Date of Birth: June 15, 1941
Zodiac Sign: Gemini
Date of Death: January 15, 1994
Biography
Harry Edward Nilsson III, known professionally as Harry Nilsson, was a prolific American singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Nilsson’s unique voice and knack for songwriting led him to become one of the most influential musicians of his era. His music spanned genres such as pop, rock, and folk, and he was known for his wide vocal range and ability to blend humor with poignant emotion in his lyrics. Nilsson’s breakthrough came with the release of his album “Nilsson Schmilsson,” which included hits like “Without You” and “Coconut.” He was also famous for his covers, most notably his rendition of Fred Neil’s “Everybody’s Talkin’,” which became the theme song for the film “Midnight Cowboy.” Nilsson’s career was marked by critical acclaim and commercial success, but he was also known for his reclusive nature and aversion to live performances. Despite his shyness, he formed close friendships with prominent musicians, including members of The Beatles. Nilsson’s life and career were a mix of highs and lows, with his struggles with alcohol and substance abuse impacting his later years. He passed away in 1994, leaving behind a legacy as a brilliant but enigmatic artist.
5 Interesting Facts about Harry Nilsson
1. Harry Nilsson never performed a major concert, preferring studio work over live performances.
2. He won two Grammy Awards during his career, one for Best Contemporary Vocal Performance, Male for “Everybody’s Talkin’” and another for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male for “Without You.”
3. Nilsson was a close friend of John Lennon and Ringo Starr, often collaborating with them on various projects.
4. His album “Nilsson Schmilsson” was a commercial breakthrough, earning him his first top ten hit in the United States.
5. Nilsson was known for his covers, including his famous version of Badfinger’s “Without You,” which became a number one hit in the U.S.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Harry Nilsson
1. “Dreams are nothing more than wishes and a wish’s just a dream you wish to come true.”
2. “For me, music is a hobby, because I’m not in it for the money.”
3. “I get nervous performing in front of people. I don’t know why. I just do.”
4. “I think it’s important to have a good time and not take things too seriously.”
5. “My music is a blend of humor and heartbreak, just like life.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Harry Nilsson’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.
Children
Harry Nilsson had six children: Zak Nilsson, Olivia Nilsson, Beau Nilsson, Annie Nilsson, Kief Nilsson, and Oscar Nilsson.
Relevant Links
1. [Harry Nilsson on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Nilsson
3. [The Harry Nilsson Web Pages](http://www.harrynilsson.com/
4. [Harry Nilsson’s Grammy Awards](https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/harry-nilsson/12300