The Life of Beloved Star Ricky Nelson and His Tragic Demise

Rick had signed a lengthy contract with Decca in 1963, but by the 1970s the label had become part of MCA. As his record sales weakened, MCA eventually released him even though years remained on the original agreement.

Without a major-label home, Rick increasingly depended on live performances to support himself. He played clubs, fairs, theme parks, and nostalgia-oriented shows while continuing to appear on television when opportunities arose. The change marked another major drop from the chart dominance of his youth, and soon he would also face a painful loss within the family that had built his career.