The Life and Legacy of Harry Nilsson

Described in his own lyrics from the song '1941', Harry Nilsson's life began with the joy of a new child but quickly turned challenging when his father abandoned the family just a few years later. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Nilsson carried the weight of this early abandonment, a theme that would touch his music career.

At the young age of 15, to ease the financial burden on his mother, Nilsson moved to Southern California. He worked night shifts at a bank, dedicating his days to songwriting. This perseverance paid off when composer Perry Botkin Jr. snapped him up with a publishing deal after hearing his work in 1967.

The Monkees and Harry's Breakthrough

Nilsson's songwriting prowess became apparent when 'Cuddly Toy' was picked up by Davy Jones of The Monkees. This led to his leap from bank worker to full-time songwriter.

Creation Inspired by a Busy Signal

An everyday annoyance like a telephone busy signal was the muse behind 'One', which became a much larger hit for Three Dog Night than for Nilsson himself.

The Beatles' Influence

Beatles publicist Derek Taylor distributed Nilsson's debut album to various contacts, including the Beatles. Both John Lennon and Paul McCartney reached out, enamored with his work, and even invited Nilsson to The Beatles' studio sessions. Lennon later helped negotiate a lucrative record deal for Nilsson when his contract was up.

Iconic Hits That Were Covers

Nilsson's rendition of 'Everybody's Talkin'' and 'Without You' both became hits, with the latter winning him a Grammy Award.

A Performer Who Never Toured

Plagued by stage fright, Nilsson never toured, preferring to enchant audiences through his studio recordings.

John Lennon's Production and Influence

Lennon not only produced Nilsson's album 'Pussy Cats' but potentially damaged his voice during its intense recording sessions. Despite this, Lennon fiercely supported Nilsson's career in the industry.

Nilsson's life also included tragic connections to other music legends, with both 'Mama' Cass Elliott and Keith Moon passing away in his London apartment in the 1970s.

music, songwriter, legacy, Nilsson