“It’s Up to You,” released in 1957, is a classic rock and roll ballad performed by the teen idol Ricky Nelson. Nelson, born Eric Hilliard Nelson, rose to fame not only as a musician but also as a young actor on his family’s popular sitcom, “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.” This exposure helped propel his music career, making him a heartthrob and a regular on the music charts. Nelson, though often eclipsed by contemporaries like Elvis Presley, secured a place in rock and roll history with hits like “Poor Little Fool,” “Travelin’ Man,” and, of course, “It’s Up to You.” He sold over 200 million records, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
“It’s Up to You” captures the anxieties and longing of young love, delivered with Nelson’s signature smooth vocals. The song centers on a young man grappling with uncertainty about his relationship. He lays bare his feelings, declaring his devotion to his love interest, but ultimately recognizes that the future of their relationship rests on her decision. The lyrics are simple yet relatable, perfectly encapsulating the vulnerability often experienced in early romances.
While “It’s Up to You” may not have reached the absolute peak of the charts compared to some of Nelson’s other hits, it resonated strongly with his fan base. The song’s sincerity and Nelson’s earnest delivery contributed to its enduring appeal. Contemporary listener feedback often highlights the song’s nostalgic quality and its ability to evoke the simpler times of the 1950s. Many find the song’s themes of youthful uncertainty and the power of choice in relationships to be timeless and relatable, solidifying its place as a beloved classic from Ricky Nelson’s repertoire.