Teen Idol of the 50s

Today in Music History: February 20, 1949

Nelson publicity photo, 1966
Image Source: en.wikipedia.org

Eric Hilliard Nelson, known as Ricky Nelson, lived amid musical talent from birth. On February 20, 1949, he joined his parents' hit radio show The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, which was at that time in its fifth year. Ricky was 8 years old. At age 11, he starred along side his parents in The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet television series (1952–66). The show continued to be a success and Ricky Nelson went on to achieve solo success as a teen heartthrob in the 1950s.

Like so many performers before him and after, his life was cut short. While touring the United States, Ricky Nelson was killed in a plane crash on December 31, 1985, in DeKalb in Bowie County near Texarkana, Texas in northeast Texas. He was en route to a New Year's Eve concert in Dallas. In 1987, he was inducted posthumously into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Long live rock 'n' roll!

And the music goes on beating to the rhythm of the changing times...