Record #0741: Have I Told You Lately That I Love You / Be-Bop Baby – RICKY NELSON

 

Imperial 5463 (original, first pressing) USA, 16. September 1957
Words & Music by:  Side A – Scotty Wiseman; Side B – Pearl Lendhurst
Musicians: Ricky Nelson (lead vocals), Bob Bain (guitar), Howard Roberts (guitar), Ray Siegel (bass), Roger Renner (piano), Earl Palmer (drums), The Four Preps (backing vocals)
Recording sessions: Produced by Jimmie Haskell and Ozzie Nelson at Master Recorders, Hollywood, CA, 16. August 1957
Highest chart positions:  Side A - US #29; Side B - US #3, US R&B #5

This is one of Nelson's early singles (and the first one with Imperial Records), recorded at the time when he didn't have a band of his own, yet. He was backed by (fine) session musicians in these songs. The drums were played by the fabulous Earl Palmer.

A Wikipedia article claims that Joe Maphis played the lead guitar here, but according to the studio details Maphis played in Nelson’s sessions between 24. September and 18. November 1957.

I’ve already posted the 2^nd pressing here.

List price:  Very Good+ is $25, Near Mint is $50. Black label (2^nd pressing) is half the price. Picture sleeves are $80 for NM.