One

The song "One" from Harry Nilsson's 1968 album Aerial Ballet is a hauntingly beautiful piece that captures the essence of loneliness with its minimalist arrangement and poignant lyrics. One fascinating piece of trivia about the song is its unexpected rise to fame through a cover by Three Dog Night, which reached number five on the U.S. charts in 1969, while Nilsson’s original didn’t chart. According to a post from the official Nilsson account on X, Harry performed a snippet of "One" on the Smothers Brothers Summer Show in 1970, demonstrating a fade-out technique with his characteristic charm, saying, “Now as it fades, I would like to as well.” This performance highlighted his playful yet innovative approach to music. The song’s atmospheric keyboard and sparse, Eleanor Rigby-style strings, arranged by George Tipton, gave it a timeless quality, inspiring covers by artists like Al Kooper and Aimee Mann, as noted on The Official Harry Nilsson Site. Nilsson’s ability to craft such a universally resonant song stemmed from his personal experiences with isolation, a theme that runs through much of his work.

Another intriguing story about "One" ties to its cultural impact beyond music. The album’s title, Aerial Ballet, inspired by Nilsson’s grandparents’ highwire circus act, reportedly influenced Aerosmith’s name and wings motif, as mentioned by drummer Joey Kramer in a Wikipedia entry. While "One" itself didn’t achieve the commercial success of Nilsson’s cover of Everybody’s Talkin’, its raw emotional depth made it a favorite among fans and critics, with Rate Your Music reviewers calling it “one of the greatest songs ever written.” The song’s creation during a prolific period for Nilsson, when he was gaining attention from The Beatles, underscores its significance. In 1968, John Lennon played Nilsson a demo of Revolution and was so impressed by Aerial Ballet that he listened to Nilsson’s previous album for 36 hours straight, as noted in a Wikipedia article.

Harry Nilsson’s journey to becoming a celebrated singer-songwriter began in Brooklyn, New York, where he was born on June 15, 1941. After his father abandoned the family when Harry was three, an experience reflected in songs like 1941 and Daddy’s Song, Nilsson moved to Southern California with his mother and sister in 1952. A self-taught musician, he learned guitar and piano while attending parochial schools. At 15, he ran away from home and hitchhiked to Los Angeles, where he worked as a computer specialist at a bank while pursuing music, as detailed in a Britannica biography. His early break came when he collaborated with Phil Spector, co-writing songs for groups like The Ronettes. Nilsson’s first hit as a songwriter was Cuddly Toy, recorded by The Monkees in 1967, which led to a recording contract with RCA Victor. His debut album, Pandemonium Shadow Show, caught the attention of The Beatles, with John Lennon and Paul McCartney naming him their favorite artist in 1968, according to Split Tooth Media.

Fans of Harry Nilsson can connect with his legacy through several online platforms. His official website, The Official Harry Nilsson Site, offers a wealth of information, including discography and a documentary about his life. On social media, the Harry Nilsson Official Facebook page shares updates and memories, while the Official Nilsson Instagram provides visual tributes to his work. The Official Nilsson X account posts rare clips and insights, like the 1970 Smothers Brothers performance. For fan communities, the Everybody’s Talkin’ - The Harry Nilsson Fan Group on Facebook is a vibrant space where Zoo Freaks can share their love for Nilsson’s music, discuss trivia, and celebrate songs like "One." Additionally, Rate Your Music hosts fan reviews and ratings, fostering discussions about Aerial Ballet and Nilsson’s broader catalog.