Record #0754: Never Be Anyone Else But You / It’s Late – RICKY NELSON

Imperial 5565 (original, 2^nd pressing) USA, 9. February 1959
Words & Music by:  Side A – Baker Knight; Side B – Dorsey Burnette
Musicians: Ricky Nelson (vocals and guitar), James Burton (lead guitar), James Kirkland (bass), Gene Garff (piano), Richie Frost (drums), the Jordanaires (backing vocals)
Recording sessions: Produced by Jimmie Haskell at Master Recorders, Hollywood, CA; Side A – 24. November 1958; Side B – 21. October 1958; backing vocals were overdubbed later (Side A on 11. December 1958)
Highest chart positions:  Side A – US #6, US Cashbox #5, UK #14, Australia #14, Norway #3; Side B –US #9, US Cashbox #6, UK #3, Australia #28

Both tracks were on Nelson’s 1959 album “Ricky Sings Again” (US albums #14).

Ricky “borrowed” Elvis’ background vocals group, the Jordanaires, for this record. In fact, the group was a frequent visitor in his sessions until “Hello Mary Lou” was recorded on 20. March 1961. After that the Jordanaires were not seen in his sessions for 5 years.

Dorsey Burnette recorded “It’s Late” on 28. August 1958, but it wasn’t released until 1980. He had Nelson’s band (Burton – Kirkland – Garff – Frost) playing with him in that session at Master Recorders.

Shakin’ Stevens covered “It’s Late” in 1983 and got it to UK #11.

List price:  Very Good+ is $12,50, Near Mint is $25. Red label (1^st pressing) VG+ $20, NM $40. Picture sleeves are VG+ $40, NM $80.