Ricky Nelson was a beloved teen idol and one of the most televised musicians of his era. While his tragic death is well known, fewer people realize that a last-minute decision saved the lives of his twin sons.
Born Eric Hilliard Nelson in 1940, Ricky rose to fame on The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet before becoming a major pop star with hits like “Travelin’ Man,” “Poor Little Fool,” and “Garden Party.” He married Kristin Harmon in 1963, and they had four children.
Despite a fear of flying, Ricky frequently traveled for tours. On New Year’s Eve 1985, his sons Matthew and Gunnar were supposed to fly with him to a show in Dallas. But shortly before the trip, Ricky had a bad feeling and told them not to come.
Ricky boarded the DC-3 plane alone in Alabama. Near its destination, a mysterious fire filled the cabin, killing him and others on board. The exact cause was never confirmed, though mechanical failure is widely believed.
Ricky’s instinct spared his sons, who later formed the band Nelson, honoring their father’s legacy. As Matthew later said, their music became “an open letter to our dad.”