Rick Nelson

AKA:

Ricky

Birth Name:

Eric Hilliard Nelson

Birth Date:

May 8, 1940

Birth Place:

Teaneck, New Jersey

Death Date:

December 31, 1985

Place of Death:

near 14712 U.S. Highway 82, De Kalb, Texas

Age:

Cause of Death:

Plane crash

Cemetery Name:

Forest Lawn Memorial Park – Hollywood Hills

Claim to Fame:

Music

The youngest member of America's "perfect family," Rick Nelson parlayed the free publicity that the television show The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriett afforded into a successful musical career. With teen idol good looks and talent to match, Nelson's legacy began with such million-seller pop classics as "Poor Little Fool" and "Hello Mary Lou" and ended with the more introspective "Garden Party."

Not-So-Fun Fact

Why was Rick and the Stone Canyon Band on that plane during the holidays for a 3-concert mini tour? In December of 1985 former wife-from-hell Kris Nelson had her attorney contact Rick to inform him (erroneously) that he was behind on court-ordered alimony and child support payments forcing Rick back out on the road. On Monday, December 30 Rick Nelson and the Stone Canyon Band gave their final performance in Guntersville, Alabama. They closed the show with Buddy Holly’s “Rave On.”

At the funeral Kris Nelson arrived late in a limo to a hostile crowd. After the service an argument broke out as she learned she was left out of Rick’s will and life insurance money. Before anyone knew Kris threw her daughter Tracy to the ground hitting her before others intervened.

By the way, Elvis Presley and Roy Orbison were both huge fans of Rick Nelson.

Cemetery Information:

Final Resting Place:

Forest Lawn Memorial Park – Hollywood Hills

6300 Forest Lawn Drive

Los Angeles, California, 90068

USA

North America

Map:

Cemetery map of Forest Lawn - Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles, California

Grave Location:

Revelation, Plot 3538

Grave Location Description

As you enter the gates of the cemetery continue on Memorial Drive and turn right on Ascension Road. Weave your way around and park your car at the intersection of Ascension Road and Crystal Drive. Walk up the steep hill toward the large pine tree to the 13th row where you will find Ozzie and Harriet resting together. Go up two more rows and to the left you will find their son Rick Nelson.

Brother David Nelson is buried at Pierce Brothers in Westwood, Los Angeles, California.