Born Eric Hilliard Nelson in Teaneck, New Jersey, on May 8, 1940, Ricky was the son of Ozzie and Harriet Nelson, stars of the popular television sitcom “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.” The show, which ran for an impressive sixteen years, was a staple of American television, and Ricky and his older brother, David, were brought into the family act at a young age. As Ricky grew older, his charisma and musical talent became evident, especially when he performed on the show.
A Star Is Born
Ricky Nelson’s musical career took off when he performed the song “I’m Walking” in an episode titled “Ricky, the Drummer.” The single quickly shot up to number 4 on Billboard’s Best Sellers list, propelling him into teen idol status. From then on, he regularly used his family’s television show as a platform to debut his music, leading to a string of hits like “Garden Party,” “Travelin’ Man,” and “Poor Little Fool.” By the age of 17, he was already making a significant income, much to his father’s chagrin, as Ozzie had hoped Ricky would pursue a college education.
In 1963, Ricky married Kristin Harmon, who came from a similarly high-profile Hollywood family. They had four children together—Tracy Kristine, Gunnar Eric, Matthew Gray, and Sam Hilliard—solidifying their presence as a prominent Hollywood family.
