Harry Nilsson, American singer-songwriter (b. 1941)

Harry Nilsson: An Enduring Voice of Innovation and Songcraft

Harry Edward Nilsson III (June 15, 1941 – January 15, 1994), widely known by his surname Nilsson, was a groundbreaking American singer-songwriter whose prolific career peaked commercially in the early 1970s. Renowned for his distinctive voice and experimental approach to music, Nilsson carved a unique path in the pop and rock landscape.

A Distinctive Musical Signature

Nilsson's artistic output was characterized by several pioneering elements that set him apart from his contemporaries:

Possessing an impressive tenor voice with a remarkable 3 1 / 2 octave range, Nilsson stood out as one of the few major pop-rock recording artists of his era to achieve substantial commercial success without ever engaging in major public concerts or undertaking traditional promotional tours. This unconventional career model highlights the power of his recorded output and the strength of his songwriting.

From Brooklyn to Broadway (Figuratively Speaking)

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Nilsson's early life was marked by financial hardship. As a teenager, he relocated to Los Angeles, California, seeking new opportunities and a better life away from his family's economic struggles. Before his musical talents fully blossomed, he worked as a computer programmer at a bank. It was during this period that his passion for musical composition and close-harmony singing deepened. His innate songwriting ability quickly gained recognition, leading to several of his compositions being recorded by established artists, most notably "Cuddly Toy" by The Monkees in 1967, which demonstrated his early promise as a songwriter.

RCA Victor Era: Innovation and Acclaim

In 1967, Nilsson made his official debut on RCA Victor with the critically acclaimed LP, Pandemonium Shadow Show. This marked the beginning of a prolific period that saw him consistently push musical boundaries. His diverse releases included Nilsson Sings Newman (1970), a collaborative album featuring songs entirely written by his friend and fellow songwriter Randy Newman, showcasing Nilsson's deep respect for contemporary songcraft.

Further demonstrating his creative breadth, Nilsson conceived and narrated The Point! (1971), an original children's story that was adapted into a beloved animated television film, complete with a popular accompanying soundtrack. His innovative spirit extended to production techniques; he is credited with creating one of the first remix albums, Aerial Pandemonium Ballet (1971), which reimagined tracks from his earlier works. Furthermore, his 1967 track "You Can't Do That" is recognized as one of the earliest examples of a "mashup" song, blending elements from various Beatles' tunes—a truly prescient move in music production.

Commercial Zenith and Enduring Hits

The year 1971 marked the pinnacle of Nilsson's commercial success with the release of Nilsson Schmilsson. This landmark album yielded two of his most iconic international top 10 singles:

Another major top 10 hit, "Everybody's Talkin'" (1968), penned by folk artist Fred Neil, gained widespread recognition after its prominent feature in the seminal 1969 Academy Award-winning film Midnight Cowboy, becoming inextricably linked with the movie's poignant narrative. Additionally, Nilsson's composition "One" achieved significant success when a version released by the band Three Dog Night in 1969 also reached the U.S. top 10, underscoring his talent as a songwriter for other artists.

The "American Beatle" and the Hollywood Vampires

Nilsson's unique talent did not go unnoticed by the biggest band in the world. During a pivotal 1968 press conference, when asked about their favorite American group, The Beatles famously responded "Nilsson." This unprecedented endorsement instantly propelled him into the international spotlight, earning him the affectionate moniker "the American Beatle." This mutual admiration led to close friendships with John Lennon and Ringo Starr, which profoundly impacted his personal and professional life.

Throughout the 1970s, Nilsson, Lennon, and Starr became central figures in the notorious "Hollywood Vampires" drinking club, an informal gathering of celebrity musicians in Los Angeles. This period, often referred to as Lennon's "lost weekend," was marked by widely publicized, alcohol-fueled incidents. Despite the chaotic environment, this camaraderie did result in a significant musical collaboration: Pussy Cats (1974), an album produced by John Lennon, stands as a testament to their creative bond, recorded amidst the tumultuous backdrop of their friendship.

Later Years, Activism, and Posthumous Works

Following his departure from RCA Records after 1977, Nilsson's musical output gradually diminished. However, a profound personal tragedy reignited his public voice in a different capacity. In response to the shocking murder of his close friend John Lennon in 1980, Nilsson took a hiatus from the music industry to become a passionate and vocal advocate for gun control, dedicating his energy to raising awareness and campaigning for stricter legislation. For the remainder of his life, he recorded only sporadically, focusing on other endeavors and living a more private existence.

Harry Nilsson's life tragically concluded on January 15, 1994, when he suffered a heart attack. At the time of his passing, he was in the midst of recording what would posthumously become his final album, Losst and Founnd, which was eventually released in 2019, allowing fans to hear his last musical expressions decades later.

Enduring Legacy and Critical Acclaim

The intricate craftsmanship of Nilsson's songs, coupled with the independent and at times defiant attitude he projected, continue to serve as significant touchstones for subsequent generations of indie rock musicians. His influence is widely acknowledged within the music community.

In 2015, the prestigious Rolling Stone magazine recognized his immense talent by voting him No. 62 on their list of the "100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time." The publication lauded him as "a pioneer of the Los Angeles studio sound," referring to the sophisticated, polished production style often associated with the era's recordings, and hailed him as "a crucial bridge" connecting the experimental sensibilities of 1960s psychedelia with the more intimate, confessional style of the 1970s singer-songwriter era.

Nilsson's commercial achievements are officially certified by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), with both Nilsson Schmilsson and its follow-up, Son of Schmilsson (1972), earning gold record status, signifying sales of over 500,000 units each. His unparalleled vocal talent and song interpretations were further recognized with two prestigious Grammy Awards:

Harry Nilsson's legacy is that of a truly original artist whose innovative spirit, distinctive voice, and timeless songs continue to resonate, securing his place as an icon in popular music history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Harry Nilsson

Who was Harry Nilsson?
Harry Edward Nilsson III was an American singer-songwriter who gained significant commercial success in the early 1970s, known for his unique vocal overdubbing techniques, diverse musical styles, and impressive 3 1 / 2 octave tenor range.
What were Harry Nilsson's most famous songs?
His most commercially successful singles include "Without You" and "Coconut" from the album Nilsson Schmilsson (1971). His song "Everybody's Talkin'" became widely known after being featured in the 1969 film Midnight Cowboy. He also wrote "One," a hit for Three Dog Night.
Did Harry Nilsson ever tour or perform live concerts?
No, Harry Nilsson famously achieved major commercial success without ever performing significant public concerts or undertaking regular promotional tours, a highly unusual feat for a major recording artist of his stature.
What was Harry Nilsson's connection to The Beatles?
The Beatles publicly endorsed Nilsson in 1968, calling him their favorite American group. This led to close friendships, particularly with John Lennon and Ringo Starr. Lennon also produced Nilsson's 1974 album, Pussy Cats.
What made Harry Nilsson's music unique?
Nilsson was a pioneer in using vocal overdubbing to create rich, multi-layered harmonies. His music also incorporated diverse influences, from classic American songbook standards to Caribbean sounds, and he was credited with creating one of the first remix albums and an early "mashup" song.
Did Harry Nilsson win any Grammy Awards?
Yes, Harry Nilsson won two Grammy Awards: Best Contemporary Vocal Performance, Male in 1970 for "Everybody's Talkin'," and Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male in 1973 for "Without You."
What was Harry Nilsson's involvement in activism?
After the murder of his friend John Lennon in 1980, Nilsson became a dedicated advocate for gun control, taking a hiatus from the music industry to campaign for the cause.