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What Happened to Your Hair?: How We Played Loud... Loved Proud... and Never Backed Down... Together
Gunnar and Matthew Nelson reveal the untold stories of their upbringing from their iconic grandparents Ozzie and Harriet to their legendary father Ricky Nelson. What Happened To Your Hair? details their journey to not only hit #1 on the charts but also navigate one of the wildest careers in popular music, all while crafting their unique paths on their own terms.
Told with unflinching candor, the Nelson brothers take readers on an intimate and untamed journey through their extraordinary lives, shaped by the legacy of their iconic family. Growing up in the glare of the spotlight—both a gift and a challenge—was filled with unforgettable highs, profound lows and surreal experiences.
With heartfelt honesty and a take-no-prisoners approach, the brothers share rollicking untold stories of unscrupulous managers, soul-scarring record executives, and Polaroid-sending groupies whose photos of their body parts would make a biker blush. Filled with humor, laughter, tears, and unforgettable moments, the Nelsons also recount the tragic and untimely death of their father, the legendary Ricky Nelson. His sudden death forced them to confront their grief while navigating the hell of the music industry – a turbulent landscape that challenged their dreams and tested their spirits.
The twins rose through the ranks of LA’s Sunset Strip in the late 1970s and later achieved fame in the ’90s, hitting #1 with their own chart-topping compositions, Gunnar and Matthew reveal how they not only survived the relentless pressures and pitfalls of the music business but also found strength in their faith and the unbreakable bond of brotherhood. With the courage to always stick to their guns, they aimed to uplift and provide a redemptive force in their music, even as grunge, rap, and other angst-ridden genres took center stage in the pop culture zeitgeist at that time. Written in their own words (no ghostwriter needed, thank you very much), Matthew and Gunnar Nelson candidly discuss the struggles they faced, from industry setbacks to personal trials, and how these challenges ultimately made them stronger and more determined.
What Happened To Your Hair? is not just a gripping story of double-edged fame but a testament to resilience and authenticity. Packed with motivational insights, twisted humor, laughter, tears, and crazy stories, this soulful and deeply moving memoir celebrates the enduring power of love and brotherhood. It’s a book not just for music and entertainment fans but for anyone who believes in working hard to achieve their dreams, no matter what the world throws at you. It’s a powerful reminder that facing challenges with courage and compassion is what truly defines success.
Told with unflinching candor, the Nelson brothers take readers on an intimate and untamed journey through their extraordinary lives, shaped by the legacy of their iconic family. Growing up in the glare of the spotlight—both a gift and a challenge—was filled with unforgettable highs, profound lows and surreal experiences.
With heartfelt honesty and a take-no-prisoners approach, the brothers share rollicking untold stories of unscrupulous managers, soul-scarring record executives, and Polaroid-sending groupies whose photos of their body parts would make a biker blush. Filled with humor, laughter, tears, and unforgettable moments, the Nelsons also recount the tragic and untimely death of their father, the legendary Ricky Nelson. His sudden death forced them to confront their grief while navigating the hell of the music industry – a turbulent landscape that challenged their dreams and tested their spirits.
The twins rose through the ranks of LA’s Sunset Strip in the late 1970s and later achieved fame in the ’90s, hitting #1 with their own chart-topping compositions, Gunnar and Matthew reveal how they not only survived the relentless pressures and pitfalls of the music business but also found strength in their faith and the unbreakable bond of brotherhood. With the courage to always stick to their guns, they aimed to uplift and provide a redemptive force in their music, even as grunge, rap, and other angst-ridden genres took center stage in the pop culture zeitgeist at that time. Written in their own words (no ghostwriter needed, thank you very much), Matthew and Gunnar Nelson candidly discuss the struggles they faced, from industry setbacks to personal trials, and how these challenges ultimately made them stronger and more determined.
What Happened To Your Hair? is not just a gripping story of double-edged fame but a testament to resilience and authenticity. Packed with motivational insights, twisted humor, laughter, tears, and crazy stories, this soulful and deeply moving memoir celebrates the enduring power of love and brotherhood. It’s a book not just for music and entertainment fans but for anyone who believes in working hard to achieve their dreams, no matter what the world throws at you. It’s a powerful reminder that facing challenges with courage and compassion is what truly defines success.
400 pages, Hardcover
Published December 16, 2025
51 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 18, 2025
I will be the first to admit that as a young girl in the 80/90s that Ricky Nelson was my second crush. I grew up laying in bed watching the Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet Nelson, still do. When Nelson came out in 1991, I immediately gravitated to their music. At first, it was because they were Ricky’s kids, but then I really listened to the music. I was hooked. The moment I learned of this book, I preordered it. It arrived yesterday and I couldn’t put it down. It is raw, real, full of emotions that have obviously been pinned up for years. The image that tv portrayed of Nelson home, as picture perfect, was the complete opposite. Sure, Ozzie and Harriet may have been the lovely couple portrayed on TV, but it did not translate into the next generation. Matthew and Gunnar had a very different home life, but for all of the ups and downs (I won’t provide spoilers) the two of them come across as well grounded men. While this book will not be for everyone, you really had to grow up in their generation, it is an open, honest, raw account of the music world and a family whom the public has had the privilege of watching for generations.
September 25, 2025
Loved this beautiful heart breaking open and honest story of the life and times of The Nelson’s. I have had the honour to meet them a few times and they are always lovely in the flesh and their warmth and humour comes out in this book. Reading the truth about their lives with their rock and roll family is a show of how hard these guys have worked to remain sane even in the darkest of times. After the rain is one of those albums that still lives on my playlist and I can’t wait to catch these guys at another show soon!
January 4, 2026
I have always been a fan of NELSON. I remember my mom taking me to see Ricky Nelson in the early 80's at a small venue in MN. I fell in love with his music. When Gunnar and Matthew came along, I fell in love with their music. I was lucky enough to see them in concert in November of 2024-what showmanship!
I found this book to be honest and I'm sure it was tough for them to write. I appreciate them telling their story, no matter how ugly life was for them at times. The truthful way their relayed their life with wit, sarcasm and humor was refreshing. That being said, I did get teary eyed a few times.
I think my favorite chapter was Chapter 45 "All the Nice Things we Have to Say About our Ex-Wives" IYKYK.
I hope this book gets the recognition it deserves!! 5 out of 5 stars. Thank you Matthew and Gunnar!!
I found this book to be honest and I'm sure it was tough for them to write. I appreciate them telling their story, no matter how ugly life was for them at times. The truthful way their relayed their life with wit, sarcasm and humor was refreshing. That being said, I did get teary eyed a few times.
I think my favorite chapter was Chapter 45 "All the Nice Things we Have to Say About our Ex-Wives" IYKYK.
I hope this book gets the recognition it deserves!! 5 out of 5 stars. Thank you Matthew and Gunnar!!
January 8, 2026
Being a fan of Gunnar and Matthew Nelson's dad, Ricky Nelson (whose parents were Ozzie and Harriet Nelson), I was really intrigued and wanted to learn more about them. I only knew of one song by Nelson and Nelson, (Can't Live Without Your) Love and Affection.
The book is co-authored by both of them and nothing was off limits for them as they sang about the lows and highs of the music business.
Well, first off, there parents were mostly absent as Rick was on the road 350 days a year and Kristen (the mom, whose brother is Mark Harmon) wasn't interested in being a parent. Both also had quite a few extramarital affairs. Who raised Gunnar and Matthew? It was a bunch of nannies and themselves as they were left alone more often than not.
They were 18 years old when their dad died. A few years later, they had a hit song along with music videos. They were on top of the world, only to see it come crashing down a few years later as the Seattle music scene exploded. They used a lot of their own money to finance albums, tours, and studio time as record companies took everything from them.
There were quite a few stories of meeting there heroes, stories from the studio, and stories from concerts. One thing they didn't talk about was their personal life's (like, any ex or current wive's or children, but that didn't stop me from reading it and finishing it).
Fortunately, Gunnar and Matthew always stuck together (no Twin pun intended), and they persevered to carry on the Nelson music legacy (both for them and their dad). They are genuine and appreciative and seem to very likable to everybody.
The book is co-authored by both of them and nothing was off limits for them as they sang about the lows and highs of the music business.
Well, first off, there parents were mostly absent as Rick was on the road 350 days a year and Kristen (the mom, whose brother is Mark Harmon) wasn't interested in being a parent. Both also had quite a few extramarital affairs. Who raised Gunnar and Matthew? It was a bunch of nannies and themselves as they were left alone more often than not.
They were 18 years old when their dad died. A few years later, they had a hit song along with music videos. They were on top of the world, only to see it come crashing down a few years later as the Seattle music scene exploded. They used a lot of their own money to finance albums, tours, and studio time as record companies took everything from them.
There were quite a few stories of meeting there heroes, stories from the studio, and stories from concerts. One thing they didn't talk about was their personal life's (like, any ex or current wive's or children, but that didn't stop me from reading it and finishing it).
Fortunately, Gunnar and Matthew always stuck together (no Twin pun intended), and they persevered to carry on the Nelson music legacy (both for them and their dad). They are genuine and appreciative and seem to very likable to everybody.
December 22, 2025
This was a great book! OK, confession here - I am a fan of Matthew's and Gunnar's. Love their music. I loved the book. It was a lot of fun. They come from a famous family. They are the twin sons of Ricky Nelson (Garden Party) and his grandparents were tv stars. So they knew they had a lot to live up to. And they really have. In this book they get down to talking about their family. They are great storytellers, too. It appears they like to do it. They cleared up so many stories that the media messed up, both during and after their time in the light. I have never seen them in person, but I hear that they really put on good shows. I hope they do it again. There is so much more to these two men than their beautiful hair, great looks and talent. This book will tell you. It is very hard to put down. I read it in one day. I highly recommend this book. It is a great read of a great family!
December 20, 2025
I read this book and it's interesting and unique, to say the least. There were a lot of stories you didn't expect to hear, and once I started reading it, I found it hard to put down. I think anyone who loved their dad's music--like I did--would enjoy this. You'll laugh, cry, sympathize, and be impressed by their tenacity. Not many people could survive what they did, let alone come out stronger because of it. Best part? They did it all...together...
December 30, 2025
Not what I expected
I purchased this book thinking, wrongly, that it would be about the Nelson family. The book mainly concentrates on Gunnar and Matthews music career, not my cup of tea. I am from Ricky Nelson's era and have never heard one of the Nelson's songs. I finished the book so I give myself credit for trying to like it.
I purchased this book thinking, wrongly, that it would be about the Nelson family. The book mainly concentrates on Gunnar and Matthews music career, not my cup of tea. I am from Ricky Nelson's era and have never heard one of the Nelson's songs. I finished the book so I give myself credit for trying to like it.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews