Believe What You Say
Ricky Nelson | Artist Essentials
First released: 1958 (year verified)
Original 1958 Imperial studio single recording; not the later Capitol single
MusicAtlas editorial note: The original Imperial single keeps the guitar attack and short vocal phrases tightly linked.
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Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1958 (year verified)
The reviewed original single recording was released in 1958. Its later album or anthology association is not the first release; expanded-program bonus tracks and named alternate or Capitol recordings are considered separately.
Recording: Original 1958 Imperial studio single recording; not the later Capitol single
Credit: Ricky Nelson
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original single: Believe What You Say
Rick Nelson Legacy - original, alternate and later single versions
The licensed historical program distinguishes original Believe What You Say Single Version from a later Capitol Single Version, separately labels alternate Lonesome Town and later live performances, and preserves the Stone Canyon Band credit. Inherited anthology dates are not original release dates. | Reviewed 2026-10-18
Rick Nelson Legacy - original, alternate and later single versions
The licensed historical program distinguishes original Believe What You Say Single Version from a later Capitol Single Version, separately labels alternate Lonesome Town and later live performances, and preserves the Stone Canyon Band credit. Inherited anthology dates are not original release dates. | Reviewed 2026-10-18
In the yearly lists
This selected recording is beyond the current yearly lists.
About Rick Nelson
Ricky Nelson moved from a television career into records that combined a light vocal delivery with a strong rock-and-roll band sound. His first Verve single paired a brisk rhythm number with a quieter romantic song, establishing a contrast that continued through his Imperial recordings. As Rick Nelson, he later developed a country-rock approach with the Stone Canyon Band. That band's original studio work, including Garden Party, represents a distinct period within his career and keeps its full ensemble credit.
Artist background sources
Ricky Nelson - museum career background
The museum identifies Nelson's transition from television work to a recording career and recognizes the musical substance of his rock performances beyond his teen-idol image. Used only for artist background. | Retrieved 2026-10-18
Verve - original 1957 debut single release
The label history separates the 1957 recording session from the subsequent release of I'm Walkin and A Teenager's Romance. Used for the original Verve recordings, not later remakes or television performances. | Retrieved 2026-10-18
Garden Party - original single before album and band identity
The label describes Rick Nelson's country-rock development with the Stone Canyon Band and the 1972 single before the same-year album. The 1971 concert behind the song is not the release of this studio recording. No chart day is asserted as an original release day. | Retrieved 2026-10-18
Profile reviewed: 2026-10-18. Artist background does not establish a song's creative origin or release date.
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