One of my favorite songwriters is the late, enigmatic Harry Nilsson, who passed away in 1994. While he is somewhat still well known, it is probably not the same level of fame that his work deserves even though he achieved great fame and earned many accolades during his life. He recorded and wrote many hits, earned Grammy Awards, and cavorted with the biggest names in music. Lennon and McCartney named him as their favorite songwriter ( he also recorded an album and more with John Lennon) and Keith Moon and Mama Cass both died in his London flat. Yet how many twenty or thirty year-olds even recognize the name?
But there is still a great deal of interest in his music and life and there are those out there trying to let the world about the talent of this flawed man. This past month there was a release of a large box set spanning his career at RCA as well as a biography, Nilsson: The Life of a Singer-Songwriter, from author Alyn Shipton. Not to mention, a celebrated documentary from several years back, Who is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talkin’ About Him)? So, hopefully his work will stick around in the public eye a bit longer.
If you don’t know his name, you probably know the music. It is used extensively by filmmakers including this song, Jump Into the Fire, that was used in a pivotal scene in Goodfellas by Martin Scorsese. It’s a good song to pump up a dreary morning.
FYI, the painting at the top is an older piece of mine from back in 2001.
Redtree Times 
“I’d rather be dead, than wet my bed…” One of the funniest songs ever written!!
I intended to provide a link to that very song, a favorite of mine. I’ll only add that, in a few years, it might not seem so funny to you:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mV-oYe4xLkU
I have to admit that it is funny in a very bittersweet way. I’m sure I’ve heard some aging family member say this at some point. Thanks for the link!
On Tue, Aug 13, 2013 at 6:59 PM, Redtree Times
My favorite Harry Nilson music is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGFlACG6qvI He did the sound tract.
I was not aware of this. Another good example of how Nilsson’s music meshed with film so well, going back to “Everybody’s Talking” from “Midnight Cowboy.” Thanks so much for posting this.
On Tue, Aug 13, 2013 at 7:12 PM, Redtree Times
Oh, gosh. This one’s a little much for me, but my golly – I’d forgotten Nilsson. I loved “Lime in the Coconut” – still do. And his version of “Without You” is the best ever. I hear that, and a whole era comes alive.
I still sing “Lime in the Coconut” absent-mindedly on a regular basis while I am doing little chores. I think my favorite Nilsson song is “Don’t Forget Me.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5v5jviTEOaw
On Tue, Aug 13, 2013 at 9:38 PM, Redtree Times