Today on the Rarified Heir Podcast, it’s part one of our interview with Sam Nelson, son of the great Rick Nelson, nephew to David Nelson and grandchild of Ozzie and Harriet Nelson. If you grew up in America in the 1950s The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet defined post War America. It was a massive hit and ran for 14 years. We take a deep dive into the restoration and recent release of the complete, 435 episode DVD box set of The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet. Beginning as a radio show in the 1940s (I betcha didn’t know that!) & coming to television in the early 1950s. The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet was the longest running, live action sitcom on American television until 2021 when It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia celebrated it’s 15th year. To say that this show was part of the fabric of American life in the 1950s and today is part of it’s lexicon would be an understatement. Perhaps no other show from that era is as well-known or beloved that didn’t feature Lucy or The Beaver as this show.
On this first of two episodes, we spoke with Sam about the interest and hard work in being the sole heir of the Nelson clan that not only wanted to make something of this show after decades of semi-neglect but put in the time, the effort and the sweat equity to bring it back. It’s no small effort as Sam tells us how, why and what obstacles he had in making sure that people not only knew the name Ozzie & Harriet but knew the show again in 2024.
Of course we speak about his father, entertainer & rock star Rick Nelson & uncle David Nelson who starred on The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet and how Rick, then known as Ricky, single handedly brought rock and roll into America’s homes. It was Rick, with his matinee idol good looks and spot on singing voice that perhaps kept this show on the air long after it likely should have petered out. And this is a topic that particularly interested host Josh Mills as legacies and archives are something he has been dealing with every day of his life for the past decade and a half.
This is the Rarified Heir Podcast and this is Part One of our interview with Sam Nelson. Take a listen.
I’ve always thought it is a MIRACLE Tracy, Gunnar, Matthew and Sam survived and thrived as adults. I am not saying Tracy, Gunnar, Matthew, Sam did not struggle mightily or have issues; each one is an overcomer!
They are alive.
Talented beyond measure…
Having to deal with famous grandparents and…parents! That’s a lot!
Then throw in difficult family dynamics and tragedies; I have much respect for the children of Rick and Kris Nelson.
Part one of Sam’s interview was a wild ride!
Sam…the world needs Ozzie and Harriet! You bet there is a market for them! 💪❤💗Same with Ernie Kovacs!💪💗❤
Loved this honest and authentic interview! ❤
I loved this interview with Sam, I can personally state he is one of the kindest and so full of gentleness. I had the extreme honor to be a very early supporter of this realized project as he interviewed me as a donor and I toured him to Ridgefield Park, NJ and showed him the still standing actual childhood home of Ozzie on Teaneck Road (the correct address) and then we went to Ozzie Nelson Drive near the high school. The town is very proud of their national hometown hero. BTW both Nelson twins attended the dedication ceremony back in the 90’s. Thank you Sam for everything, I still live 5 minutes from Ridgefield Park, NJ