In early August of 1983, the Associated Press[1] reported that a recording session for Yoko Ono's Every Man Has a Woman album had been delayed while "authorities looked for singer-songwriter Harry Nilsson's missing flute."

 

Nilsson accidentally left the silver flute in a cab on his way back to his hotel late at night. The handmade flute was owned by Nilsson, but played by Rick Riccio on the album.

 

The spirit of the recording sessions was really high. We were supposed to have one more session Friday, but we thought we'd wait to get the flute back.
It seems the flute has been a turning point in the album. Every time it is played, something magical happens.

-- Harry Nilsson

 

Yoko Ono offered a $1,000 reward for the return of the Haynes flute.