Okay, anyone under the age of 60 at the end of the twentieth century may laugh at the notion of Ricky Nelson's dad getting a musical entry of his own. The fact is, however, that during the 1930's, Ozzie Nelson led what was one of the most popular swing and dance bands in the New York area--a part of the country that, in those days, represented close to 15% of the population of the United States, and the heart of the broadcasting and entertainment worlds, apart from movies.
No less a journal than the jazz world bible Downbeat, in 1935, praised Ozzie Nelson band for it "subtle suggestion of melodic beauty and rhythmic patterns" and wrote that these "get under your skin." What's more, Ozzie Nelson and his Band were the first swing outfit ever booked into the legendary Glen Island Casino on Long Island, which became one of the most celebrated swing band venues in the world.
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