Rick Nielsen Biography
Rick Nielsen is an American musician who was born on December 22, 1948, in Rockford, Illinois, United States. Currently, he works at the rock band Cheap Trick as the leader, lead guitarist, and primary songwriter. Nielsen rose to prominence for his multiple custom-made guitars from Hamer Guitars, such as his renowned five-neck guitar.
10 Quick Facts About Rick Nielsen
Here is a list of 10 facts about Nielsen
- Name: Rick Nielsen
- Age: 76 Years Old.
- Birthday: December 22
- Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
- Height: 6 feet 0 inches (1.63 m)
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Singer-Songwriter, Guitarist, Composer, Session Musician
- Marital Status: Married
- Salary: Under Review
- Net worth: $12 Million
Rick Nielsen Age
Nielsen is 76 years old. He was born on December 22, 1948, in Elmhurst, Illinois, United States. He celebrates his birthday on December 22 every year, and his birth sign is Capricorn.
Rick Nielsen Height
Nielsen stands at a height of 6 feet 0 inches (1.63 m).
Rick Nielsen Weight
Nielsen weighs 72 kg (159 lbs).
Early Life and Education
Nielsen was born to opera singers, father Ralph and mother Marilyn Nielsen, on December 22, 1948, in Elmhurst, Illinois, United States.
When Nielsen was a teenager, his family owned a music store in Rockford, Illinois, where he learned to play a number of instruments. However, after playing drums for 6 years, Nielsen switched his interests, learning how to play keyboards and guitar.
Nielsen’s first academy band was The Phaetons, which changed its name to The Grim Reapers and thereafter included Tom Petersson as its member. Nielsen joined Nazz for a short period, taking over from Todd Rundgren before starting the short-lived Sick Man of Europe in Philadelphia in 1972 along with Tom Petersson and Bun E. Carlos, a drummer who entered shortly after.
Nielsen, along with Carlos, created the Cheap Trick band in 1973. Petersson entered the group in late 1973, and Robin Zander joined in the autumn of 1974. Nielsen wrote nearly all of Cheap Trick’s first few albums’ songs.
Rise to Fame and Breakthrough Moment
- Nielsen rose to fame as the lead guitarist and songwriter for the rock band Cheap Trick.
- Apart from Cheap Trick, Nielsen also became famous for his credits, such as portraying a hijacked car driver in Disorderlies, the 1987 film.
- Nielsen and his wife Karen Nielsen appeared on HGTV’s Homes of Note in the early 1990s, and in 1997, he was cast in The Big One, Michael Moore’s documentary.
Personal Life
Rick Nielsen Family, Parents
Nielsen was born and raised in Elmhurst, Illinois, United States, as the son of father Ralph and mother Marilyn Nielsen. His parents were opera singers, with his father, Ralph, directing symphonies and choirs, and recording more than forty solo albums.
Rick Nielsen Siblings
Any information about Nielsen’s siblings is not publicly available. It is not known if he has siblings. We will update this section once the information is available.
Rick Nielsen Wife
Nielsen is happily married to his lovely wife Karen Nielsen. The couple did their wedding in 1969, and together they are blessed with four children: a daughter named Scarlett Nielsen, and three sons: Daxx Nielsen, Miles Nielsen, and Erron Nielsen. The family resides in Elmhurst, Illinois, United States.
Rick Nielsen Children
Nielsen and his wife Karen Nielsen are proud parents of four children: a daughter named Scarlett Nielsen, and three sons: Daxx Nielsen, Miles Nielsen, and Erron Nielsen. Nielsen’s children are all musicians.
Rick Nielsen Net Worth
Rick Nielsen has an estimated net worth of $12 million. This includes his assets, money, and income. His primary source of income is his career as a Musician. Through his various sources of income, Nielsen has been able to accumulate good fortune, but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.
Facts: Everything You Need to Know About Rick Nielsen
Here are some interesting facts you should know about Rick

Rick Nielsen Bio.
- Full Names: Richard Alan Nielsen
- Popular As: American musician
- Gender: Male
- Occupation / Profession: Singer-Songwriter, Guitarist, Composer, Session Musician
- Nationality: American
- Race / Ethnicity: White
- Religion: Christianity
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
Birthday
- Age: 76 Years Old.
- Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
- Date of Birth: December 22, 1948
- Place of Birth: Elmhurst, Illinois, United States
- Birthday: December 22
Body Measurements
- Height / How Tall?: 6 feet 0 inches (1.63 m)
- Weight: 72 kg (159 lbs)
- Eye Color: Brown
- Hair Color: Gray
- Shoe Size: Not Available
- Chest Size: Not Available
- Waist Size: Not Available
Family and Relationship
- Father (Dad): Ralph Nielsen
- Mother: Marilyn Nielsen
- Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): Not Available
- Marital Status: Married
- Spouse/Wife: Karen Nielsen (m. 1969)
- Dating / Girlfriend: Not Applicable
- Children: Daxx Nielsen, Scarlett Nielsen, Miles Nielsen, and Erron Nielsen
Net Worth and Salary
- Net Worth: $12 million
- Salary: Under Review
- Source of Income: Singer-Songwriter, Guitarist, Composer, Session Musician
5-Neck Guitar
5-neck guitar, also known as the Quint neck guitar, consists of five guitar necks with escorting pick-ups and hardware in one large body, used by the rock band Cheap Trick’s leader, lead guitarist, and primary songwriter, Rick Nielsen.
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