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"The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" was a beloved American sitcom that aired from 1952 to 1966, making it one of the longest-running live-action sitcoms in U.S. television history. The show starred the real-life Nelson family: Ozzie Nelson, Harriet Nelson, and their sons, David and Ricky. It originally began as a radio show before transitioning to television, where it enjoyed immense popularity. The wholesome portrayal of family life, combined with a touch of humor, made it a cornerstone of classic television.

Ricky Nelson, the youngest son, became a teen idol during the show's run. He launched a successful music career, with hits like "Teenage Idol," "Hello Mary Lou," and "Travelin' Man." His performances on the show often showcased his musical talent, further boosting his popularity.

Ricky Nelson had a long, successful career as a recording artist and, tragically, died in the crash-landing of his band's DC-3 on December 31, 1985. He was 45.

[Sources: Wikipedia, and IMDb]

Young Ozzie and Harriet Nelson for Radio Mirror magazine 1934

H.J. Heinz presents
ABC Studios
1539 North Vine, Hollywood

Sunday, March 30, 1952

"The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" David Nelson, Rickey Nelson
April 3, 1957

I been a-waitin' in school all day long
a-waitin' on the bell to ring so I can go home
Throw my books on the table, pick up the telephone
"Hello, baby, let's get somethin' goin'"

In the San Francisco International Airport terminal there was a great display of early TV memorabilia.
With little time between flights I hurriedly took a few photos. I wish I could have studied these displays in more detail.

Best known for their long-running television series, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, the Nelson family began their successful togetherness with the marriage of saxophone-playing Ozzie to his "girl-singer," Harriet in the 1930s. Ozzie's deliberate hesitancy and self-deprecating humor were the perfect foil for the sweet and sassy Harriet, who interrupted her songs with sarcastic banter. During the 1940s, Ozzie, Harriet and their band were regulars on radio's Red Skelton show, and in 1944 when Red was drafted into the army, they took over his time slot. For Skelton, the Nelsons stuck to their big band routines with occasional married-couple skits providing non-musical breaks, but when Ozzie conceived the pilot for his own program he decided to venture more into the realm of domestic comedy, writing a script based on his own family life.

The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet was a long-running American radio and television series, airing on ABC from 1952 to 1966 after a ten-year run on radio. Starring Ozzie Nelson and his wife, singer Harriet Hilliard (she dropped her maiden name after the couple ended their music career), the show's sober, gentle humor captured a large, sustained audience, although it never rated in the top ten programs, it was an iconic snapshot of post-World War II American family life.

Ricky Nelson and The Stone Canyon Band preforming at Atlanta's Animal Crackers which was located at P'tree & Pharr Rd.
circa Oct. 1980

Atlanta, GA