Jim Gordon who contributed to several Harry Nilsson albums as a percussionist has died at the age of 77 on March 13, 2023.

BMG Rights Management has acquired the song catalog of Harry Nilsson. On November 14, 2022, BMG released the following announcement:

BMG has announced the acquisition of the rights to the critically-acclaimed songbook of Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Harry Nilsson.

The deal includes Nilsson’s publishing catalog, as well as artist and writer revenue streams of his hit songs including the chart-topping hits "Without You," "Everybody's Talkin'," "One,"‘ "Coconut," and classics "Jump Into The Fire,"‘ "Gotta Get Up," and "Me and My Arrow," among many others from his great American songbook. His song works also includes titles co-written with John Lennon, ‘Mucho Mungo/Mt. Elga’ and ‘Old Dirt Road’; Danny Kortchmar, ‘(Thursday) Here’s Why I Did Not Go To Work Today’, ‘Moonshine Bandit’; Dr. John, ‘Daylight Has Caught Me’; and Ringo Starr, ‘How Long Can Disco On’.

Featured among the 18 studio albums released over the course of his two-decade long recording career include his debut Spotlight on Nilsson, Harry, Nilsson Sings Newman, the critically acclaimed Nilsson Schmilsson, standards album A Little Touch of Schmilsson in the Night, Pussy Cats (produced by John Lennon), Nilsson's personal favorite Knnillssonn, and his final studio album Flash Harry; as well as the original film soundtracks for Skidoo, The Point!, Son of Dracula, and Popeye; in addition to the collection of his final studio recordings titled Losst and Founnd released posthumously.

BMG will also begin collaborating with the Nilsson family in exploring global creative opportunities for their creative assets such as the The Point! story and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) including film, television, theatrical stage productions, books, and further areas of business.  

The Nilsson family said, “We are delighted to have found a partner that shares our love and reverence for Harry’s legacy. We look forward to a long relationship with BMG, working together to celebrate this true genius of pop music.”

Thomas Scherer, BMG’s President, Repertoire & Marketing, Los Angeles and New York, said, “For generations, Harry Nilsson’s timeless music has captivated millions of people all around the world. A brilliant songwriter with an exceptionally beautiful and unique voice, we will ensure his spirit thrives for generations to come. We are honored the Nilsson family chose BMG to entrust as the custodians of his musical legacy and are proud to represent the cherished works of Harry Nilsson.” 

Harry Nilsson occupies a unique space in the story of 20th century American music. While he is best known for his chart-topping hits, his deep catalog continues to surprise and capture audiences. At turns irreverent and sincere, Rock & Roll and pure Pop, Nilsson defied easy categorization over his career. He eschewed touring and was happiest in the studio, where he worked with producers like Rick Jarrard, Richard Perry, and John Lennon to craft layered, inventive recordings. 

Nilsson’s career began in 1960s Los Angeles, where he penned hits for The Monkees and Three Dog Night. He explored Baroque Pop and recorded pristine vocals on albums like Pandemonium Shadow Show and Aerial Ballet. In 1971, he released the seminal Nilsson Schmilsson, which was nominated for four Grammys. His chart-topping cover of ‘Without You’ is one of the most vital moments in 1970s music. His 1971 album and film The Point is a triumph of imagination, an enduring fable of the nature of belonging. His timeless interpretations of the Great American Songbook on 1973’s A Little Touch of Schmilsson in the Night broke new ground for musicians of the era.

Nilsson's music continues to inspire other artists, who see him as a beacon of authenticity and artistry. John Lennon and Paul McCartney called him their "favorite American group," and artists from Carly Rae Jepsen to Harry Styles have cited him as an inspiration. His music is indelibly linked to movies and TV shows like Goodfellas ("Jump Into The Fire"), Reservoir Dogs "Coconut"), Russian Doll ("Gotta Get Up"), Forrest Gump ("Everybody's Talkin'"), You've Got Mail ("The Puppy Song") and many more. The breadth and depth of Harry Nilsson's catalog continues to charm new generations.

The Nilssons' team was led by John Rudolph of 1.618 Industries, Inc. (formerly Music Analytics, a leading music IP advisor) with counsel provided by Jason Karlov and Amanda Taber of Barnes & Thornburg.

Photo Credits:

Back row (L to R) – Thomas Scherer (BMG), Beau Nilsson, Kiefo Nilsson, Oscar Nilsson, Ben Nilsson, Jonathan Palmer (BMG)

Front row (L to R) – Celeigh Chapman and Bryan Chabrow (BMG), Olivia Nilsson, Una Nilsson, Annie Nilsson

When Sony merged with Bertelsmann in 2004, the rights management part of BMG was spun off into its own company, BMG Rights Management, representing about 200 artists at the time.

For several years now, Brandon Cruz, who starred with Bill Bixby in the TV series "The Courtship of Eddie's Father," has been campaigning to have a star for Bixby added to the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

While Bixby had some memorable roles in film, it was on television that he shined. For those of us who grew up watching Bill Bixby "My Favorite Martian," "The Courtship of Eddie's Father," "The Magician," and "The Incredible Hulk" it is surprising to learn that there isn't already a star honoring him in Hollywood. It even came as a surprise to Brandon Cruz.

I was with some friends, and they asked me, "Where’s Bill?” I said, "I don’t know." We went to one of those kooky stores on the Boulevard that gives you a map of where the stars were. He wasn’t on it. How did Bill not have a star?”

-- Brandon Cruz (2019) [1]

More time went on and about two and a half years ago, almost three, I realized that GoFundMe existed. And that people were getting a lot of money raised really quickly to do different things. I thought, "You know what? I’m going to do a memorial for Bill, and I want the fans to do it. I don’t want to involve Hollywood." I felt let down by Hollywood.

-- Brandon Cruz (2019) [2]

It's taken much longer than Cruz expected to raise the money - and the Hollywood Walk of Fame has actually raised the price of a star since the campaign started - but the goal posts are in sight. An anonymous donor has agreed to match all funds raised, dollar for dollar, until the end of the year or when the goal is reached.

You can contribute to the GoFundMe campaign at:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/bill-bixby-star-on-hollywood-blvd

"The Courtship of Eddie's Father"

• [1] Fox News, Stephanie Nolasco "‘The Courtship of Eddie’s Father’ star Brandon Cruz says Bill Bixby deserves more recognition in Hollywood" (https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/the-courtship-of-eddies-father-star-brandon-cruz-says-bill-bix...)
• [2] Fox News, Stephanie Nolasco "‘The Courtship of Eddie’s Father’ star Brandon Cruz says Bill Bixby deserves more recognition in Hollywood" (https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/the-courtship-of-eddies-father-star-brandon-cruz-says-bill-bix...)

On September 22, 2022, Eric Squindo Presents will present The Nilsson Show - A Tribute to the songs of Harry Nilsson at the Colony performing arts theater in Woodstock, New York.

Since 2019, Eric Squindo Presents has been producing a unique brand of tribute shows for the Colony stage. Paying homage to influential writers such as Tom Waits and Dolly Parton, to the songs of The Muppets and 'The Basement Tapes' (Bob Dylan & The Band), the events have brought together some of the Hudson Valley's finest musicians to deliver their own stylized interpretations. Collaboration between musicians, and an intimate 'at home' atmosphere offer a one-of-a-kind experience that these events have been celebrated for.[1]

• [1] "Eric Squindo Presents The Nilsson Show - A Tribute to the songs of Harry Nilsson at Colony in Woodstock NY" EventBrite (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-nilsson-show-the-songs-of-harry-nilsson-tickets-395917418657)

Harry Nilsson's "Perfect Day" plays during the opening montage of season six, episode nine of the TV show "Better Call Saul." Rather than Nilsson's original version, the show uses a new recording of the song by Dresage and Slow Shiver. The episode originally aired on July 18, 2022. Supposedly, a new recording of the song was commissioned because the original version wasn't long enough for the scene.

"Perfect Day" by Dresage and Slow Shiver