Fred Neil

Fred Neil (March 16, 1936 - July 7, 2001) was an important white blues and folk singer and songwriter in the 1960s and early 1970s.

Related Topics:
March 16 - 1936 - July 7 - 2001 - Blues - Folk - 1960 - 1970

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Fred Neil was one of the songwriters who for a time worked out of New York City's famous Brill Building. He has often been called a pioneer of the singer-songwriter musical genre and someone who influenced such prominent artists as Tim Buckley, Harry Nilsson, and the Jefferson Airplane. His early compositions were recorded by the likes of Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison. In 1968, Nilsson recorded a cover version of Neil's song "Everybody's Talkin'", which became a huge hit a year later when it was featured in the film Midnight Cowboy.

Related Topics:
Cleveland, Ohio - New York City - Brill Building - Singer-songwriter - Musical genre - Tim Buckley - Harry Nilsson - Jefferson Airplane - Buddy Holly - Roy Orbison - 1968 - Midnight Cowboy

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

An intensely private individual, Neil retired from the music business entirely after a live album release in 1971. He spent his remaining years enjoying life on the beaches of southern Florida.

Related Topics:
1971 - Florida

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Fred Neil died of cancer in 2001.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~