Rick Nielsen

Rick Nielsen is among the very few rock stars who grew up in a music store! His story and background is perfect for the NAMM Oral History program as it ties together a professional career in music making with mom and pop music retailing! Rick's father purchased a music store in Rockford, Illinois when Rick was a young boy. Rick grew up with musical instruments all around and fell in love with electronic keyboards and the guitar. As a professional musician, Rick helped form the rock band Cheap Trick in 1973 and wrote many of the bands hit records including "Surrender" and "I Want You to Want Me."