# Harry Nilsson

> American singer-songwriter (1941–1994)

**Wikidata**: [Q281034](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q281034)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Nilsson)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/harry-nilsson

## Summary
Harry Nilsson was an American singer-songwriter, composer, and recording artist known for his innovative contributions to rock and pop music. He is best known for writing and performing the Grammy-winning album *Nilsson Schmilsson* (1971) and for his influential work in genres like soft rock, baroque pop, and psychedelic rock. His unique vocal style and genre-blending compositions made him a standout figure in 1960s and 1970s American music.

## Biography
- Born: 1941-06-15, United States  
- Nationality: United States  
- Education: No formal education listed  
- Known for: Pioneering contributions to rock and pop music through genre-blending and innovative songwriting  
- Employer(s): RCA Records, Mercury Records, Tower Records  
- Field(s): Music, songwriting, performance, composition  

## Contributions
- *Nilsson Schmilsson* (1971) — A studio album that won him a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance  
- Worked with major record labels including RCA Records, Mercury Records, and Tower Records  
- Notable for blending genres such as rock, pop, baroque pop, and sunshine pop  
- His work influenced a wide range of artists and contributed to the evolution of 1960s and 70s American pop and rock music  

## FAQs
### Where did Harry Nilsson record his music?
Harry Nilsson recorded with major American record labels including RCA Records, Mercury Records, and Tower Records, which distributed his music globally.

### What genres is Harry Nilsson associated with?
Nilsson is primarily associated with rock music, soft rock, baroque pop, psychedelic rock, and sunshine pop, often blending these styles in his compositions.

### What are some of Nilsson's most notable works?
One of his most significant contributions is the album *Nilsson Schmilsson* (1971), which won a Grammy and is considered a landmark in American pop and rock music.

### What made Nilsson stand out as an artist?
Nilsson was known for his unique vocal range, genre experimentation, and prolific output in songwriting, which influenced many later musicians in the rock and pop scene.

### Did Harry Nilsson win any awards?
Yes, he won a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for his album *Nilsson Schmilsson*.

## Why They Matter
Nilsson's work redefined the boundaries of pop and rock music through genre fusion and emotional depth. His music, especially on *Nilsson Schmilsson*, influenced artists across multiple genres and generations. His unique vocal delivery and creative songwriting made him a pivotal figure in the 1970s music scene. His contributions helped shape the sound of American soft rock and influenced the development of baroque pop and sunshine pop, which combined classical elements with rock instrumentation.

## Notable For
- Pioneering the baroque pop genre with classical and orchestral influences  
- Winning a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for *Nilsson Schmilsson*  
- Collaborating with major American record labels including RCA, Mercury, and Tower Records  
- Blending multiple genres including rock, pop, and sunshine pop in a unique and influential way  
- Creating a distinctive vocal and compositional style that influenced later artists in the pop and rock genres  

## Body

### Early Life and Background
Harry Edward Nilsson III was born on June 15, 1941, in the United States. He was a human artist whose work primarily spanned the genres of rock music, pop music, and soft rock. His contributions to music were not only genre-defining but also influential in shaping the American music scene of the late 20th century.

### Career
Nilsson's career began in 1958, and he quickly became known for his unique vocal range and songwriting ability. He worked with major record labels such as RCA Records, Mercury Records, and Tower Records. His work was distributed under the imprints of Polydor and RCA Victor, among others. His music is categorized under several genres, including soft rock, baroque pop, and sunshine pop, which he helped define through his innovative blending of classical and rock elements.

### Projects and Albums
His 1971 album *Nilsson Schmilsson* is considered one of his most significant contributions. The album won a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance and is often cited as a landmark in the soft rock and baroque pop genres. His work in this period helped define the sound of American pop and rock music, influencing many future artists.

### Influence and Legacy
Nilsson's influence extended beyond his own recordings. His genre-blending style, particularly in *Nilsson Schmilsson*, helped shape the sound of 1970s American music. His work influenced a wide range of artists and contributed to the development of multiple genres including baroque pop and sunshine pop. His legacy continues to be felt in the music industry, with many artists citing his work as a major influence.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. NNDB
3. BnF authorities
4. Library of Congress Authorities
5. IdRef
6. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0632223/awards/)
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. Discogs
9. MusicBrainz
10. Find a Grave
11. filmportal.de
12. [Source](http://www.acclaimedmusic.net/album/A1136.htm)
13. [Source](http://www.acclaimedmusic.net/song/S928.htm)
14. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/creators/78391)
15. [Source](https://www.grammy.com/artists/harry-nilsson/11229)
16. BBC Things
17. ISWC Network
18. [Billboard](https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/harry-nilsson-sons-album-losst-and-founnd-8545420/)
19. Carnegie Hall linked open data
20. The Movie Database
21. YouTube API