Skip to content
NorthFactsFacts first, Canada's reference desk
Entertainment

Harry Nilsson

What is harry nilsson?

· James MacDonald

Key facts

Full name Harry Edward Nilsson III[1]
Born June 15, 1941[1]
Birthplace Brooklyn, New York, U.S.[1]
Died January 15, 1994[1]
Death place Agoura Hills, California[1]
Role American singer-songwriter[1]

Harry Nilsson was an American singer-songwriter, born Harry Edward Nilsson III in Brooklyn, New York, in 1941. He rose from a bank job to international stardom as a self-taught musician, winning Grammy Awards in 1969 and 1972.

Context

Harry Nilsson was an American singer-songwriter known for his distinctive voice and eclectic style. He gained critical acclaim in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with hits like 'Without You' and 'Coconut'. His work earned him Grammy Awards in 1969 and 1972 [1]. Nilsson's talent was recognized by his peers, as John Lennon and Paul McCartney once named him their favorite recording artist [1]. Nilsson also composed the theme song for the 1968 film 'Midnight Cowboy' .

Documented claims

  • Nilsson was a self-taught musician who rose from working in a bank to become an international star. [1]
  • John Lennon and Paul McCartney once cited Nilsson as their favorite recording artist. [1]
  • Nilsson won Grammy Awards in 1969 and 1972. [1]

Questions and answers

What is Harry Nilsson's most famous song?

The sources do not name a single most famous song, but he is known for hits like 'Without You' and 'Coconut'.

What did John Lennon say about Harry Nilsson?

John Lennon and Paul McCartney once cited Nilsson as their favorite recording artist [1].

Sources

  1. Five quirky facts about Harry Nilsson | OUPblog — blog.oup.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Entertainment