Ricky Nelson was loved by fans for many years as a teen pop sensation and became one of the most widely televised musicians of his time.
While many people are familiar with the mysterious circumstances surrounding his death, fewer know how a last-minute decision ended up saving the lives of his two sons.
Ricky Nelson was born Eric Hilliard Nelson in Teaneck, New Jersey, on May 8, 1940. His parents, Ozzie Nelson and Harriet Hilliard Nelson, were famous for their hit sitcom The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.
As a child, Ricky was quiet and sensitive, struggling with severe asthma and often needing a vaporizer with evergreen tincture to help him sleep. Producer John Guedel once described him as “an odd little kid”—likable, thoughtful, mysterious, and difficult to read. When Red Skelton was drafted in 1944, Guedel created the radio show The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet for Ricky’s parents, which premiered on October 8, 1944, to strong reviews.
The show went on to run for sixteen years, setting a record in sitcom history. Ricky and his older brother David joined the cast when they were around 8 and 10 years old.
During this time, Ricky attended Gardner Street Public School and later Hollywood High School. He often disliked school, which created tension with his father, who hoped he would go to college.
By the time he reached college age, Ricky was already earning more than most adults, making around $100,000 a year, which made higher education less of a necessity.
At 17, he appeared in the episode “Ricky, the Drummer” on the family show. A song featured in the episode was recorded and released as his debut single, “I’m Walking,” which reached number 4 on the Billboard Best Sellers chart.
His fame quickly grew, and he often used the family show to preview music before releasing it officially. Some of his biggest hits included “Garden Party,” “It’s Late,” “Fools Rush In,” “For You,” “Poor Little Fool,” and “Travelin’ Man.”
Around 1961, Ricky began dating Kristin Harmon, who also came from a Hollywood background and whose family was close with the Nelsons.
They married in April 1963 and had four children: Sam Hilliard Nelson, twins Matthew Gray Nelson and Gunnar Eric Nelson, and daughter Tracy Kristine Nelson.
Throughout the 1960s, Ricky’s career continued to rise as he consistently delivered Top 40 hits in the growing rock and roll scene, leading to frequent tours.
Sadly, it was during one of these tours that he met his tragic and still-mysterious death.
Ricky reportedly disliked flying, even though his career required constant travel. He even attended therapy sessions to manage his fear so he could continue performing and meeting fans.
Ricky, along with his twin sons Matthew and Gunnar, was supposed to fly to Dallas for a New Year’s performance. However, Gunnar later recalled:
“We were supposed to be on that flight. Our dad called us just before we were going to meet him in Alabama and fly together to the New Year’s show in Dallas.”
A few days before the trip, Ricky reportedly had a strange feeling or premonition and decided the boys should not fly with him.
It was also reported that the plane he boarded had experienced engine issues shortly before departure.
Ricky boarded the DC-3 aircraft in Alabama without his sons. As the plane neared its destination, smoke filled the cabin. A fire broke out, ultimately killing Ricky and the other passengers, although the pilot managed to land the aircraft in Texas.
Even decades later, the cause of the fire remains unclear. Rumors circulated, including claims involving drug use with his girlfriend Helen Blaine, though these were strongly denied by his brother David, who insisted Ricky never used cocaine. His manager Greg McDonald also stated that Ricky and Helen were asleep when the fire began.
Ricky’s daughter Tracy later told Larry King she believed the tragedy was caused by a mechanical failure. She explained that the aircraft—nicknamed the “Flying Bus” for its slow speed—had known issues with its gasoline heater, which could have triggered the fire.
Although no final explanation has ever been confirmed, many believe Ricky’s decision not to fly with his sons ultimately saved their lives.
Matthew and Gunnar later built their own music careers together in tribute to their father.
Matthew once said:
“It’s an ongoing labor of love, an open letter to our dad, who was our best friend.”
Rest in peace, Ricky.
