Harry Nilsson: The Baroque Pop Singer-Songwriter

Harry Nilsson was an American singer-songwriter celebrated for his melodic ingenuity and wide vocal range. His career is defined by Grammy-winning hits, critically adored albums, and a legacy as a songwriter's songwriter.

Early career

Born Harry Edward Nilsson III in 1941 in Brooklyn, New York, he began his musical journey while working at a bank in Los Angeles. He spent nights recording demos, leading to his first publishing deal and early singles released under names like Bo-Pete.

Breakthrough

Nilsson's breakthrough arrived in 1967-1968, not as a performer but as a writer, when The Monkees scored a hit with his song Cuddly Toy. His own 1968 album Aerial Ballet featured the Fred Neil-penned Everybody's Talkin', which became a global hit after its inclusion in the film *Midnight Cowboy* and won a Grammy.

Key tracks

Everybody's Talkin' - This 1969 Grammy-winning record became his signature song and a worldwide hit from the *Midnight Cowboy* soundtrack.

Without You - His powerful 1971 rendition of this Badfinger song earned Nilsson his first number-one single and a second Grammy.

Coconut - This novelty hit from the 1971 album Nilsson Schmilsson reached number eight on the Billboard chart and remains a pop culture staple.

One - Written by Nilsson, this poignant song from Aerial Ballet was famously covered by Three Dog Night, showcasing his profound songwriting talent.

Jump into the Fire - A raucous rock track from Nilsson Schmilsson that demonstrated his dynamic vocal versatility and experimental production style.

The early 1970s marked his commercial peak with albums like Nilsson Schmilsson (1971) and Son of Schmilsson (1972) for RCA Records. His subsequent work, including the acclaimed Pussy Cats album produced by John Lennon in 1974, was more experimental. Nilsson's output continued through the 1980s before his death in 1994.

Fans of Harry Nilsson's brand of sophisticated pop and lyrical wit might also enjoy the work of Randy Newman, who shares a similar talent for character-driven songwriting. The intricate baroque pop arrangements can be heard in the music of The Left Banke. For another iconic American singer-songwriter with a gift for melody, explore Paul Simon.