Arguably the most televised pop star of his time, he stole many hearts with his music. For years, he was the teen idol, but to his more sentimental fans, he was the man whose last-minute decision saved his sons’ lives.
The singer’s parents broadcasting with their children on CBS Radio. | Source: Getty Images
One of the most popular teen idols of the late ’50s and early ’60s, he was born in New Jersey, on May 8, 1940. His parents were also from the entertainment industry, with their own television show which he and his older brother joined later on. The show ran for 16 consecutive years, a record in the history of TV sitcoms.
The singer’s family portrait released in 1946 | Source: Getty Images
By the time he came of college-going age, he was already making some good bucks, earning up to $100,000 a year. Thus, he did not see the need to attend school.
The singer’s family portrait released in 1951 | Source: Getty Images
At 17, he recorded his first single, “I’m Walking,” after making his TV debut, singing and playing the drums to the same song on the “The Drummer” episode of the family show. The song became No. 4 on Billboard’s Best Sellers.
He was just getting started, and in the years that followed, he released more hit music. His music included “Garden Party,” “It’s Late,” “Fools Rush In,” “For You,” “Poor Little Fool,” and “Travelin’ Man,” among many other hits.
The singer’s family portrait released in 1946 | Source: Getty Images
Before recording them as singles, he first introduced most of his songs to the audiences of his parents’ show.
Marriage and Children
The Christmas festive season of 1961 was a special time for the artist. He had begun dating years back, but his mother greatly disapproved of all his love interests.
The singer’s family portrait released in 1946 | Source: Getty Images
The singer performs performs at the Grand Opening of Animals Crackers in Atlanta Georgia October 7, 1980. | Source: Getty Images
Their children dating had a great appeal, so the two youngsters got together, marrying in April 1963. Together, they had four children, including twins, and a daughter who became a singer and actress.
The Crash
Over the next decade of making his music debut, he reeled off a string of rock and roll top 40 hits. He held a record that beat any other musician of his time, save for Pat Boone and Elvis Presley.
The debris of a DC-3 plane, that crashed and killed the singer | Source: Getty Images
He remained musically relevant throughout the decade and even began earning credit for inspiring the likes of The Eagles and Linda Ronstadt’s music journey.
He continued to tour frequently to promote his music and spread the genius of his voice to the world. On one of such tours, he met his untimely death, leaving the world mourning for him and the legacy he had left behind.
The singer’s family portrait released in 1944 | Source: Getty Images
The Premonition That Saved His Son’s Lives
It was the end of the year, and he was supposed to fly to Dallas for the New Year’s show, accompanied by his twin sons, Matthew and Gunnar.
Musicians Matthew and Gunnar Nelson performing on stage during a “live” concert appearance on March 14, 1991. | Source: Getty Images
Gunnar said, “We were supposed to be on the plane on that trip. Our dad called us right before we were supposed to come down to Alabama and meet him and fly with him to the New Year’s show in Dallas.”
A few days before they left for the Dallas concert, he seemed to have had a premonition and decided he’d not fly in the company of his sons. Consequently, he called them to break the news.
Gunnar and Matthew perform at City Winery Nashville on July 30, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. | Getty Images
Gunnar seems to think his father changed his mind because the plane they were supposed to travel in had had some engine trouble. That last-minute decision by their father saved their lives.
On that fateful day, he boarded the chartered DC-3 in Alabama. Shortly before arriving in Dallas, the cabin filled with smoke from a fire whose origin has remained a mystery for over three decades.
Gunnar and Matthew perform at City Winery Nashville on July 30, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. | Getty Images
A snapshot of Ricky Nelson posing with a guitar | Source: Getty Images
Unproven Theories Surrounding the Crash
Following his untimely death, published reports began claiming that the fire resulted from him and his then-girlfriend, Helen Blair, “free-basing” cocaine. His brother, however, vehemently denied that he had ever used cocaine.
Kristin Harmon and Ricky Nelson from “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.” | Source: WIkimedia Commons
Ricky Nelson and Kristin Harmon at Fifth Annual American Music Awards on January 16, 1978 | Source: Getty Images
Speaking with Larry King, she said that the plane, nicknamed the Flying Bus due to how slow it was, had had several problems with the gasoline heater, and that caused the fire.
Rick Nelson and Kristin Nelson pose for a portrait on January 1, 1963 | Source: Getty Images
David and Ricky Nelson in 1959. | Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Children He Left Behind
Ricky left behind four beautiful children. His daughter Tracy is an actress, well known for her role as Rachel in the film “The Perfect Tenant” and Theda Bara in “As Long as I’m Famous,” among many others.
Ozzie Nelson, Harriet Nelson, David Nelson and Ricky Nelson circa 1952. | Source: Wikimedia Commons.
“It’s an ongoing labor of love, an open letter to our dad, who was our best friend.”
Ricky Nelson for the film “The Wackiest Ship in the Army” | Source: Wikimedia Commons
The youngest of the Nelson children, Sam Nelson, is also a musician and is the lead vocalist for his band H is Orange. He performs in the band alongside Guy Staniar, Marcel Blanco, and Troy Brittain.