“It’s Up to You” is a classic rock and roll ballad by Ricky Nelson, released in 1957, that perfectly encapsulates the romantic anxieties of youth in the burgeoning rock era. Ricky Nelson, born Eric Hilliard Nelson, was a teen idol who seamlessly blended rock and roll with a boy-next-door charm, paving the way for many future generations of pop-rock artists. He rose to fame on his family’s sitcom, “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet,” using the show as a platform to launch his music career. Nelson’s appeal lay in his clean-cut image and catchy melodies, resonating deeply with the burgeoning teenage demographic of the 1950s.
While “It’s Up to You” might not have topped the charts like some of his other hits (“Poor Little Fool” being his first Billboard Hot 100 number one), the song still performed well and became a staple in his repertoire. Its enduring appeal rests in its relatable theme. The lyrics explore the vulnerable position of a young man professing his love and leaving the decision of whether to reciprocate entirely to the object of his affection. The melody, driven by a gentle rhythm and Nelson’s smooth vocals, enhances the feeling of earnest longing.
Audience feedback, even decades later, paints a picture of a song that evokes nostalgia and reminds listeners of simpler times. Many appreciate the sincerity in Nelson’s delivery and the song’s unpretentious message about young love. “It’s Up to You” serves as a poignant reminder of the innocence and emotional vulnerability that characterized early rock and roll, solidifying Ricky Nelson’s position as a defining voice of a generation.
