DE KALB, Texas -- A plane carrying 1950s teen idol Ricky Nelson and his band to a New Year's Eve concert was on fire and making a desperate attempt to land when it slammed into a pasture and exploded, killing Nelson and six others, authorities and witnesses said.
Nelson, 45, who won fame in the 1950s television show, 'The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet,' and used the program to launch a successful pop music career, was on his way to a New Year's Eve concert at Dallas' Park Suites Hotel.
Promoters said the show went on as a 'Tribute to Ricky Nelson.'
Born in Teaneck, N.J., Nelson joined the cast of 'The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet' radio show in 1948 at the age of 8. The show moved to television in 1952 and ran for 14 years. --- Hall of Fame Songwriter dies
