry Fuller (Guitar), Jerry Fuller (Vocals), Joe Osborn (Bass), Russ Wapensky (Discography), Roger Renner (Piano), Bob Knight (Trombone), John Anderson Concert Orchestra (Trumpet), Iain Young (Photography), Iain Young (Illustrations), Unknown (Harmonica), Unknown (Vocals), The Trophies (Performer), The Fleas (Performer), Anja Esselmann (Photo Scanning), Andreas Merck (Photo Scanning), Irving Kluger (Percussion), Robert F. Bain (Guitar), David Nelson (Vocals), Allen J. Reuss (Guitar), Holly Humphreys (Trumpet), Earl Cyril Jr. Palmer (Drums)