Harry Nilsson: The Life of a Singer-Songwriter BY ALYN SHIPTON

BBC Radio 4 'Book Of The Week' 5 Broadcasts: 26-30 August 2013
Lennon and McCartney described him as the Beatles' "favorite group," .
Nillsson avoided live performance, his instrument was the studio and the over-dubbing booth.
His greatest technical triumphs were masterful examples of studio craft.
He was a gifted composer for a wide variety of performers, having created vivid flights of imagination for the Ronettes, Yardbirds and Monkees.
Nilsson's own biggest hits were almost all written, ironically, by other composers and lyricists.
He won two Grammies, had two top ten singles, and numerous album successes.
Alyn Shipton's book traces his life from the Brooklyn childhood, Los Angeles adolescence to the spotlight as a talented songwriter and performer.
Family, friends and associates are interviewed.
Material is drawn from Nilsson's unfinished draft autobiography.
Credits:
Writer: ALYN SHIPTON
ABRIDGED BY LIBBY SPURRIER
Reader: Kerry Shale
PRODUCER: JOANNA GREEN