Role

:

Composer Performer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

June 15, 1941 in Brooklyn, NY

Death

:

January 15, 1994 in Agoura Hills, CA

Genre

:

Film

 

 

Orchestral

 

Harry Nilsson was an American singer-songwriter and composer who was born on June 15, 1941, in Brooklyn, New York. He was the youngest of three children and grew up in a dysfunctional family. His father, Harry Edward Nilsson, was a traveling salesman who was often absent from home, and his mother, Bette Nilsson, was an alcoholic who frequently left the family to fend for themselves. Despite his difficult upbringing, Nilsson showed an early interest in music and began playing piano at a young age. He was largely self-taught and developed a unique style that blended elements of rock, pop, and classical music. In his teenage years, he formed a doo-wop group called The Tempos and began performing at local clubs and parties. In the early 1960s, Nilsson moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music. He worked odd jobs to support himself while writing songs and performing at local clubs. His big break came in 1967 when he signed a record deal with RCA Victor and released his debut album, Pandemonium Shadow Show. The album was a critical success and showcased Nilsson's eclectic style and impressive vocal range. It included several hit songs, including "She's Leaving Home" and "Without Her," which were both covers of Beatles songs. The album also featured several original compositions, including "Ten Little Indians" and "1941," which showcased Nilsson's unique songwriting style. Over the next few years, Nilsson continued to release a string of successful albums, including Aerial Ballet (1968), Harry (1969), and Nilsson Sings Newman (1970). He also collaborated with other musicians, including John Lennon, with whom he recorded the album Pussy Cats in 1974. One of Nilsson's most famous compositions is the song "Everybody's Talkin'," which was featured in the 1969 film Midnight Cowboy. The song became a hit and earned Nilsson a Grammy nomination for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. Another notable composition is the album The Point!, which was released in 1971. The album was a concept album that told the story of a boy named Oblio who was born with a round head in a world where everything was pointed. The album was accompanied by an animated film that aired on ABC in 1971 and has since become a cult classic. Nilsson's music was known for its innovative arrangements and use of unconventional instruments, such as the harpsichord and the Mellotron. He also experimented with different genres, including rock, pop, and classical music. His music was often compared to that of The Beatles, and he was known for his close friendship with John Lennon. Despite his success as a musician, Nilsson struggled with alcoholism and drug addiction throughout his life. He was also known for his eccentric behavior, which included wearing a bathrobe in public and refusing to perform live concerts. Nilsson died on January 15, 1994, at the age of 52. He left behind a legacy of innovative and influential music that continues to inspire musicians today. His compositions have been covered by artists such as Mariah Carey, Aimee Mann, and Fiona Apple, and his influence can be heard in the music of bands like Radiohead and The Flaming Lips. In conclusion, Harry Nilsson was a talented and innovative composer who left an indelible mark on the world of music. Despite his difficult upbringing and personal struggles, he was able to create a body of work that continues to inspire and entertain audiences today.

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