Ricky Nelson’s Twin Sons ‘Were Supposed to Be On the Plane’ That Crashed, but One Call Saved Them

The siblings were still in their late teens when their renowned father met an untimely death. His passing not only left an emotional void but also placed them in a difficult financial position — one they had to navigate on their own.

Ricky Nelson, a famous musician, tragically lost his life in a plane crash, a tragedy made even more haunting by the fact that his twin sons, Gunnar and Matthew Nelson, were originally supposed to be on board. They later reflected on his legacy together in a joint interview.

Ricky’s impact reached well beyond his television fame. As one of the original “teen idols,” he won over audiences while appearing on his parents’ ABC sitcom, “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet,” which aired from 1952 to 1966. But it was his music that truly set him apart.

His voice carried a richness and emotion that struck a chord with listeners, inspiring a generation — including future icons of ’70s classic rock.

Ricky’s influence reached some of rock’s greatest musicians. One of his twin sons, Gunnar mentioned in an interview that three musicians had been featured on the cover of Guitar Player magazine: Jimmy Page, Brian May, and Eric Clapton.

According to him, two of them credited Ricky Nelson and his guitarist, James Burton, as the inspiration behind their passion for music. In addition, the fact that legends from Led Zeppelin and Queen drew inspiration from his music showed just how impactful he was.

His success was reflected not only in the artists he influenced but also in his own achievements. Between 1957 and 1973, he secured more than 50 spots on the Billboard Hot 100.

The superstar’s contributions earned him induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, and TV Guide ranked him among the 50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time. His final show took place at PJ’s Alley in Guntersville, closing the chapter on a career that shaped both rock and television.

Ricky’s final performance in Guntersville was soon followed by an unimaginable tragedy. In December 1985, at just 45 years old, he lost his life in a plane crash. His twin sons, only 18 at the time, later recalled the moments leading up to that devastating day.

“We were supposed to be on that plane that went down,” Gunnar revealed. They had been scheduled to fly on the DC3, a World War II-era propeller plane Ricky had purchased from ’50s rocker Jerry Lee Lewis.

On the day they were set to leave Los Angeles and join him for the Guntersville show, he made a last-minute decision. “‘You know boys, I was thinking about it and I would love to see you for New Year’s but I want you to fly commercial to Dallas directly and we’ll get to spend New Year’s there,'” Gunnar remembered.

“And we were kind of crotchety about it and said, ‘Pop, the whole point of it was to spend a few days with you and fly on the plane.’ He said, ‘No, I feel pretty strongly about this. It’s what I want ya’ll to do.’ That call really saved our lives,” he added.

The loss of their father was heartbreaking, but the challenges that followed made an already painful situation even harder. Ricky’s passing left Gunnar and Matthew in a dire financial position.

“Our dad was millions of dollars in debt when he died,” Matthew disclosed in another interview. “Gunnar and I assumed the debt.” The financial struggles didn’t end there. What had been earmarked for their college education was gone.

According to Gunnar, their mother, Kristin Harmon, whom Ricky had been married to from 1963 to 1982, was “drug-addicted” and “snorted” away their college fund.

With nothing to fall back on except their ambitions, the brothers found themselves with just $26 in the bank, relying on friends’ couches and living out of their car. With their financial struggles mounting, the pair clung to the one thing that had always been a constant in their lives — music.

Gunnar acknowledged that their situation had been incredibly difficult, but despite everything, he and Matthew continued creating songs. They remained determined, holding onto the belief that their dedication would eventually pay off.

Indeed, it finally paid off in 1990 when the duo stepped into the spotlight with their band, Nelson. Their single, “(Can’t Live Without Your) Love and Affection,” carried a Hollies-inspired sound and soared to the top of the charts.

The song became a standout on the now-defunct TV program, “Dial MTV,” making waves in an era dominated by glam-metal giants like Mötley Crüe.

Despite their success, Matthew acknowledged that he and Gunnar never quite fit into a single category. He described their band as “too heavy for pop radio and too light for rock radio,” making them an anomaly in the music industry.

Notably, their connection to their father remains strong, especially when performing in places tied to his final moments. In 2013, Matthew reflected on the reality of mortality as he and Gunnar approached their mid-40s, the age Ricky was when he died.

He mentioned how easy it is to become consumed by daily responsibilities, but ultimately, what matters most is the people in their lives and making sure they know they are loved.

For them, every performance holds significance. Whether playing for thousands or a small crowd, the sincerity remains unchanged. Gunnar added that each show serves as a reminder that their father’s presence endures.

In another interview, the singer recalled his late father saying to him and Matthew, “‘I not only love you as my sons, but I admire you as my peers.’ Coming from our dad and our musical hero, that was a defining moment.”

That moment of recognition from their father was a defining one, highlighting the strong musical connection they shared. The Nelsons’ influence spans three generations, with both chart-topping success and a presence in television cementing their place in entertainment history.

In an April 2024 interview, Matthew and Gunnar reflected on what it meant to grow up in that legacy. Joined by their wives, they also shared how they are shaping a new chapter for their own children.

During the interview, Matthew spoke about his family and the next generation. Married to Kari Nelson since 2013, he shares a son, Ozzie Matthew Nelson, and is also a grandfather through Kari’s children.

When asked about his legacy, he hoped to follow in the footsteps of his father and grandparents. He noted that he and Gunnar still meet people who share personal stories about them, and they have always made it a priority to be kind and approachable.

Matthew also talked about the foundation of his marriage, emphasizing the love and respect he and Kari share. Even in disagreements, they prioritize open communication. Above all, faith remains central in their home, with God at the heart of their family life.

Gunnar shared a similar sense of deep connection in his marriage to Lila Nelson, whom he wed in 2014. For him, it was love at first sight when he saw her with her three daughters at a show. Lila, a longtime fan, revealed that in 1991, her mother predicted she would marry Gunnar — though heartbreakingly, she passed away just two weeks before they met.

Though Lila wasn’t looking for love after losing her husband, everything changed when she met Gunnar. Rushing to a soundcheck at the show, he stopped in front of her, later admitting, “I just totally forgot myself,” referring to when he first saw her. She introduced herself, calling it the most “awkward” five minutes of her life.

For Gunnar, it was a turning point. He hadn’t expected to find love in his 40s, but their faith and understanding helped them through life’s challenges. Lila believed God brought them together.

Matthew and Gunnar have carried on their family’s musical legacy while building lives rooted in love, faith, and perseverance. Through their music and personal journeys, they continue to honor their father’s influence while creating their own lasting impact.