Fred Neil facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Fred Neil
Fred Neil, c. 1964
Background information
Birth name	Frederick Ralph Morlock Jr.
Born	(1936-03-16)March 16, 1936 Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
Died	July 7, 2001(2001-07-07) (aged 65) Summerland Key, Florida, U.S.
Genres	Blues, folk
Occupation(s)	Singer, songwriter
Instruments	Vocals, guitar
Years active	1964–1975

Fred Neil (March 16, 1936 – July 7, 2001) was an American folk singer and songwriter. He was active mainly in the 1960s and early 1970s. While he wasn't super famous as a performer himself, many other artists recorded his songs.

His most well-known song is "Everybody's Talkin'". This song became a big hit for Harry Nilsson after it was used in the movie Midnight Cowboy in 1969. Fred Neil was highly respected by other folk singers. He spent much of his later life helping to protect dolphins.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Fred Neil was born Frederick Ralph Morlock Jr. in Cleveland, Ohio. His family later moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, when he was young. Fred started singing in first grade and began playing guitar around sixth grade.

In the late 1950s, Neil worked in New York City at the Brill Building. This was a famous place where many songwriters created music for other artists. Fred wrote songs for early rock and roll stars like Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison.

Becoming a Folk Music Star

Fred Neil was known for his deep voice and playing a 12-string guitar. He became a very important figure among folksingers in Greenwich Village, New York. He co-hosted music events at a famous spot called Cafe Wha?.

Even Bob Dylan looked up to Fred Neil when he first arrived in the Village. Neil invited Dylan to play harmonica with him on stage. Fred also performed with other talented musicians like Karen Dalton and Vince Martin. His first album, Tear Down The Walls, was recorded with Vince Martin in 1964.

Famous Songs and Influence

After "Everybody's Talkin'", some of Neil's other popular songs include "Other Side of This Life" and "The Dolphins". Many artists covered these songs. "Other Side of This Life" was covered by The Lovin' Spoonful and Jefferson Airplane. "The Dolphins" was recorded by Linda Ronstadt, Tim Buckley, and others.

Bands like Jefferson Airplane saw Fred Neil as a major influence. He often visited their house in San Francisco. The minor hit "The Ballad of You and Me and Pooneil" by Jefferson Airplane was even written for him.

Dolphin Conservation Work

Fred Neil became very interested in dolphins in the mid-1960s. In 1970, he helped start the Dolphin Research Project with Ric O'Barry. This group works to stop the capture and harm of dolphins around the world.

As he became more involved in dolphin protection, Fred Neil slowly stopped recording music and performing live. He only played occasional shows in the 1970s, often for dolphin benefit concerts.

Later Life and Legacy

In the mid-1970s, Fred Neil moved to southern Florida. He spent his remaining years focused on the Dolphin Project. He mostly performed in public at events for the Dolphin Project in Coconut Grove. His last public performance was in 1981.

Fred Neil passed away on July 7, 2001, from cancer.

His song "Everybody's Talkin'" became very famous in 1969. It won a Grammy Award after being featured in the film Midnight Cowboy.

Fred Neil was a pioneer in folk rock and the singer-songwriter musical genre. Many musicians, including Tim Buckley, Stephen Stills, David Crosby, and Joni Mitchell, were influenced by his work. David Crosby said that Neil taught him that "everything was music."

Discography

Albums

• 1964: Tear Down the Walls (Elektra) with Vince Martin
• 1965: Bleecker & MacDougal (Elektra), reissued in 1970 as A Little Bit of Rain
• 1966: Fred Neil (Capitol), reissued in 1969 as Everybody's Talkin'
• 1967: Sessions (Capitol)
• 1971: Other Side of This Life (Capitol), live and alternate versions

Compilations

• 1986: The Very Best of Fred Neil (See for Miles)
• 1998: The Many Sides of Fred Neil (Collectors' Choice)
• 2003: Do You Ever Think of Me? (Rev-Ola)
• 2004: The Sky Is Falling: The Complete Live Recordings 1965–1971 (Rev-Ola)
• 2005: Echoes of My Mind: The Best of Fred Neil 1963–1971 (Raven)
• 2008: Trav'lin' Man: The Early Singles (Fallout)

Anthologies including tracks by Neil

• 1963: Hootenanny Live at the Bitter End (FM)
• 1964: A Rootin" Tootin' Hootenanny (FM)
• 1964: World of Folk Music (FM)

Selected songs

• "Candy Man"
• "Everybody's Talkin'"
• "Ba-di-da"
• "Tear Down the Walls"
• "The Dolphins"
• "Green Rocky Road"
• "The Other Side of This Life"
• "Country Boy & Bleecker Street"
• "That's the Bag I'm In"
• "Blues on the Ceiling"
• "Wild Child in a World of Trouble"
• "FareTheeWell"
• "Little Bit of Rain"