Rock Docs Podcast: Who Is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talkin’ About Him)? with guest Galen Howard
He’s been called one of the greatest songwriters of all time, won two Grammy awards, wrote a children’s musical story inspired by an acid trip, recorded a covers-heavy album with John Lennon, and saw his songs recorded and performed by the likes of Fred Neil, Glen Campbell, The Yardbirds and The Shangri-La’s—not to mention a number of classic albums, like Nilsson Schmilsson. That artist is Harry Nilsson, American singer/songwriter and subject of the 2010 documentary, Who Is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talkin’ About Him)?, directed by John Scheinfeld.
This week, Andy Keatts and David Lizerbram take a look at the legendary artist and his outsize legacy. The film is an overview of the life of the unlikely, self-destructive pop genius. Harry rose from a troubled childhood to become the Beatles’ favorite musician. And many of the famous talking heads in the film, somehow, survived partying through the ’70s. Harry’s lifestyle eventually caught up with him and he died of heart failure in 1994 at age 52. The film celebrates his legacy and is full of hair-raising stories and fantastic music.
This week’s guest is Galen Howard, star of stage and screen, including appearances on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and The Book of Boba Fett. Follow him on Instagram.
Listen to the latest episode, and come down with a little touch of Schmilsson in the night, below. Plus watch the trailer for the doc.
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