Harry Nilsson

Do you remember the song "Without You" or "Everybody's Talkin'"? What about the soundtrack for "The Point"? These songs, and many more, are thanks to the talented songwriter and singer, Harry Nilsson. Nilson brought a fresh sound to the music industry during the 60s and 70s and made a name for himself with his soulful voice and unique, sometimes mythical stories embedded in his lyrics.

About Harry Nilsson

Harry Nilsson was an American singer and songwriter who found fame in the 60s and 70s. Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1941, he spent his childhood in Los Angeles and grew up with a love of music. Nilsson's passion for music led him to write and perform his own songs, and after a few years of struggling to make ends meet, he finally signed with RCA Records in 1966. He released his debut album "Spotlight on Nilsson" later that year, but it wasn't until the release of his hit song "Everybody's Talkin'" from the "Midnight Cowboy" soundtrack in 1969 that his career took off.

Nilsson's music was unique in many ways. He had a soulful, emotive voice that lent itself well to his introspective lyrics. He often used complex chord structures and unusual time signatures that set his music apart from the more straightforward rock and pop music of the time. He also had a sharp wit and often used humor in his music, which endeared him to many fans.

In addition to his original songs, Nilsson also gained fame for his covers of other popular songs. His cover of "Without You" by Badfinger became a huge hit in 1971 and earned Nilsson a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. He also covered songs by The Beatles, Randy Newman, and others.

Nilsson was not without his struggles, however. He battled substance abuse throughout his career and ultimately died of a heart attack in 1994 at the age of 52. Nevertheless, his music lives on as a testament to his talent and creativity.

Harry Nilsson's Career

Nilsson's career spanned over two decades, during which he released multiple albums and had several hit songs. He found early success with his original songs, which were often introspective and deeply personal. His second album, "Pandemonium Shadow Show," released in 1967, contained his hit song "She's Leaving Home" and showcased his unique musical style.

In 1970, Nilsson released one of his most ambitious projects, "The Point." The album was a concept album and musical fable that told the story of a boy named Oblio who was born with a round head in a world where everyone else had pointed heads. The album was accompanied by an animated film and showcased Nilsson's storytelling abilities as well as his songwriting and vocal talents.

Nilsson continued to release albums throughout the 70s, and despite the occasional hit, his popularity waned somewhat. He took a break from recording in the 80s but returned in 1992 with "For the Love of Harry: Everybody Sings Nilsson." The album featured covers of Nilsson's songs by a variety of artists and served as a tribute to his legacy.

Harry Nilsson's Legacy

Harry Nilsson's music has had a lasting impact on the music industry. His unique musical style, blending soulful vocals with complex chord progressions and unusual time signatures, set him apart from his contemporaries and influenced many artists who came after him. His covers of popular songs also influenced the trend of covers that continues to this day.

Many artists have paid tribute to Nilsson by covering his songs or citing him as an influence. His song "One" was famously covered by Three Dog Night and has since been covered by countless other artists. The Beatles were also big fans of Nilsson's music and counted him as a friend. Nilsson even collaborated with John Lennon on the album "Pussy Cats," which they recorded in just two weeks in 1974.

Despite his challenges with substance abuse and personal struggles, Harry Nilsson's music remains a testament to his talent and influence in the music world. His legacy continues to live on through his music, which has touched countless fans and inspired generations of musicians.