Ricky Nelson was a beloved teen idol and one of the most televised musicians of his era. Born in 1940 to Ozzie and Harriet Nelson, stars of The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, he grew up in the spotlight, launching a music career as a teenager with hits like “Travelin’ Man,” “Poor Little Fool,” and “Garden Party.”
Despite his success, Nelson struggled privately, including a lifelong fear of flying. In late 1985, he was scheduled to fly with his twin sons, Matthew and Gunnar, to a New Year’s show in Dallas. At the last minute, driven by a bad feeling, he called and told them not to join him.
Ricky boarded the DC-3 plane alone. Near its destination, a mysterious fire filled the cabin with smoke, killing Nelson and others on board. The pilot managed to land safely, but the cause of the fire was never definitively determined, though mechanical failure is widely believed.
That last-minute decision saved his sons’ lives. Matthew and Gunnar later formed the band Nelson, honoring their father’s legacy through music and calling it an ongoing tribute to the man who was also their best friend.