What Happened to Your Hair?

How We Played Loud... Loved Proud... and Never Backed Down... Together

By: Matthew Nelson, Gunnar Nelson

Narrated by: Matthew Nelson, Gunnar Nelson

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.

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 powerful reminder that facing challenges with courage and compassion is what truly defines success.

©2025 Matthew Nelson and Gunnar Nelson (P)2026 Recorded Books

Straight from a GenXer-this is a must read!!!!

I thought I was a Nelson fan but there was so much history I had NO idea about. So fun listening to it! I have a new respect fo Matthew and Gunner. I did feel a bit sad for them at times in the book. They are definitely the light in dark times.

Wonderful bio!

Well done,very well done. Great content and very entertaining.
Ranks among the top 10 music bios I’ve read.

LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS BOOK!

I was a huge Nelson fan when they first came out. But I never really knew anything about them other than their Dad and the Ozzy and Harriet show, which I never saw since I wasn’t even born when it was on.
It’s definitely a great listen/read if you are Gen X. So much music history. I love these guys even more since learning how difficult their childhood was and how hard they had to work to get their music out to the world.
They are an inspiration and they have a great sense of humor.
I laughed and cried! It’s very emotional at times.
I’m glad they are doing so well now.
Matthew and Gunnar are phenomenal storytellers and perfect narrators! I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more.

I really really hope they write more books. Maybe a part 2 with more stories that didn’t end up in this book.
And perhaps a movie deal about their life? I would definitely see that.

Now off to listen to After The Rain (on iTunes), which I have been playing over and over (and over), just like when I first heard them all those years ago.

Stellar work

The honesty with which they told the story of their lives was truly amazing. They are amazing people and phenomenal artists and performers.

A true disappointment

As a lifelong fan of not only the twins but also their dad, I deeply regret getting this book. If you love the Nelson’s do not read this. If you think they are truly awful human beings then go ahead & read it. Your assumption will be confirmed.

They spend the first half of the book trying to convince the reader that they are not nepo-babies, meanwhile listing off all of the ways they are in fact nepo-babies. They absolutely hate women. They make many veiled racist comments, a bunch of blatant sexist comments, a handful of bigoted comments and throw in some hateful comments about the working class and some fat shaming while they are at it. So basically they can’t stand the majority of their fan base.

They mention Tracy a handful of times, Sam once and never mention their youngest half brother. Regardless, if you check out Tracy & Sam’s socials you will know by the end of the book exactly why they don’t have much of a relationship with the twins, and who can blame them. They spend the majority of the book slamming their mom and bragging on their dad, which may be fair but I thought it was pretty tacky to mention her affairs multiple times and neglect to mention that their dad fathered a child with a fan while he was still married.

The most shocking part of the book was when Gunnar describes losing his V as a teen to a woman in her 30’s. Then he expounds on how amazing it was and recommends this to all young boys. I’m shocked the publisher would allow their authors to write that. Whether he views it as assault or not it was in fact assault and encouraging minors to be treated in that manner is abhorrent. Read the room guys! It is never ok to encourage that type of behavior, especially in 2026.

These guys need some serious help because clearly the therapy they mentioned at the end of the book did not work. I would still love to listen to their music but now I can’t. They are truly awful people,