The Life of Beloved Star Ricky Nelson and His Tragic Demise

In 1966, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet ended after 14 television seasons. Rick had spent most of his childhood and young adulthood appearing on the series, which had turned the Nelson household into one of the most familiar families in American entertainment.

Its cancellation also removed the weekly national showcase that had helped launch and promote his recording career. For the first time, Rick had to build his future without the television program that had supported him since childhood. With his pop hits declining and the family show gone, he began searching for a musical direction that could finally separate him from his teenage past.