Today, I’m reviewing What Happened to Your Hair?, a rock ‘n’ roll memoir by Matthew and Gunnar Nelson of the rock band Nelson.
Title: What Happened to Your Hair?
Series: N/A
Author(s) Matthew and Gunnar Nelson
Genre(s): Memoir, Autobiography, Rock ‘n’ Roll
Length: 153,000 words/496 pages
Release Date: December 16, 2025
Publisher: Permuted Press
Gunnar and Matthew Nelson reveal the untold stories of their upbringing from their iconic grandparents Ozzie and Harriet to their legendary father Ricky Nelson. What Happened To Your Hair? details their journey to not only hit #1 on the charts but also navigate one of the wildest careers in popular music, all while crafting their unique paths on their own terms.
Blurb: Told with unflinching candor, the Nelson brothers take readers on an intimate and untamed journey through their extraordinary lives, shaped by the legacy of their iconic family. Growing up in the glare of the spotlight—both a gift and a challenge—was filled with unforgettable highs, profound lows and surreal experiences.
With heartfelt honesty and a take-no-prisoners approach, the brothers share rollicking untold stories of unscrupulous managers, soul-scarring record executives, and Polaroid-sending groupies whose photos of their body parts would make a biker blush. Filled with humor, laughter, tears, and unforgettable moments, the Nelsons also recount the tragic and untimely death of their father, the legendary Ricky Nelson. His sudden death forced them to confront their grief while navigating the hell of the music industry – a turbulent landscape that challenged their dreams and tested their spirits.
The twins rose through the ranks of LA’s Sunset Strip in the late 1970s and later achieved fame in the ’90s, hitting #1 with their own chart-topping compositions, Gunnar and Matthew reveal how they not only survived the relentless pressures and pitfalls of the music business but also found strength in their faith and the unbreakable bond of brotherhood. With the courage to always stick to their guns, they aimed to uplift and provide a redemptive force in their music, even as grunge, rap, and other angst-ridden genres took center stage in the pop culture zeitgeist at that time. Written in their own words (no ghostwriter needed, thank you very much), Matthew and Gunnar Nelson candidly discuss the struggles they faced, from industry setbacks to personal trials, and how these challenges ultimately made them stronger and more determined.
What Happened To Your Hair? is not just a gripping story of double-edged fame but a testament to resilience and authenticity. Packed with motivational insights, twisted humor, laughter, tears, and crazy stories, this soulful and deeply moving memoir celebrates the enduring power of love and brotherhood. It’s a book not just for music and entertainment fans but for anyone who believes in working hard to achieve their dreams, no matter what the world throws at you. It’s a powerful reminder that facing challenges with courage and compassion is what truly defines success.
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I only knew three songs by the Nelson twins and had never seen The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet before reading this book. Growing up in the 80s, I only recognized their sister, Tracy, from Square Pegs and The Father Dowling Mysteries. However, I still wanted to read about this famous family.
I expected the book to alternate chapters between the twins, but Gunnar narrates most of it. It is still a great read, though I wish Matthew had contributed more. Gunnar shares great details about their grandparents and the Harmon side of the family. I never knew Mark Harmon was their uncle, or much about their father, Ricky. In those pre-internet days, family details were not so widely shared.
The book chronicles their lives from birth to the present day. It dives deep into their songwriting, the recording process, and how their band formed. It also exposes a shocking family life. Their mother was a deeply troubled woman who probably should not have had children.
If you want gossip about their love lives, you will not find it here. They keep their marriages and relationships private, which allowed the book to focus on their music and family. You quickly realize they are self-made. Their father died when they were only 18, right as they were launching their career. The Nelson name did not help them. In fact, it often worked against them. They had to prove themselves completely on their own.
At 1,300 pages on my Kobo, it is a long book. However, the story moves quickly because it is so engaging. It is not always entertaining, as they share some very dark moments. I felt a lot of empathy for them. Many people assume a famous family guarantees an easy life, but the twins prove it can be a curse. Fortunately, they had each other. By the end, their close bond is undeniable.
You do not need to be a Nelson fan to enjoy this biography. Do yourself a favour and pick up a copy. It’s well worth the read and makes you want to learn more abou their music and become a fan of the band.
