Ricky Nelson was a beloved teen idol and one of the most televised musicians of his generation. But behind his success was a tragic ending that could have been even worse.<\/p>\n
Born in 1940, Nelson became famous through The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet<\/em> before launching a hugely successful music career with hits like \u201cTravelin\u2019 Man,\u201d \u201cPoor Little Fool\u201d and \u201cGarden Party.\u201d<\/p>\n In 1963, he married Kristin Harmon, and they had four children, including twin sons Matthew and Gunnar.<\/p>\n In December 1985, Ricky was traveling to Dallas for a New Year\u2019s performance. His twin sons were originally supposed to fly with him, but shortly before the trip, Ricky unexpectedly called them and told them not to come.<\/p>\n It was a decision that would save their lives.<\/p>\n Ricky boarded the plane without his sons. During the flight, a fire broke out, killing Nelson and the other passengers. The exact cause of the fire has remained disputed, though mechanical problems with the plane\u2019s gasoline heater have been suggested.<\/p>\n Matthew and Gunnar later became musicians themselves, carrying on their father\u2019s legacy.<\/p>\n Ricky\u2019s final decision to leave his sons behind remains one of the most haunting parts of his tragic story.<\/p>\n Sometimes, one last-minute decision can change everything.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Ricky Nelson\u2019s Last-Minute Decision Saved His Sons\u2019 Lives Ricky Nelson was a beloved teen idol and one of the most televised musicians of his generation. But behind his success was a tragic ending that could have been even worse. Born in 1940, Nelson became famous through The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet before launching a…<\/p>\n