Gene Nelson (March 24, 1920 – September 16, 1996) was an American dancer, actor, screenwriter, and director.
Born Leander Eugene Berg in Astoria, Oregon, he moved to Seattle when he was one year old. He was inspired to become a dancer by watching Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers films when he was a child. After serving in the Army during World War II during which he also performed in the musical This Is the Army, Nelson landed his first Broadway role in Lend an Ear, for which he received the Theatre World Award. He also appeared on stage in Follies, which garnered him a Tony Award nomination, and Good News. Nelson's longtime professional dance partner during the 1950s was actress JoAnn Dean.
Gene Nelson co-starred with Doris Day in "Lullaby of Broadway" in 1951. He played Will Parker in Oklahoma! and also starred as Buddy in the 1971 Broadway musical Follies, for which he received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor. The iconic production featured a score by Stephen Sondheim and was co-directed by Michael Bennett (also choreographer) and Harold Prince (also producer); the cast also included Alexis Smith, Yvonne de Carlo, Dorothy Collins, Ethel Shutta, and John McMartin.
Wayland Eugene Nelson II (born December 3, 1960), is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1981 to 1993. After beginning his career as a starting pitcher with the New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners, Nelson gradually converted to a relief role starting in 1983. He was a key member of the ace relief staff that helped propel the Oakland Athletics to three pennant-winning seasons from 1988 to 1990, frequently setting up Dennis Eckersley for his saves. Nelson posted a 1.57 ERA in 1990 and earned a 9-6 record in 1988. After seeing his performance slip in 1991 and 1992, he closed out his career in 1993 with a 3.12 ERA while pitching for the California Angels and Texas Rangers. Gene Nelson Boulevard, which leads to the Little League fields at John S. Burks Memorial Park in Dade City, FL, is named after Nelson, who grew up there. Gene Nelson is married.
It looks just like an old man and his old wife
Havin’ lunch in the food court at the mall
He stumbles twice, she holds on tight
And he’s embarrassed cuz he almost falls
It looks just like the sad end of a long life
But that ain’t it at all
What it really is is a boy home from world war two
One leg pinned up on his uniform
Tryin’ not to cry as he spit shines one black shoe
Scared she won’t love him anymore
What it really is is the smile on her pretty young face
As he crutches down the gang plank and that kiss
That’s burned from that day to this
That’s what it really is
It looks just like a small town around twilight
And a couple pushin’ a stroller up the street
They stop a while and the neighbors smile
At the baby’s pretty little hands and feet
It looks just like just another brand new life
But that picture ain’t complete
Cuz what it really is is one expert after another
Breakin’ their hearts month after month
Tellin’ her that she will never be a mother
And him that he will never hold a son
And what it really is is a waiting room and tears of joy
As he walks in with a little boy all his
His finger wrapped in a tiny little fist
That’s what it really is
So much of what this life can be
All depends on what you see
It looks just like a long line of headlights
Rolling slowly down a rainy country road
A small casket white, a cold, windy graveside
And a family with such a heavy load
It looks just like the sad end of a short life
But the truth be told
What it really is is the first breath she’s ever taken
That made her feel like she could fly
The grey skies above and the chains finally breakin’
And tellin’ the pain goodbye
What it really is is running to her Savior’s side
In a body glorified in bliss
As she slips her little hand into His