'Hello Mary Lou' Is The Ricky Nelson Hit Cut By CCR, Led Zeppelin And Queen

Jun 24, 2020 by apost team

Pop singer and heartthrob Ricky Nelson was only 21 when he recorded a song that strongly influenced generations of singers and songwriters. Creedence Clearwater Revival, Queen, and Led Zeppelin all recorded versions of the song Hello Mary Lou, which started its life as a B-side.

Nelson was an accomplished TV and movie actor when he decided to branch out into music. He was the son of Ozzie and Harriet Nelson. His famous parents starred in the popular TV show The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriett and the whole Nelson family was involved in show business.

His move into music was successful. From 1957 to 1962, Nelson had more top 40 hits than any other artist except Elvis and Pat Boone. Nelson continued recording and acting until his death in a plane crash in 1985.

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Although Hello Mary Lou is one of Nelson's best-known songs, it almost didn't make it onto the airwaves. Songwriter Gene Pitney originally wrote it for country singer Johnny Duncan, but Duncan's version never charted. In 1961, Nelson decided to release his version of the song as a B-side to his smash hit Travelin' Man.

The record charted in the top 10 in its fourth week and eventually hit the number two spot. Hello Mary Lou became Nelson's biggest British and European hit. Since then, the song has influenced generations of performers.

In 1972, Creedence Clearwater Revival covered it on their album, Mardi Gras. The same year, Led Zeppelin performed their version of it during a performance in Los Angeles. Their version was eventually released on the album How the West Was Won. Queen guitarist Brian May was a huge admirer of session guitarist James Burton, who performs on Nelson's recording of Hello Mary Lou.

In 1986, Queen performed their version of the song during their Magic tour. They released this version on the 1992 album Live at Wembley 86. Ricky Nelson recorded an irresistible pop tune that has had a lasting influence on musicians. Artists continue to cover the song Hello Mary Lou decades after its release.

Which is your favorite version of this song? Do your friends know it started as a Ricky Nelson hit in 1961? Let us know in the comments and be sure to pass this along to your friends and family.