Musicians who died on December 31

Take a focused look at the musicians who passed away on December 31. Dive into curated bios, achievements, and cultural milestones verified by our editors.

• 1985 Ricky Nelson

  Ricky Nelson was an influential American singer, songwriter, and actor who rose to fame in the 1950s as both a teenage rock-and-roll star and a television personality. He is known for his string of hit singles, successful albums, and his key role in shaping early rock music. [bio]