Harry Nilsson

Harry Nilsson (June 15, 1941 – January 15, 1994) was an American singer-songwriter renowned for his rich, multi-tracked voice and gift for melody, despite rarely touring or performing live. He wrote and performed hits including «Coconut», «Jump into the Fire», and «Everybody's Talkin'» — the latter, though written by Fred Neil, became his breakthrough as the theme to «Midnight Cowboy».

His biggest commercial success came with «Without You», a cover of a Badfinger song reimagined with a dramatic vocal performance that topped charts worldwide and remains his most recognizable recording. Nilsson also wrote «One», later famously covered by Three Dog Night, and created the animated musical fable «The Point!», reflecting his knack for storytelling as much as songcraft.

Known for his close friendship with John Lennon and Ringo Starr during his so-called «Lost Weekend» years in Los Angeles, Nilsson moved fluidly across pop, rock, and orchestral arrangements, earning admiration from the Beatles themselves, who once called him their favorite American artist. His eclectic catalog, blending wit, vulnerability, and vocal ambition, has left a lasting influence on generations of pop songwriters.