Ricky Nelson, born Eric Hilliard Nelson on May 8, 1940, in Teaneck, New Jersey, was a teen pop idol and one of the most televised musicians of his era. Son of Ozzie and Harriet Nelson of the sitcom The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, Ricky joined the show at age 8, eventually launching a successful music career with hits like Travelin’ Man, Poor Little Fool, and Garden Party.
Ricky married Kristin Harmon in 1963, and they had four children: Tracy, Sam, and twins Matthew and Gunnar. Despite his fame, Ricky feared flying and even attended therapy to cope with it.
Shortly before a 1985 New Year’s tour flight to Dallas, Ricky had a premonition and called his sons to cancel their plans to fly with him. Days later, the DC-3 he boarded caught fire mid-air, killing Ricky and the other passengers. The cause remains unclear, though mechanical failure is suspected. His sons’ absence spared them from the tragedy.
Matthew and Gunnar Nelson later pursued music careers in honor of their father, calling it “an ongoing labor of love” and a tribute to their dad.