What Happened to Your Hair?: How We Played Loud... Loved Proud... and Never Backed Down... Together

by Matthew Nelson, Gunnar Nelson

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.

Genres: Memoir, Audiobook, Biography, Nonfiction

400 pages, Hardcover

Published December 16, 2025

Reviews

[Delynn Burrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Lance Lumley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ricky Nelson's sons Matthew and Gunnar have long been made fun of (for no reason IMO) for their looks and pop music, but their book tries to debunk the image they had telling all the behind the scenes workings of their careers, living in a famous family, and the music industry as a whole.
The 400 page book is split in three sections, dealing with their father's plane crash (and the debts that came out of it), getting a record deal where the label made them fund all of their videos and most of their expenses, to after the spotlight where they label ignored them for grunge music, sleazy management conning them with finances and them trying to get out of major debt while continuing in a changing music industry.
There are great tales about Prince, their dad Rick (and their mother who does not come off as being who she appeared), Gene Simmons, Julian Lennon, and Avril Lavinge.
This isn't just a book about their careers, but one any music fan should read about the touring/merch and record business. Even if one wasn't a fan of theirs at first, they will be at the end of this after seeing all they have gone through and continue to have a positive view of life. This is an inspiring tale.

For an in-depth review, check out my review page: https://lancewrites.wordpress.com/202...

[Kara Bowyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super fun read showing the real side of this teenage crush of mine! I had their poster on my bedroom door so interesting to get a glimpse into their actual world.

[Sarah Ashlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

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...

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

Each chapter, the reader is informed which twin wrote it. It seems Gunnar did most of the writing. After the death of their father, Ricky Nelson, the twins find themselves in financial difficulties. At this point and throughout the book, they like to remind the reader that they were not trust fund rock stars; they earned everything and went into debt themselves to become the stars they were in the late 80s and early 90s. Yeah, they didn't have unlimited access to money to fund their dreams. Still, they had a lot of access to other areas, such as receiving advice from Elvis Presley’s longtime manager, Col. Tom Parker, because of the respect people in the industry had for their father.

Readers learn that according to Matt and Gunnar, NELSON were the first musicians to write a ten-track album, each track intended as a hit single, whereas other artists’ albums have only two singles and the rest is filler. NELSON was also the first group to start an independent record label to release their music. They despise grunge and most of its artists. When it comes to other artists, if they write glowing reviews, they're probably dead. And if they're extremely negative about an artist, they're probably still alive and thought of positively by a majority of music fans.

There is a lot of teasing of stories with the follow-up: "That's a story we will tell in our next book," or "we should write a book about our parents' relationship.” The subject they tease about writing a book about sounds like it would be worth reading: their time working with Lou Pearlman and his boy band record company, Trans Continental.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Gina Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!!

[Manda · Rating 3 out of 5]

In 1990, my mom, a Ricky Nelson fan, bought me a copy of After the Rain, and I liked it. So I thought I might be interested in reading this. the Nelson brothers have a compelling story but the problem is that they are not the best written communicators; and desperately should have utilized a ghostwriter. There are issues with the content (gross exaggerations about the number of records that they or their father sold; the theaters they performed in; random culture war references that weren’t needed, etc.) and writing style (very repetitive, and incoherent timelines). At times this simply felt like a vehicle for Gunnar to expose every grievance he had with other celebrities or musicians, no matter how slight (Poor Richie Sambora, catching shade from them for being “nice,” to them, Madonna being untalented, it feels like these guys have an ax to pick with everyone). You get the sense that they, or at least Gunnar, have a chip on their shoulders the size of Texas. They should have been bigger? Should they have though? By the end of the book, I wondered that myself. I don’t wonder that about Madonna or Courtney Love or the Foo Fighters 2.5 stars.

[Bargain Sleuth Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley, Permuted Press, and Recorded Books for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I grew up watching old TV shows from the 1950s and 1960s, and one of my favorites that I only got to see when I was at my friend’s house (Disney Channel) was The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet. Looking back, it was kind of corny, but it also introduced me to Rick Nelson’s music. When I was about 12-13, I remember the news of the plane crash that killed him; I felt really bad for his family. Matthew and Gunnar Nelson are his identical twin sons who lit up the airwaves my senior year of high school, 1991. And this is their story.

There was a lot of nostalgia going on for me as I listened to the audiobook, narrated by the brothers, who took turns. I really appreciated when they would switch off and say “Matthew here” because their voices ARE very similar. I thought the guys did a great job with the narration, which is not always the case when it comes to celebrity memoirs.

The book has three distinct sections: growing up with famous grandparents and father, whose untimely death left the boys adrift for a while. The middle of the book is the brothers detailing their hard work and drive as they navigated the music/recording world. Fun fact, Nelson is the only musical act that appeared on Saturday Night Live without a recording contract. That contract would come soon enough. The last third of the book talks about the aftermath of the album, the touring, the women, and the pressures from the music label to embrace the grunge sound.

Some overall thoughts: even though it’s the year 2026, sometimes the brothers sound like misogynistic pricks. I know, I know, the early 1990s was a different time, and their love ’em and leave ’em attitude is not couched by any regret or responsibility that they treated groupies horribly.

I also thought that Matthew and Gunnar were also bitter about a lot of things: their father, Rick, was a great dad when he was around, but he was never around because he was touring all the time. They’re bitter at their uncle David, who has allegedly screwed them over with some inheritance from their grandparents’ estate. But they are still REALLY bitter about their mom, who had a narcissistic personality that was fueled by alcohol. She was a horrible mother, by any accounts. However, neither son talked about how alcoholism is a disease, a disease that is hard to fight even in the best of circumstances. A lot of their bitterness is couched by self-deprecating humor, but it’s there, under the surface.

Despite those things, I still really enjoyed the book and all the tales Gunnar and Matthew had to share. There’s a lot to unpack here, and I’d definitely recommend the book to anyone that likes a celebrity memoir.

[Mark Lieberman · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review the ARC of this upcoming audiobook.

3.75 stars, rounded up to 4

I was a huge Nelson fan as a teen; I had a giant poster of Matthew and Gunnar, and their amazing long hair, on my bedroom wall. So, when I saw the audiobook of their memoir pop up, I was excited to listen to it!

Interestingly, although the book claims both Matthew and Gunnar as the authors, it seems that most of if must have been written by Gunnar. They state at the beginning of the audiobook that the parts each of them wrote will be read by that person, and most of it is read (by self-identification) by Gunnar.

It seems that the entire goal in writing this book is for people to understand they weren’t the typical “nepo babies” and they had to work hard for what they got. I do believe they worked hard, but I am not convinced by the “our parents/grandparents/uncle” had nothing to do with our fame. In fact anecdotally, one reason I particularly liked them as a teen was because my mom said, “oh, their dad is Ricky Nelson? He was such a heartthrob!!” I felt a connection to my mom in that way… because of their dad! They go into GREAT detail about of their family members who were famous, their childhoods crossing paths with famous musicians and actors, their expensive private school, their sleepaway camp where they spent entire summers. Were they always treated the best by their parents? No. But saying they got to their fame had nothing to do with nepotism is a stretch.

All in all, I didn’t love the book. But it also wasn’t terrible and did have a lot of detail about their lives.

[Toni · Rating 2 out of 5]

Egos need to be checked. Word revenge is/was definitely on the agenda.

Erin, the little girl with cancer, died on purpose on your birthday?? R U 4 real?? I need to see that note...wish I had the ebook version to check for the photo, but I doubt it was made available!! Also, he said "I wanted to be famous so I could help people like Erin"...WHY do you need to be famous or as he said "catch a lick"?? Maybe they are still helping sick kids, but the way it was written out in chapter 32 is just obsurd!

I don't know how many times it was said "we were the best band" at that time...or how many times the word 'ego' was mentioned. Intentional or subconscious....it's a red flag.

I appreciate that this is THEIR version of events but DAMN, the "We are Humble" but not humble was OVERPLAYED, IMHO (pun intended)

Barely any story about their sister or other brother - maybe purposely and with good reason but still. Mom is a whore (their words), dad is an angel with some flaws (their words) and everyone else had it out for them with few exceptions...

I like their music but I can't say I like their writing.

[Allyson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The good: the stories about their childhood and their family are very interesting. They clearly loved their dad and the Nelson side of the family.
The bad: they desperately needed an editor. Too repetitive. They drone on and on about how big the crowds were, how much they love their fans, and how rotten the business is…. Every single chapter. It got so I couldn’t tell which year they were in.
The ugly: they do not like women. They are so chauvinistic towards them that it was a turn off. They only speak glowingly about four women- their two grandmas, their sister Tracy, and a fan named Erin who died of cancer on their birthday. Other than that, all other women (including their mom!) are labeled as whores, bitches, and gold digging users. I kept waiting for them to redeem themselves by talking about meeting their current wives and how wonderful they are, but they’re not even mentioned. I guess they’re waiting for book 2 to trash these current gals.
Overall I couldn’t wait for the book to end. They barely discuss their Harmon side of the family and don’t even mention their kid brother Sam. I found it odd. Lots of bitching and moaning about how they have been wronged and chest thumping about being Nelson’s and persevering- with a ton of female bashing thrown in for good measure.

[Robert Yokoyama · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading What Happened to Your Hair is an excellent music biography. I admire the hard work the twins have put into craft a career in the music business for themselves as musicians and later as record producers. Part of the fun of this book is rediscovering the hit song entitled "I Can't Live Without Your Love and Affection" that put the twins on the map., but there are lesser-known song references in this book like "After The Rain" and "More Than Ever" that sound pretty catchy. After their rock heyday in the early nineties, both men became record producers either for music acts like Day of Fire and Meat Loaf, but also movies like Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure. I have never heard of this Christian rock band before. I looked them up and their music rocks. I love the movie Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, but I did not know that Gunnar Nelson contributed his musical talent to this movie. I also love the fact that the twins perform the music of the late father because they give me an appreciation for his songs as well like "Garden Party" and "Travelling Man". What Happened To Your Hair reintroduces me to some superb music.

[Bonnie Kernene · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Lerrise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy listening to celebrity autobiographies, especially those read by the author. My mother was a fan of Ricky Nelson (her name is Mary Lou), but I didn't know much about him or his sons. I am 10 years older than the twins and was not familiar with their music. It was the humorous and self-deprecating title of the book that hooked me! That, and I heard a snippet of a recent interview with the twins and found them very likable, very down to earth. Their autobiography is highly interesting and absolutely heartbreaking, yet filled with laugh-out-loud humor and very personal anecdotes. The Nelsons peel back the layer of glitter that covers the music recording business to reveal the ugly politics, megalomania, and greed that lays underneath. At the end of the book, I was relieved and thought, "Whew, I'm so glad that Gunnar and Matthew survived and are okay!" Excellent, 5 stars.

[Pam · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[ஐ Katya (Book Queen)ஐ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this. I've seen them perform as Nelson and as Ricky Nelson Remembered and meet them a couple times at meet-n-greets. They are very nice. Their upbringing isn't what you'd expect. As a fan, I knew a lot about them but even I was surprised by some things in the book. 75% was written by Gunnar.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love their disclaimer. Well written for a glimpse into their lives. I remember growing up with Nelson and seeing reruns of Ozzie and Harriet! This book opens your eyes to the hardships and lessons a learned of people in the rock world and how fast it can all go. Utmost respect for their candidness and ability to call themselves out in situations where they did not look the best.

[Rachael Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could reach through the pages and hug Matt and Gun, I would. It is only by the grace of God and having two caring grandmothers that they are where they are today.
Be prepared for the emotional rollercoaster this book is, especially if you are or were a fan of this duo.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for Nelson fans! Nelson was my first ever concert and of course I had their posters all over my walls! But I was blown away by this book. I had no idea what they had gone through! They are truly an inspiration and examples of Hope, hard work and determination.

[Sacha Leu · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read. If you’re looking for a good book to start your new year off, you need to grab this one. You’ll laugh, cry, and feel like you’re part of the journey.

[Jeanine Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interesting to read the back story of the music industry and what they went through. A little slow going in some parts but heartfelt and interesting.

[Rebecca Wycoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book just goes to show you that you never know what someone is going through behind the scenes.

[Debi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 2 twin sons of Rock Star icon, Ricky Nelson write this funny and authentic memoir together. I loved reading this book. Couldn't put it down.

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO much rocker tea in this book. Loved it.

[Gary Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely could have used an editor, lot's of mistakes, but still an entertaining read.

[Christina · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 56%. There is so much subtle and overt misogyny and homophobia in the writing it just gave me the ick. They sound a lot like the unpleasant uncle at thanksgiving.

[Lana Fain · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book, I found out so much about these brothers and their father. It was great because it was their voices who read the story. One of the best autography I have read. Would recommend this to everyone.

[Kristyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Far from the stigmas other people stuck to these two exceptional musicians, now bonafide authors, this vulnerable and gripping memoir provides a candid view into the adversity and successes of Matthew and Gunnar Nelson. As mirror and window books go, this is definitely a window into the very personal journey of these two distinct yet collaborative brothers. Mislabeled from the start, this raw, shockingly truthful, yet tender and funny book unapologetically defines who they are and what they stand for. Through gripping story telling, anecdotal stories that reveal behind the scenes interactions with other artists of their time, and raw vulnerable revelations about their family and industry, you will learn who the real Matthew and Gunnar are. An original, lifelong fan, I may be slightly biased, but hear me out. Despite the outrageous obstacles trying but failing to hinder their journey and defame their public facing personas, they never let it stop them and they never let it change them. I have had the honor of meeting Matthew and Gunnar in person a few times and not because I had connections or money. No, Matt and Gunn are beyond generous with their time and talent. Not only do they put on one helluva show, they make it clear that they aren’t in the music business, but the connection business. On the few occasions I have had the honor of meeting them, they have come out after a long performance and stayed as late as necessary to meet every single person who wants to meet them. Humble, attentive, and invested, they will take the time to listen to every story every person wants to share, answer questions, or take a photo with you. It was these two who taught me that dreams really do come true and have inspired me for decades with their music, their perseverance, their generosity, and their humanness. These “joy merchants” as they call themselves have written a book with compassionate narratives, humor, resilience, and raw truth that was unputdownable. Gen Xers and true music enthusiasts will especially appreciate this memoir, but anyone who appreciates a true story, genuine people, and rock n roll won’t regret reading it.