Ricky Nelson, born Eric Hilliard Nelson on May 8, 1940, in Teaneck, New Jersey, was a beloved teen pop idol and one of the most televised musicians of his era. The son of Ozzie and Harriet Nelson, stars of the long-running sitcom The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, Ricky joined the family show at the age of eight, alongside his older brother David. The sitcom ran for 16 years, a record for its time, and helped launch Ricky’s career in entertainment.
Early Life and Career
Growing up on a television set, Ricky attended Gardner Street Public School and later Hollywood High School. Though he had little interest in formal education, his talent and popularity propelled him to early success. By his late teens, he was earning roughly $100,000 annually, making college unnecessary for financial stability.
At age 17, Ricky appeared in the episode “Ricky, the Drummer,” performing the song I’m Walking. The single reached number four on Billboard’s Best Sellers list and marked the start of a string of hits. Over the years, his songs included Garden Party, It’s Late, Fools Rush In, For You, Poor Little Fool, and Travelin’ Man. His music, largely in the growing rock ’n’ roll genre, earned him a devoted following and regular television appearances.
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