Gunnar and Matthew Nelson's New Memoir: A Deep Dive into Their Family Legacy and Truths
In the highly anticipated memoir titled What Happened to Your Hair?, released on December 16, 2025, musical twins Gunnar and Matthew Nelson share the untold story behind their celebrated family. For the first time, they provide readers with an in-depth look at their lives growing up in an entertainment dynasty, marked by both triumphs and tragedies.
From the iconic television series The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet to the fame of their father Ricky Nelson, whose music career skyrocketed before his untimely passing, the Nelson family has become a remarkable symbol of perseverance in the industry. The twins, now adults, feel compelled to address the misconceptions and long-standing myths that have been attached to their family's name for decades. Their memoir serves as a corrective narrative, shedding light on the realities of their upbringing and the music business, which often painted a very different picture.
Gunnar explains, “For decades, the Nelson story has been told about us, but not by us, until now. Writing What Happened to Your Hair? is our way of finally setting the record straight—about our family, our father, and what it really takes to survive a lifetime in the spotlight with your integrity intact.” The book explores the significance of family, fame, and the personal sacrifices endured along the way, going beyond simple nostalgia or celebrity culture.
Among the standout revelations in the memoir, readers will discover the truth surrounding Ricky Nelson's tragic plane crash—often shrouded in speculation and misinformation. The twins intend to clarify the events surrounding their father’s death and how it impacted their family dynamics. Furthermore, they delve into their experiences with a music industry that attempted to rewrite their image and divert profits during their peak success. This aspect of their journey highlights the financial struggles they faced, despite grossing millions from a single album, ultimately leading them into debt.
One of the memoir's compelling themes is resilience. The Nelson brothers emphasize their determination to break free from Hollywood's cautionary tales. They are proud to cement their family’s legacy in the Guinness Book of World Records as the only family to achieve No. 1 records across three generations, underscoring the concept that authenticity and strength can thrive in a world driven by superficial fame.
Matthew adds, “Our childhood wasn't all Ozzie and Harriet. We wanted to share the full, unfiltered reality of growing up inside America's first entertainment dynasty, including the losses, the resilience, and the reinvention that allowed us to keep moving forward against all odds.”
As they recount their rise to fame—including an iconic Saturday Night Live performance and their double-platinum success with hits like 'Love and Affection' in the '90s—the twins are ready to share their complete story nearly 40 years later. The memoir is not only about their family history but also about lessons learned and personal growth.
What Happened to Your Hair? is available at retailers across the country, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Target. It is also released in eBook format, making it readily accessible to a broad audience. For those interested in a deeper exploration of the Nelson family's journey, this memoir promises a captivating read, filled with humor, heartache, and resilience. Ultimately, it aims to provide an enlightening perspective on the life of a family who has navigated the complexities of fame, fortune, and family ties over the decades.
From the iconic television series The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet to the fame of their father Ricky Nelson, whose music career skyrocketed before his untimely passing, the Nelson family has become a remarkable symbol of perseverance in the industry. The twins, now adults, feel compelled to address the misconceptions and long-standing myths that have been attached to their family's name for decades. Their memoir serves as a corrective narrative, shedding light on the realities of their upbringing and the music business, which often painted a very different picture.
Gunnar explains, “For decades, the Nelson story has been told about us, but not by us, until now. Writing What Happened to Your Hair? is our way of finally setting the record straight—about our family, our father, and what it really takes to survive a lifetime in the spotlight with your integrity intact.” The book explores the significance of family, fame, and the personal sacrifices endured along the way, going beyond simple nostalgia or celebrity culture.
Among the standout revelations in the memoir, readers will discover the truth surrounding Ricky Nelson's tragic plane crash—often shrouded in speculation and misinformation. The twins intend to clarify the events surrounding their father’s death and how it impacted their family dynamics. Furthermore, they delve into their experiences with a music industry that attempted to rewrite their image and divert profits during their peak success. This aspect of their journey highlights the financial struggles they faced, despite grossing millions from a single album, ultimately leading them into debt.
One of the memoir's compelling themes is resilience. The Nelson brothers emphasize their determination to break free from Hollywood's cautionary tales. They are proud to cement their family’s legacy in the Guinness Book of World Records as the only family to achieve No. 1 records across three generations, underscoring the concept that authenticity and strength can thrive in a world driven by superficial fame.
Matthew adds, “Our childhood wasn't all Ozzie and Harriet. We wanted to share the full, unfiltered reality of growing up inside America's first entertainment dynasty, including the losses, the resilience, and the reinvention that allowed us to keep moving forward against all odds.”
As they recount their rise to fame—including an iconic Saturday Night Live performance and their double-platinum success with hits like 'Love and Affection' in the '90s—the twins are ready to share their complete story nearly 40 years later. The memoir is not only about their family history but also about lessons learned and personal growth.
What Happened to Your Hair? is available at retailers across the country, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Target. It is also released in eBook format, making it readily accessible to a broad audience. For those interested in a deeper exploration of the Nelson family's journey, this memoir promises a captivating read, filled with humor, heartache, and resilience. Ultimately, it aims to provide an enlightening perspective on the life of a family who has navigated the complexities of fame, fortune, and family ties over the decades.
Topics Entertainment & Media）
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