Ricky Nelson’s life has been a whirlwind of fame, music, and unexpected twists and turns, leaving many to wonder what might have happened if fate had played a different hand.
A rising teenage idol of the 1950s, Ricky’s success seemed unstoppable, but little did anyone know that the strange feeling he had just days before his tragic death would prevent a much greater loss.
What led up to that fateful day, and how did one man’s intuition save lives while costing him his own? This is the story of the beloved star who changed the course of his family’s destiny – and the mystery that still surrounds his death.
Ricky Nelson, born Eric Hilliard Nelson in Teaneck, New Jersey, on May 8, 1940, became one of rock music’s first teenage idols.
He gained great fame at a young age when he and his brother joined the cast of their parents’ popular sitcom The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet. The show ran for sixteen years, during which Ricky attended Gardner Street Public School and later Hollywood High School.
Not particularly interested in school, Ricky’s lack of interest in school frustrated his father, Ozzie Nelson, who hoped Ricky would attend college. But when Ricky started earning an impressive income—around $100,000 a year—the family accepted his decision to skip college.
At just 17 years old, Ricky performed the song “I’m Walking” in an episode called Ricky the Sitcom Drummer. The song became an instant hit, reaching number four on Billboard’s top-selling hit list. This success marked the beginning of Ricky’s music career and opened up a new world for the young star. His later hits, including Garden Party, Fools Rush In, For You, Poor Little Foo,l and Travelin’ Man, cemented his place in the music industry.
In 1963, Ricky married Kristin Harmon, who had a similar background. Together they had four children: Sam Hilliard Nelson, twins Matthew Gray Nelson and Gunnar Eric Nelson, and daughter Tracy Kristine Nelson. At fir,st their marriage seemed perfect, but over time they both adopted a hippie lifestyle that involved alcohol and led to tension. Kristin eventually filed for divorce, gaining temporary custody of their children, with both sides blaming the other for poor parenting.
Tragically, just a few months after their separation, Ricky’s life was cut short in a plane crash. Despite his growing success, Ricky was always uncomfortable with flying. He even sought therapy to overcome his fear so he could continue touring and performing for his fans.
For the New Year’s show in Dallas, Ricky planned to have his twins accompany him. However, something was bothering him on the flight and he called his children at the last minute to let them know that he would not be flying with him.
“We should have been on that plane with him. Our dad called us right before we were supposed to meet him in Alabama and fly him to Dallas,” Gunnar recalled.
Unfortunately, the DC-3 plane that Ricky was on board with his girlfriend Helen Blaine caught fire. Despite the pilot’s attempt to land the aircraft safely, all passengers on board were killed.
While rumors suggested that a faulty petrol heater may have been to blame, the exact cause of the crash remains a mystery.
Ricky’s decision to keep his twins off the plane likely prevented an even greater tragedy. Today, his sons Matthew and Gunnar continue to honor their father’s legacy as musicians.
“It’s an ongoing labor of love, an open letter to our father, who was also our best friend,” says Matthew.
Ricky Nelson’s life has been a testament to both the glitz and the challenges of fame. From his early days as a teen idol to his lasting influence in the music world, his legacy continues to inspire. His tragic death, marked by a terrifying intuition that ultimately spared his children, only deepens the mystery of his untimely demise. While the exact cause of the plane crash remains unsolved, Ricky’s final act of love and protection for his family will never be forgotten. His children, now carrying the torch as musicians, honor their father’s memory and ensure his spirit lives on through their own music and the stories they share.