One might assume that any musician talented enough to be cited as an influence by the likes of Bob Dylan and Stephen Stills would be a household name, but when it comes to folk hero Fred Neil, many music lovers today have never even heard of him...and as it turns out, that's exactly the way he wanted it.
Neil, who was born in St. Petersburg, Florida, kicked off his career during the 1950s as a singer-songwriter working in NYC's Brill Building, according to American Songwriter, where he wrote songs for the likes of Roy Orbison and Buddy Holly. Before long, he became a fixture of the Greenwich Village music scene, which is where he crossed paths with Dylan.
"He had a powerful bass voice and a powerful sense of rhythm. I'd play harmonica for him, and once in a while get to sing a song," Dylan once recalled, per The Guardian.
Neil's star rose higher than ever when Harry Nilsson's cover of his song "Everybody's Talkin'" was featured in the 1969 cult classic movie, Midnight Cowboy. But Neil wasn't interested in being famous; in fact, he rarely gave interviews and seemed disturbed by his success. It was another song that appeared on the same album as "Everybody's Talkin'" that reflected his true passion in life: "The Dolphins."
Later covered by notable artists including Linda Ronstadt, Tim Buckley and Richie Havens, "The Dolphins" might seem like any other melancholy love song at first: "I've been a-searchin' for the dolphins in the sea / And sometimes I wonder, do you ever think of me"
But to Neil, the song had a much deeper meaning.
As Far Out magazine reported, in 1970, Neil was so inspired by his visits to the Miami Seaquarium that he decided to start the Dolphin Research Project along with animal rights activist and former dolphin trainer Ric O’Barry, who trained the dolphins used in the TV show Flipper.
The organization "focused on preventing the capture, trafficking and exploitation of dolphins around the world," and his work with the project soon became his primary focus. He retired from music in the early '80s and devoted the rest of his life to the cause, refusing any attempts to convince him to make a comeback.
The reclusive artist and passionate activist died in 2001 at the age of 64 after a battle with cancer, but he'll always be remembered for his unique talents (even if he might have preferred to fade into obscurity entirely).
Related: 'Wichita Lineman' Singer Had This Bob Dylan Love Song on His 'Bucket List' of Covers
Hence then, the article about mysterious folk icon who influenced bob dylan gave up music to rescue dolphins was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Mysterious Folk Icon Who Influenced Bob Dylan Gave Up Music to Rescue Dolphins )
Also on site :
- Teens arrested after large disturbance, multiple fights at Joliet mall
- The Starmer regime is turning Britain into a police state
- Feel Free customers say the kratom drink is making them sick. Toothless FDA rules on dietary supplements are helping it remain a bestseller