'Ricky Nelson Remembered' - Sept. 19

photo Gunnar Nelson, left, and Matthew Nelson

Guntersville, Ala., was the last show Ricky Nelson played before his death in a plane crash on New Year's Eve 1985. Tonight, Sept. 19, his twin sons, Gunnar and Matthew, will offer a tribute, "Ricky Nelson Remembered," an hour east in Fort Payne, Ala.

The show, which has sold out, is described as a high-energy rock concert, rock 'n' roll history lesson and multimedia event with film and television clips. It includes such hits as "Hello Mary Lou," "Poor Little Fool," "Travelin' Man" and "Garden Party."

The brothers, who've been performing the tribute show for eight years, are the third generation of the Nelson family to find success on the charts. As the rock duo Nelson, they hit No. 1 in 1990 with the song "Love & Affection" from their debut album, "After the Rain."

The show starts at 8 p.m. CDT at the DeKalb Theater, 306 Gault Ave., N. It is presented by the Big Wills Arts Council as the keynote concert for the annual Boom Days celebration.

Get more information on the festival at www.boomdays.org.

10 FACTS ABOUT RICKY NELSON

• 1. His real name was Eric Hilliard Nelson.• 2. He is the only artist to have a No. 1 song, No. 1 movie and No. 1 television show in the same week.• 3. Life magazine put him on its cover in 1958 and coined the phrase "teen idol" to describe him.• 4. He is credited with pioneering the country/rock sound.• 5. His earliest hits debuted on his parents' show, "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet," essentially making Nelson the first rock video star.• 6. His legacy includes 53 hit singles on the Billboard Hot 100 and 19 other Top 10 hits.• 7. He won a Golden Globe for his performance alongside John Wayne in "Rio Bravo."• 8. He is in the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.• 9. His former wife, Kristin Harmon, is a sister of actor Mark Harmon.• 10. He and Kristin had four children together. Daughter Tracy is the eldest, son Sam is the youngest.Sources: www.rickynelsonremembered.com, www.people.com, www.telegram.com

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