HATED His Song SO MUCH--He Tried To SABOTAGE IT...But ANGUISHED Vocal Made it #1 | Professor Of Rock
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- Опубліковано 12 лют 2023
- Today’s show is a whopper…we dig into the genius & the tragedy that surrounded a pop music classic that was #1 several times for different artists. Without You. Written and recorded by Badfinger and then discovered as a deep track by Harry Nilsson who loved it and wanted to record it. …But after trying it in many different iterations and fighting with his legendary producer about the right way to approach the song. Harry Nilsson began to hate the song and did everything he could to sabotage it. It went to #1 anyway…But then the song became something of a curse. The co-writers of the song from Badfinger were decimated by career & money struggles, and in the end, actually ended up taking their own lives. Then Harry Nilsson ruptured his vocal cords and never sang the same way ever again Harry then basically disappeared from the public eye and then passed away right before he was planning to wage a comeback. Then another artist took her version to #1 in the 90s... The details of this bittersweet rock n’ roll soap opera are coming up NEXT….on Professor of Rock."
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#70smusic #70s #harrynilsson
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So…It’s one of the most powerful outcries of heartbreak ever recorded. Perhaps even more painful is the story of what ultimately happened to the co-authors of the composition that became a masterpiece of human anguish. The song’s destiny wasn’t realized until a temperamental, and relatively unknown artist, happened to hear the original version at a party, and became obsessed with recording his own version of the gripping ballad titled “Without You.” “Without You” developed from the combination of two unfinished songs- one work-in-progress by Peter Ham, tentatively billed as “If It’s Love,” and a chorus, without verses, by Tom Evans called “I Can’t Live.”
Peter Ham & Tom Evans were two principals in the quintet, BadFinger. Now…Badfinger was a very talented & cool band, but they were largely under-appreciated, and systematically victimized by under-handed mismanagement, and an imploding record label, Apple Records, the record company owned by The Beatles.
Badfinger first went by the moniker The Iveys and were the first non-Beatles act to land a recording deal on Apple Records.
They changed their name from The Iveys to Badfinger in ’69. The Fab Four loved Badfinger! Paul McCartney even took the guys under his wing, so to speak. Macca gave Badfinger their irresistible debut hit “Come and Get It,” and produced the single that rose to #4 in the UK, and #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1970:
Badfinger would follow with the Top 10 hit “No Matter What”
Their highest charting American single, “Day After Day” came next, climbing to #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in ’71. And their last hit single “Baby Blue” peaked at #14 in the U.S. in ’72. - Розваги
Poll: What is your pick for the GREATEST-go for broke-no holds barred vocal performance ever?
Bohemian Rhapsody, but I’m partial to teenage wasteland as a song.
Layla:
Amazing vocal considering Eric Clapton is mostly an average singer.
Total Eclipse Of The Heart, Bonnie Tyler.
Four immediately come to mind. Freddie Mercury: Who Wants To Live Forever, Otis Redding: For Your Precious Love, Klaus Meine: Still Loving You, Milijenko Matijevic: I'll Never Let You Go.
Mother, Father - Journey (especially the live version from Houston)
What a crazy story about this heart wrenching song. I cried really broke down and cried when I heard Harry Nilsson sing those lyrics, my lyrics, my words, my emotions. I had lost my love, the father of my daughter, killed by a drunk driver and my heart screamed “I can’t live if living is without, I can’t live (give) I can’t live (give) anymore” and I heard my words in this song as if he was singing the words I had screamed. I fell to my knees sobbing. It has been over 50 yrs and I still cry as part of me died when he died…
I am so sorry for your loss.
I'm so sorry for your heart wretching pain. I loved Harry and hated that he couldn't control his self destructive personality but true pain is what you lived through.
I am sorry for your loss
I am so sorry that happened to you. How very tragic and senseless.. Pain from lost love never fades. ❤ Those of us left behind are forever changed and music can take us right back to that place in an instant.
My condolences for your loss.
I saw him record this wonderful song in Maida Vale in London my Uncle was a violinist there and I was the only member of the audience, I was told not to make a noise!
He recorded it in one take and it was perfect!
REMEMBER
Wow! What a treasured memory
Amazing moment to witness.
Interesting story.
Though sadly, inaccurate as Nilsson recorded Without You in Trident Studios, St Margaret's Court, Soho, in central London!
In fact the piano used on the record was also used on The Beatles' Hey Jude, Elton John's Your Song and the albums 'Ziggy Stardust' & Queen 1 & 2.
And countless other huge recordings.
You may have been at an earlier demo recording...
@@sohosteveukHi Steve, I think that you are right, I did go to quite a few recordings in both places.However the story is true, my Uncle was Dennis McConnell, with the BBC for many years and a really nice person.The best thing about most of these trips was listening to the banter amongst the musicians, one of my favourite shows was The Good Old Days… what a contrast!
Thanks for the correction.
Harry laid down the definitive version, one of the greatest vocals ever. The opening bars of that piano are chillingly haunting.
Too Schmaltzy.
As a vocalist, I first hear this in junior high. His breath control was aspirational.
I agree with you 100%. I remember the first time I heard Nilsson's version. It slammed me with sadness.
Niilsson's version is the best. I'm a 60 year old guy and it still moves me everything I listen to it. Pure vocal and musical genius.
Yeah. PIANO, not VOCALS.
Always appreciated Badfinger but never knew the tragedy that surrounded the band. Their musical genius lives on, as does Harry’s.
If you look up badfinger biography it's on UA-cam. Incredibly sad
There's a good, short BBC doc on UA-cam
Badfinger is such an amazing band with one of the more saddest histories in rock. Really sad to see the way it ended, and goes to show that music industries are a struggle.
It truly is a tragedy.
👍😢Indeed
Cold blooded works too 👍
So much ahead of them what they could have done so talented
One of the most heart wrenching stories ever.
Mariah's got a legendary voice with her amazing octave range, but she can't touch the sincerity and depth of emotion in Harry's version of this song. One of my favorite performances ever... Thx for unpacking this one, Great story, PoR!
It's a great one for sure. I agree. Nilsson is incomparable.
I'd say she did have a legendary voice, now she's just a mockery of herself and is one of the few artists to have genuinely sold out. Nowadays it's all about her cleavage, not her voice.
But yeah, even though I like her version of this song, it doesn't come close to Nilsson's.
@@Elwaves2925 her cleavage along with her voice was always part of her fame
@@denisepaul7274 It most definitely wasn't. It's only once she had a boob job that it became all about that. Go look at photos from early in her career for proof of that.
Not even Rihanna can hold a candle.
For as long as I can remember this song, sung by Harry has moved me. I can recall as a small boy my mother asking what was wrong after hearing it. I’m thinking I was about 6 or 7, and was in tears. I didn’t know why but understood the power of music. ❤️
What a testament to Harry’s incredible vocal performance on this song. You didn’t need to understand the words. You felt the anguish that Harry conveyed.
I know what you mean, the amount of people who cried when elvis died surpassed most other artists deaths.
Thank you for this.
I remember Harry's version 1st my mother used to sing along to it when I was growing up. I LOVED Neilson but then became a big bad finger fan. Once I heard about the demise of Ham and Evans It touched me even more than before when I listened to either version. Ham joined the 27 club before it was a club along with Hendricks Joplin, Morrison, and Cobain, along with a few others I'm sure. But it saddens me for all those artists also when I realize how music changed without them. -StrandTones
Hard to believe that Baby Blue only made it to #14 in the U.S.
It is an absolute masterpiece!
No sh!t!
Shocked but probably due to their management.
I agree!!!!
Still have it near the top of my song list
It is! I remember hearing it on the car radio in 1971 and loved it like I do today. But "No Matter What" is my favorite.
I hear you!! I named my blue Vette after the song with "B B BLUE" on the plates.
“Me and my Arrow, Straight up and narrow. Everywhere we go, Everyone knows, It’s me and my Arrow.” I sing this to my dog when I want him to know how much he means to me. Will always love Harry Nilsson, he had a voice like no other
Such a great tune. It is never too late to teach your dog, young or old, new tricks!
This movie is in my top 10
Did you ever see the cartoon and book that was written for?
@@babayaga1767 Yes. I’m old enough to remember seeing it when it was first shown on tv
I sing this to my cat! 😂 she is my shadow!!!
One of the greatest vocal performances ever. I still find it heart wrenching every time I hear it. One of my favourite stories about Harry is that there was an earthquake during his funeral. One of the mourners said "Harry just got to heaven, and found the bar closed". A larger than life character, with a voice to make angels weep. RIP Harry
Wow, that’s so strong.
and according to YT George H started singing "You're Breakin' My Heart" as they were digging the grave, which lightened the occasion!!! Lots of good interviews and stories about Harry on YT. Thanks for another one Prof! Everyone remembers where they were & what they were doing when YBMH was first played for them. (It was when I bought the album.) Regarding "Without You" it's always been one of my faves, it was constantly on the radio during my sweet moments with my love in his dorm room, so I remember him when I hear it.
I miss that guy so much! The greatest male singer of his generation. His other amazing soul-wrenching song of anguish was in his film The Point...it's Life Line. There's a devastating video of it on UA-cam, just Harry, his piano, and that incredible three and a half octave voice pouring out pain and loneliness.
When I heard this song when it first came out, it showed me that a string section could be applied, beautifully, to a rock song. Especially the cellos and basses at the end. I was 7. The song was amazing. It still is.
@@cannedmusic well put David. The string arrangement really augments Harry's powerful performance, and are heart wrenching in themselves. Thanks for the sub by the way. I might be dropping a track on my channel in the next few weeks, and judging by your comment, it might be right up your street
Badfinger was an extremely underrated band further damaged by an evil man acting as their manager. I truly believe that Badfinger could have become one of the greatest bands in rock if it hadn’t been for its misfortune.
don't try suicide. All they had to do was wait a few more years and they would have been so huge.
@@morpher44They should have been millionaires from ‘Without you’ without having to wait. Ripped off like so many.
@@morpher44 Spare us your armchair over simplification of mental illness.
Jump into the Fire
@@johnmc3862they had no refrigerator no TV and one of the members had to hold his shoes together with safety pins! It would have been so much better if they never left Apple records.
Nilsson Schmilsson was my very first album I owned. Classic talent. Everybody laughed when I got it but everybody ended up LOVING it!!! Not a bad tune ANYWHERE on that one!
I didn't hear about him until son of schmilson.
I love his music and my early 20 something kids all live him and Randy Newman.
My older sister had that album, never forget the beautiful memories. I miss her so much.😢
My first album was Nilsson's The Point. Well, Mom bought it, and I had to share it with my brother. We played it constantly.
Nilsson's version gives me chills. Very few songs have that effect.
Same here. Amazing performance.
So much power in that voice.
Me, too. It lands solidly on my list of very favorite songs of all time. LOVE it.
Absolutely love when a song can pull up that much emotion. A song that doesn’t move me is hardly worth listening to. Mariah did a great job but Nilsson’s is hard to top.
Absolutely. From the soft, wake-you-up-at-dawn opening phrases to the grabs-you-by-the-lapels crescendo, the dynamics of this song are incredible.
Saddest story in Rock History. Pete Ham and Tom Evans. Instead of touring, Pete was working in a factory to make end's meet and every now and then a Badfinger "hit" would come on the radio in the background. Tears to the eyes.
Badfinger, and especially Ham and Evans, were robbed blind by their management and left without the rights to their own music and completely destitute. It is a classic example of the worst aspects of the music business and the vultures who picked the bones of the artists, especially back in the day. It is indeed one of the saddest stories in rock history.
@@kevincoughlan8083 It's actually a story of dumbasses who will do and sign anything to become "famous."
Morons will always be taken advantage of by selfish bastards.
They had incredible potential! They would've absolutely went on to write classic British rock & roll songs. Their work that exists is amazing. And if you like The Beatles & Badfinger... Check out the band Cotton Mather & their album Kon Tiki! Excellent work!
That happened with Pete Best as well. Change Badfinger to Beatles and factory to bakery.
@@slbarbieri1725Wow!
The history and context of the Without You are fascinating. But ultimately the genius of this song simply comes down to one thing: Harry Nilsson’s mind bending, heart rending vocal. I can’t think of another vocal that so powerfully and authentically conveys anguish while never coming close to being overwrought. The vocal is also incredibly nuanced. The first few lines are sadly reflective. He then sounds increasingly ominous. He then becomes desperate, then pleading, then hopeless, then resigned-a shifting kaleidoscope of pain. It’s one of the most powerful vocal performances ever recorded. I find all the other covers to be embarrassing.
After a forced break-up of my high school love-of-my-life, I was a depressed for months on end. I was an emotional mess. I found myself as a commuter student at Johns Hopkins University and hating every minute of it. One day I was in the Eisenhower Library on campus and I stumbled into the Enoch Light Music Room where students could come and listen to a huge curated collection of recordings endowed by Light (of the Light Brigade fame). They had a paper catalog back then and I started thumbing through it and I hit the Pandemonium Shadow Show card. Intrigued by the album title and never having heard of Nilsson before, I requested it from the stacks and put it on the turntable and put on a set of old headphones and hit PLAY. Immediately, my head was filled with Nilsson singing "Without Her." After 30 seconds, I was hooked. I spent that entire rainy Tuesday in Baltimore listening to that album over, and over, and over. To this day, 50 years later, I believe that Nilsson saved my life. I may not have been contemplating self-destruction, but I was in a deep downward spiral. The totality and range of emotions in that album encapsulated my inner highs and lows and gave me a center of gravity that I held onto for the rest of my painful early adulthood. Thank you, Harry; I love you and miss you.
I have LOVED this song for 50 yrs. Harry Nillson's is the definitive version as far as I'm concerned. Brilliant!!
He improved the melody at one crucial point
I was in the first grade when Harry's version came out. Even as a young child it moved me in a way I couldn't understand.
You just understand what he’s talking about instantly.
Me too!...I was 5-6 yo when I first remember hearing WYou on the radio in 1974-75 and it obviously touched my soul then, cause even as a 1st grader, it hit me deeply and almost always made me well-up with sad emotion and tears. I couldn't understand why being so young, but I came to realize it's the intensity, dynamics and the pure genuine emotion in the vocals and production. Didn't go back to and appreciate the song as an adult til my mid-40's...a melancholy masterpiece! Nilsson AND Badfinger are legends that deserve more attention and praise for the geniuses they were.
Nilsson's version was one of my favorite songs back then. It is still amazing today.
To the professor of Rock: You knocked it out of the park with this History lesson, Absolutely fantastic!!!A+😏👍
Whenever I think about bands that got screwed over by their manager, Badfinger is the first that comes to mind. They could have made so much more great music if not for what happened to them. "Without You" is a masterpiece by Ham and Evans, as performed by Nilsson. I love learning musical tidbits, such as Gary Wright playing the piano on this song, and how the producer is the one that pushed for this timeless version. Loved this episode, Professor!
I had no idea Gary Wright was the piano prodigy on this one.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980Fun fact: Gary had two hit songs that both went to #2 on the charts.....
along with John Fogerty and CCR…
Bad Finger did get screwed , royally. Such a sad , sad story.
I agree,badfinger could’ve been so much more than they were,Pete hamm had so much talent,they were beset by greedy,evil non humans.
Nilsson is so underrated. His voice was amazing. The 2 albums he did with producer Richard Perry were classics.
I liked Nilsson since I was a teenager, however when I talked about him to my friends and others, they had no clue who I was talking about...
They all said Nilsson Schmilsson!🙄
This is your best video yet. Harry Nilsson and Badfinger are two of the greatest and most underrated artists in the history of rock and pop music. Harry's oldest son Zak unfortunately passed away in 2021. Joey Molland as the only surviving member of the classic Badfinger lineup continues to release new music and keeps the Badfinger name alive with his touring band. Thanks for doing this one. Nice job!
Agree. Harry and Badfinger are two of my favorites!
@@ronco99 - There are no words to describe how awesome Badfinger were! I was just 7 or 8 years old when I first heard them, but I fell in love, instantly! I’m 61 years old, now, and their songs sound just as fresh as they did when I was a little kid!!
Saw joey molland in baltimore over 10 yrs ago... Growing up I had a big crush on him so it was really cool to see him as an adult.. When my husband took a picture of us he put his arm around my waist 🥰
Saw Joey a few years ago. It was great to hear him talk about his hit LP "Straight Oop"! He's from Liverpool if you didn't know. :(
@@mahayogadevidasi129 I'm with ya!
This song always made me cry when I was a little girl. My parents and sister would always dread when it would come on the radio or in a restaurant because I would just bawl…but I loved it! It’s so sad and beautiful!
Badfinger is one of the greatest tragedies in rock. If it wasn't for bad management and bad luck, they could have been one of the biggest acts in rock. "Perfection", "Take It All"and" Name Of The Game " were songs that showed the band's talent. Harry had an angelic voice,was a talented singer-songwriter and his potential seemed limitless . He had all the intangibles and gifts to be one of greatest ever. It's too bad personal issues and his lifestyle held him back. His story is an interesting read. It was nice to see you meld two of my favorites into one captivating show.
Glen, you are exactly right!
Both Badfinger and Harry left us too soon. Sad 😢
Badfinger is one of the greatest tragedies in rock, but the music business is full of stories of artists getting screwed by just about everybody.
Badfinger was supposed to be the next Beatles. Being under the Apple label and ties to George Harrison & Paul McCartney helped that expectation. Regardless the band was very talented. Truly a tragic rock n roll story.
On Todd Rundgren's album
"(Re) Production", he does covers
of songs from albums he produced
(or co-produced) for other bands/artists.
It includes his version of "Take It All".
Harry was obviously one of the great voices of our time. A bit of a wreck in his personal life but man what a talent! Bad Finger has a tragically interesting story with some great songs. Kudos to George Harrison for the slide guitar on Day after Day.
Right? Good call!
I love Badfinger. They’re so underrated.
Man reading all these replies everyone in there late 50 early 60 what an incredible time we grew up in never never will there ever be talented groups or musicians like in the 60 70 and 80 I don't care what anybody says and they all need to be in the hall of fame so people can learn their stories until the end of time
Don't forget Leon Russell's beautiful piano figure on "Day After Day."
@@carlmassengale1027 idk that was Leon... Cool 😎
This story is just too tragic. Being ripped off, then hearing someone else take your song to new heights, it must have been crushing. I never realised to sadness behind this classic, thanks for sharing, Professor.
A terrible story about Badfinger. How horrible that they got no benefit from the good that happened. So heartbroken for them.
Yes, "Without You" was one of those musical experiences that made you fly when you heard it and still does. It will always give us goosebumps and tears.
"Jump Into The Fire" is a vastly underrated song IMHO. Harry's vocals on that song are phenomenal.
Ringo played drums on that one… yup, GREAT song!
Harry's vocals on every song were phenomenal. He had a range which few others can or ever have been able to reach
@@easy56wedge It was Jim Gordon.
@@petercena9497 wasn’t it on the Nillson Shmillson album? I thought it was Ringo…
@@easy56wedge Yes that was the album. I've always known it to be session drummer Gordon, who was also the drummer for Derek and the Dominoes.
To tell the truth I didn't know anyone else ever sang Without You! No one can compare in my opinion to Nilsson's version. As a 16 year old kid when his version came out, imagine a shy little girl in her bedroom singing to the top of her lungs the chorus of this song! Great memories for sure. Sad the way things happened for the writers of the song, another of my favorite bands was Badfinger. How I miss those days. Thanks, Professor for this classic and the story behind it. Keep'em comin' Please!
I still love Harry! What a loss to us all.
Same except I was 13
Heart did a great version
I agree: no one sang it better than Harry Nilsson.
I agree completely. Except now I might think of it as Richard Perry's and Gary Wrights version!
I remember hearing Badfinger for the first time in 1978 when I was 10 years old. An AOR station was playing “No Matter What”. The song had been out for several years but I had never heard it. I fell in love with the song. I lived in rural southeast Alabama and did not know the title and unless a song was current it was almost impossible to find the 45 in one of the few department stores we had. We had no record stores. Fast forward several years later and an older friend of mine was talking with me about our obsession with great music. And I asked him if he had ever heard a song called “Knock Down the Old Grey Wall.” He told me the correct name of the song and went through his 45 rpm records and gave me a copy of the original label pressing Apple Records. I became a die hard fan and drove to Atlanta to all the independent record stores and found all of their albums. This was before Badfinger’s music made it to the CD format. One of the greatest bands in my opinion of all time. I still have my Badfinger albums on the Apple record label and have been fortunate to find all their singles on 45 rpm records and in pristine condition. I was going through a very difficult period of depression and I found out the tragic story of the two band members. It just drew me in closer to their music. Thanks Professor of Rock for sharing this Kick Ass Band’s story. Much respect from the ATL!
I always loved that song. The story behind it is heart breaking. I didn't know anything about it until now. May they rest in peace. 🙏🏻✌🏽
Badfinger is one of my all time favorite bands. With a better producer Without You could have been a much bigger hit for them. They are such a tragic story of what could have been. Your Little River Band segment the other day actually had me thinking about them, as they too were screwed over by bad management. Harry Nilsson did a magnificent cover.
Good post. Agree on all accounts.
Totally agree!
All their early albums were underproduced but had great songs. Getting George Harrison to start Straight Up and Todd Rundgren to finish made it the monster it was. Just lately I found a cassette of Badfinger's Greatest Hits Vol. 2 of their Warners Bros albums and they still had something good going even though the members and band were falling apart.
Right, and the situation proved to be deadly for one of them.
Harry’s version of this song was the first 45 I purchased as a young teen. Still have it, in it’s sleeve. Much cherished!!
Me too!
That's got to be worth a fortune!
I love how it was all resolved between Harry and Terry over high tea. It’s as if in admitting he lied, Nilsson’s own resistance just broke and he went back to the studio and belted out a classic. That’s how you resolve creative differences!
Badfinger is one the first bands I heard when I was a little boy. As a teenager I brought their Anthology and I was truly blown away with the musicianship and songwriting of Evan’s and Hamm. Every song of Badfinger is so underrated. They deserve so much recognition. 🤘🏿
Nilsson Schmilsson is definitely in my top 5. Every song on that album is a gem.
Agree.
My sister had this album, I think of her every time I hear one the songs from Nilsson Schmillson.
RIP Abbie.
❤️🩹
I'd rather be dead than wet my bed...
That is a CLASSIC!!! I love Jump into the Fire, just imagine the song blasting while driving a convertible, speeding on a desert road.
Badfinger was a collection of amazing singers, songwriters, and performers of their time.
Just think how many songs Pete Ham and Tom Evans would have written if they had been taken care of by an honest manager.
It is truly heartbreaking. They probably could have written so many amazing songs had they been managed properly.
I've got to give Harry all the love for his incredible performance. This song still gives me goose bumps all the way to the bone. For all of his protestations of hating Without You, he did later record his own versions of 20s and 30s standards in A Touch of Schmillson in the Night. What a voice and what a song. Peace and love, Harry.
This might sound like more heartache, pain, and sorrow attributed to this song/album but it is the exact opposite My dad was a big Harry fan and I believe he was the best singer songwriter of his generation. Due to complications with heart disease and Parkinson’s my dad passed away January 08, 2023. He wouldn’t let go and was not there for the last 2 or 3 days in hospital. January 07 I spent the night with him and we listened to Nilsson Schmilsson together one last time and it was fucking magical. His contract was finally completed.
Thank you for this
Beautiful story. Hugs to you and you family.
I've liked Badfinger for years, but recently I've been getting into more of their work. They were great. They were on the cusp of being a supergroup when tragedy hit. Theirs is truly one of the saddest stories in rock music.
What an interesting story! Badfinger was noted for sounding like the Beatles. Harry Nilsson's version of "Without You" is a real classic. A hidden gem indeed! Thanks, Adam!
Thanks Robster. Hope you're well!
They did get inspo from the Beatles.
Many think Badfinger sounded like the Beatles largely because Paul produced their 1st hit Come and Get It, and George played slide on Day After Day... After/Other than that, they staked out a sound and space of their own...
When I heard bad finger for the first heard come and get it, I actually thought the Beatles gotten back together, I think around 72 ...
@@tats7859The Beatles actually recorded Come and Get It before they offered it to Badfinger. When I heard the Beatles version, I was shocked because it is pretty much identical to Badfinger’s version. It’s almost like the backing track from The Beatles was used on the Badfinger track.
One of those songs that will never be forgotten. Nilsson was incredible with this song. What a sad story though. It's downright heartbreaking.
Harry Nilsson's version is still my favorite! Simply by the way he sang it, with such feeling and emotion.
Nilsson is truly artistic. He's quirky, sarcastic, beautiful and sometimes sinister.
His version of the song is iconic because it comes from his vocal cords.
I absolutely love Badfinger and what happened to them should be written into every musician's contract of what to avoid. It's truly one of the saddest stories in all of rockdom.
Their version of the song is the most poignant, and most powerful because it sounds like I feel after a breakup. Did you ever try to sing this after a breakup? It comes from the soul.
I love Harry's version but, I save Badfinger's version for those really dark, personal, alone, sad times.
I got to meet Joey Molland after one of his shows a few years ago. What a kind, generous, sharing, gentle man. And he puts on a great show with wonderful stories about his time with the boys in Badfinger.
Good one Prof!
He was one of a kind.
Both versions are special for different reasons.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Absolutely!!!!!
I like your take on the versions although mine is slightly different and as a result I lean towards Nilsson. Badfinger is how my voice sings the song, Nilsson is how my heart sings the song. I feel the same way about the differences between Three Dog Night and Nilsson's renditions of One.
I love Badfinger and own all their work but for me, no version of 'Without You' has ever topped Harry Nilsson's.
When I watched the documentary on Badfinger and saw how bad they were cursed it broke my heart. They were such an amazing band and did not deserve what happened to them and for them to take their own lives. Still one of my favorite bands to listen to! Rock on brother!
There are several documentaries-all are great!
Wow, just wow! This episode made me cry. “Without you” is undeniably the most heart wrenching song, and now, the saddest due to the history. Such a tragedy. My dad played this song over and over and today, I still hold Nielsen’s album close to my heart. The only other singer that comes close to Nielsen’s version is Mariah. All other singers I have to turn it off. Such a tragic story. My heart hurts hearing this.
I was so very fortunate to meet Harry at what was then named Beatlefest in New Jersey in March 1992. I spoke to Nilsson about what about the rest of his catalogue. He looked at me with not a little sorrow and said “You’d better ask RCA!”. He signed the album cover of “Aerial Ballet” for me. Fortunately, a friend took a photo of his signing of my favorite album of his ( which can be now seen in Neil Watson’s incredible “Harry and Me” book ). That day, Harry took the stage and sang “Without You”. Unfortunately he had a brief coughing fit in the middle of it, but finished the song gamely. Thank you, Harry, for all you gave us. 👍❤️
Prof of Rock, I LOVE that you covered Harry Nilsson and this song. You are so awesome!
THanks!
This song was one of the best of my childhood it hit so many emotions it touched all young old people .
I'm old enough to remember when this song first hit the airwaves, and it was HUGE. It seems like it maintained its popularity and was still played in constant rotation for a number of years after. As much as I love Badfinger, Nilsson and Richard Perry took their song to another level entirely.
A couple of "what if" thought experiments: what if Jeff Lynne had covered Without You - he certainly had the vocal range and musical sensibility to do it justice. Second, what if Nilsson had been invited to join the Traveling Wilburys when they formed - might that have rejuvenated his career the way it did for Roy Orbison?
I am a huge Jeff Lynne /E.L.O. fan. I would have loved to hear his take. That is a great thought.
Right on! Great thoughts.
You're such a wonderful archivist and story teller. I so appreciate the back stories and the humor and the FACTS that you bring to us. I chuckle every time you correct the rumor-mill BS that surrounds so many musicians and their journey. Today's story was about someone I grew up listening to and loving. What a crazy and sad path for such an amazing song.
This song was out when a high school friend died in a car accident… when I hear this song it takes me back to high school and I think of Chris
How is it, Professor, that your channel continues to always deliver incredibly researched and produced content?? HOW?? 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Great research, heartfelt empathy, and KILLER captions!
I am a classic rock junkie and I watch all classic rock shows and this channel is by far the best if you want to know every intricate detail of a band an artist this channel delivers
@@robertwagner9933 Good to know...I just subscribed...I am a huge classic rock fan and this channel seems right up my alley.
If you can't feel this song in your heart you're already dead.
This song is amazing and forms the part of the foundation of my music soul.
That said professor, you never fail to provide great content
I feel it in my guts.
My Scrotum Guts.
Love this song- Nilssons' version is a gut wretching version, I was in the 6-7 th grade, and I cried, one of my all time favorite songs
I give you credit Professor - you have the best historical music videos around. You know your stuff, and the content is well put together. You are concise and don’t waste our time with irrelevant crap. Always informative and interesting. Thanks.
Harry Nilsson is unfortunately an underrated talent. Due to his relative obscurity, you can get a box set of practically everything he recorded for very little money. Once you start listening past his handful of hits, you hear what John Lennon and others saw in him. Too bad he never toured
So sad to think back on the Badfinger story. Thanks for posting.
True. We need to preserve his legacy because he was a wonderful guy.
I'm not familiar with the premise that Nilsson is an underrated talent. Elaborate.
@@WS-gs6sf You and I love him and he is likely well remembered within the music industry but I'm looking at The RCA Collection Nilsson box set and it goes for about 50 bucks. It's 17 CDs worth of outstanding original releases demos and alternate takes. I know it's only one measure but it seems to me that the music buying public does underrates his work and I just think that's a shame...folks are missing out. Maybe it's because he died so young maybe it's because he never toured but I don't get it really. Thanks for the comment.
What was up with that - Im fairly well read as far as music - I know nothing about this dude
Harry was the greatest male singer of his generation, and songwriter. I think part of the reason he didn't find the fame he deserved (besides actually being terrified of fame because he didn't think he deserved it) was the difficulty the industry had with deciding what genre he should be in (pretty much all of them, I think!). He went from Marching Down Broadway to The Puppy Song to Coconut to Without You to One to Life Line to Jump Into The Fire, and of course You're Breaking My Heart and I'd Rather Be Dead. I'm deeply sorry how few people remember and appreciate him, and one of my little side hobbies is posting about him and requesting his songs on the radio.
Always loved the song, and no one sang it as well as Nilsson! An amazing song, and an amazing story behind it.
When Nilsson hits THAT note and it just dissolves.
Such heartbreak in his version.
Expert.
Beyond expert. Genius.
I have been in love with Harry Nilsson's music since he first came on to the scene. He and Randy Newman were absolutely brilliant together. I still have an extensive Nilsson playlist
I remember listening to 'Without You' on the radio as a kid. It was grand and poetic . I appreciated it more as I got older now view it as an example of my parents' generations talent. I didn't realize it was written by the Badfinger duo. I look forward to your dropped episodes nearly daily. Keep up the good work
It even sounded great on A.M. radio.
So much talent in the early 70s. Unlike now.
Saw Badfinger live.......best live band I ever heard.....thanks for the history, professor.
I am envious.
Seriously? Rock on! When and where?
When was it???
1.my father (31 years mil) was stationed in the UK (twice) and into'd me to RR. I lived the greatest age in music (IMO) and saw almost all the icon bands. Saw the Iveys twice (67 and or 68) once opener for Moody Blues. As a teen, I could hear that they had something, especially since I tried to duplicate them (and everyone) on a Squier. Other coincidences for POR (Adam)...worked at Bingham Mem'l for 3 years. Love your YT...keep rockin. 2. Marquee C.
The intro piano sets the stage for this song.
It really makes you lean in and listen closely.
Wow , the story wrapped around this song is every bit as heartbreaking as the song itself. A late sixties born kid I still have badfinger on my playlists they are a great listen anytime . Thanks for telling the story .Your ability to tell the stories is amazing , you are a joy to listen to Adam. Keep up the great work !!!
I thought I knew everything there was to know about the late, but great, Harry Nilsson. I grew up knowing every song, every lyric, and thanks to John Schienfeld's in-depth documentary; I thought I knew everything about Nilssons life too. But your 22 minutes of Rock history, taught me a great deal more about one the world's greatest artists. The song is legend. Kudos to _Badfinger_ for bringing the world another piece of unforgettable music. But no one can come close to the evocation of Nilssons rendition. It turns out it is a universal heartbreaker...for a reason.
“Nilsson is my favorite group” is a John Lennon joke. It’s based on a similar joke from the Royal Variety Show in 1963. our "favorite American group Sophie Tucker". Sophie Tucker wasn't a group, but a loud-voiced and large individual.
Nilsson’s version always wrenches my heart. I really liked the new meanings that came out when he included it in Son of Dracula.
Still miss Harry terribly, even after all of this time… glad to know that he had confirmation of how much he was beloved, shortly before his death. RIP Harry🙏❤️
If Badfinger would not have been mismanaged and if they would have been guided rightly they could’ve had a long career in music. I think they’re still one of the greatest bands ever and the two members of Badfinger will be missed and their music will live on forever. without you as a great song not just by bad finger but by Harry Nelson as well.
More to come on Badfinger.
@@ProfessorofRock I look VERY forward to that.
There’s only one surviving original member left. And I agree, the record industry should be ashamed of themselves for screwing Badfinger over.
Yeah, would love to hear more Badfinger. One of my faves from the 70's. I thought they were Beatles on initial hearing!
@@axe2grind911a: That would be Klaatu.
yeah, this is a heartbreaking story ... I'd been a fan for Badfinger and what happened was truly tragic. I have always put "Without You" by Nilsson and "All By Myself" by Eric Carmen on the same level. Very similar performances and both songs tear jerkers and beautiful.
@bookrisingwithbartj.gilber3785 I have always put “Without You” by Nilsson, “All By Myself” by Eric Carmen and “Alone Again (Naturally)” by Gilbert O’Sullivan all in the same category. They certainly can bring a tear to your eye.
@@timberwolf2543 - back in the early 70's, when I was a little, little boy ... like 3 or 4 years old, my Mom had "Alone Again (Naturally)" on 45 - I used to love that song so much. One of my first song loves that I can ever remember. Great memory!
100% agree with you. I have to include Mariah Cary's version in there. I go cold listening to her version.
Without You has always been one of those songs that touches my emotions. Thank you for the back story and thanks for treating the downfall and tragedy of it's writers with such respect.
I remember this song playing on the radio when I was a kid in the 70's. I have liked it ever since then - thanks for going behind the scenes of this iconic song, Adam!
Harry Nilsson had tremendous talent. In the little bit I’ve seen of him on UA-cam he struck me as though he was someone living with a broken heart.
+@WorldWideWebObserver The documentary about Nisson "Who Is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talkin' About Him)" tells his story and talks about his heartbreaking and horrific childhood and the demons he carried, as well as his legendary partying. ua-cam.com/video/6cTGVpuT5_c/v-deo.html
One of the streaming channels, I thing it might be Amazon, has an excellent documentary about his career.
Yes, Who Is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talking About Him)?
Tyra Thompson: Great comment. Nilsson was a very troubled person with a propensity for alcoholism. Talent aplenty, as you say, but with problems that were even harder to fix back then.
Look up the recording of Pussycats with John Lennon - wild
Bro,I gotta give it to you..
Every time I check out one of your videos, being born in 1973,you take me back to some serious memories and emotions cuz my childhood was rough with serious ups and downs.
Without music then, I dk if I would be here today.
Thanks, man
What a story, and stories within a story. So many memories. So much untold under the surface. Thank you!!
Loved Badfinger, Nilsson & all connected with them, since childhood.
What a great band they were. The history of them is so sad. Glad you did this episode. Thank you!
Thank you. Harry's forgotten by too many. Yes, genius. He's SOOOOOOOOO underrated. so, so, sad.
I totally agree! Thanks Robin.
Loved him since I was 10.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980Me too but honestly I thought for many years that Canned Heat did Harry’s version. I got this idea from an infomercial. Remember back when they would sell records over the tv? They would say something like, “And how about this one by The Beach Boys” and play a couple of seconds of one of their songs. The list of artists and their songs would scroll down the tv screen. Good times.
@@timberwolf2543 The Time Life commercials did just that.
Thank you for giving Badfinger the respect they deserve. BTW, John Lennon came up with the name "Badfinger," based on the working title of "With a Little Help from my Friends," which was "Badfinger Boogie." Before that, he suggested they call themselves "The Prix" (prounced like "pricks"). :)
That's right.
More people should know that!
It would have been interesting to see a concert with The Prix and The Crackers (an early moniker for The Band).
REALLY? Wow - Thx for the factoid
"The Prix" sure sounds like a name brainstormed by John Lennon. Glad they preferred "Badfinger."
Harry's version has ALWAYS BEEN MY FAVE! Thank you for the back story‼️
I loved this. The affection and reverence you have for this song came through loud and clear, and justifiably so.
Thank you Professor. I learn so much from you. I had no idea that this was a Badfinger song. Two of the more tragic figures in rock connected by a classic song.
Nilsson’s demo sounds so beautiful. I wish they went that direction for the final. Simple and intimate.
I enjoyed it as well.
It’d be cool if they did.
Agreed. I love the orchestral version, but Harry loved the crooner approach, so both would be excellent. (Nilsson Sings Newman and A Little Touch of Schmilsson in the Night)
I remember when this came out, I was in the 8th grade in junior high school in the US.
I've always been a real quiet, moody boy who spent a lot of time alone with my own thoughts.
Whenever this song came on, I always felt comfortable and at peace listening to this song.
In 1975 I found out that a classmate was Harry’s sister. His album Nilsson Schmilsson was a heavy favorite of mine. Not only did I have the it on vinyl but I also had it on 8-track and cassette. I now have it on CD and in my iTunes library. Kinda like “Putting the Lime In the Coconut and drinking it all up.” Thank you, this is indeed the best you’ve recorded for UA-cam.
At last at last thank you for covering Badfinger in your show. I keep telling people about them and they stare blankly at me. Then I mention Without you and they say oh you mean Mariah Carey. Damn people are so music ignorant it riles me up
wonderful presentation, thank you. As a long time, early Beatles fan, I knew of Badfinger from the time of the Magic Christian movie. When Without You debuted, for whatever reason, it caught me hard right then, became probably my favorite Badfinger song, even among the more popular numbers. When Harry did it, just took it to another level, though I still absolutely love the original Badfinger arrangement...so sad and melancholy as the organ swirls while the song fades. Just one of the great tunes of all time. All time.
I've always loved Harry's version of this. I had no idea that Badfinger wrote this song. Badfinger has always been so underappreciated. As often Harry is. Thanks for the information. You now have me as a fan!
Underappreciated is the right word. You are totally correct.
If you look up bad finger biography it's on UA-cam.
As a kid we'd listen to Harry Nilsson's The Point, a story album with wild art that he narrated (Ringo narrated the movie, but I liked Harry best). It made a huge impact on me. I highly recommend it.
Thanks Professor, I really dig your show.. Difficult to add to comments already made, maybe one point: I believe Harry's gifted performance of Without You is totally ethereal, that there is a reason he got it together when they got back to the studio that night that not even Harry could have explained. It is surrounded by tragedy and bears a certain mystique that for me, gives the song profound depth. Only Harry's interpretation works for me, and work it does.
I'm so amazed at how well you translate your love and passion for music in to such amazing and captivating story's , I can honestly say your channel is truly a credit and an anthology to the music industry, and because of that we are grateful and lucky to have you. Thank You.
Totally agree.
I get the chills everytime I hear Nilsson do this song. SO thanks for the stories and the background to it all Professor. Man, those days in music!
I've been waiting for you to cover this great song. Too many people refer to this song as a Mariah Carey original. NO! A pair of Brits combined their songs to make a masterpiece. Every time I think of Pete and Tom I feel very sad. Such gifted musicians! Rest in Peace Pete and Tom.
If you only know this song from Mariah Carey, there’s something amiss.
Pete from Swansea (Wales), Tom from Liverpool (England).
Few songs can be labeled as defining one’s life. I was barely 9 or so years old when the song played on the radio. The emotion and passion in the lyrics captured my own heart. Singing along to this etches that emotion in your soul. Growing up with this song, you can’t help but also sing along in chorus/counterpoint and feel a connective part of the song. Music these days does not have this grip on the richness of sound and feelings. 🌈🌻
Wow Professor! Fantastic video!
Must have taken a lot of time to get all the facts and insider info. I learned a lot and really appreciate all you did to produce this!
Can sadly relate 100% to that great song as performed by Nilsson. Was on the verge of tears to hear all that sorrow soaked history in your excellent & compassionate video.
Adam, thank you so much for this story. I knew 75 percent of this story. The Nilsson part was new to me. A few Badfinger details too. I am embarrassed to say, I didn't realize it was a Badfinger song til my latter 30s. Everytime I hear any Badfinger song it brings me joy and sadness at the same time. Pete and Tom were so talented. The way they were ripped off and their subsequent deaths as result just always come to mind when I hear them. Yet they live forever for those of us who know their songs and story. Thank you as always Professor!!
This song leapt out of my little transistor radio and grabbed my attention when I first heard it. I was struck by its power. I generally didn't like slow songs and ballads as a kid, but the drama and intensity of the arrangement and vocal performance just blew away my resistance. I think a lot of people consider it the first ever power ballad. For me, it's the only one (at least, the only one that actually moved me)!
Very well said and I totally get that. I was a kid with a transistor at that time too. Love your comment and thank you what a bundle of memories you evoked for me.
So glad I ran across your site. I’m impressed with how deep you go into the whole stories. I have a lot to catch up on. Thank you for sharing your obvious passion in learning all you can and sharing your talent in front of the camera.
Nielson"s version is a masterpiece.... Miraculous.... Outstanding .... Indescribable