5 of 7

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

musical career helped Nelson land roles in movies as well. He co-starred in "Rio Bravo" with John Wayne, Dean Martin, and Angie Dickenson. Two years later he co-starred with Jack Lemmon in "The Wackiest Ship in the Army".

On his 21st birthday, Nelson changed his recording name from "Ricky Nelson" to "Rick Nelson" and released his sixth album, "Rick is 21".

Nelson began dating Kristin Harmon and their relationship was approved by both the Nelson family and Harmon family, who were friends. In April, 1963, he and Kristin were married. Kristin is the daughter of football legend, Tom Harmon, and actress Elyse Knox. She is a sister to actor Mark Harmon.

Kristin and her new sister-in-law, June Blair, also became the on-screen wives of the Nelson sons. It was also in 1963 that Nelson's contract with Imperial expired and he signed a twenty year contract with Decca Records.

The final episode of The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet aired in February, 1967, after twenty two years of being on the radio and television. Nelson's music was no longer selling as well either due to the popularity of the English sound, led by the Beatles. He found it increasingly difficult to get his music aired on the radio and had to begin to look for new directions in which to take his music.

Nelson began experimenting with country music. This period also saw the beginning of his songwriting career. He penned his recording "Easy to be Free". It featured on his album "Rick in Concert" and launched the arrival of Rick Nelson and the Stone Canyon Band. The band became pioneers of what became known as Country Rock. It was not until 1970 that Nelson again hit the Top 40 list when he recorded Bob Dylan's "She Belongs To Me" with the Stone Canyon Band. He again hit the Top 40 list for the final time with "Garden Party", which also hit #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 list.

Rick and Kristin Nelson had four children. Their daughter, Tracy, was born October 25, 1963. Twin sons Gunnar and Matthew were born September 20, 1967, and son, Sam Nelson, was born August 29, 1974.

By 1970, Nelson's life had fallen apart. He was heavily in debt and his turbulent marriage to Kristin ended when she filed for divorce and took their four children. He began using drugs, particularly marijuana and later cocaine.

In 1985, Nelson joined a rock tour of England, which was a major success and helped revive some interest in his work. He hoped to do the same in the United States and began touring the South. It was not to be, however. He died in a plane crash while on his way to a New Year's Eve concert in De Kalb, Texas. The last song that Nelson sang on stage before his death was ironically Buddy Holly's "Rave On".

Though rumors of drug use among passengers of the plane surfaced, the NTSB's original report stated it was probably due to mechanical error. The most likely cause was a defective cabin heater.

Nelson was buried in the Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills Cemetery in Los Angeles, California.

Rick Nelson was elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and also the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1515 Vine Street.

Learn more about this author, Ty Fillers.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about Biography: Ricky Nelson?
We want to hear your view. Write now!