Fred Neil, American singer and songwriter, is a hidden treasure of 60’s folk music. And a completely new discovery for me, even though the tune of the song “Everybody’s Talkin” was burned into my subconscious. Although he evolved mostly in the shadows, his talent and influence left a mark on his peers and future generations of musicians.

Born in 1936 in Florida, Neil moved to New York and became an emblematic figure of the Greenwich Village folk scene. He shared the stage with artists such as Bob Dylan, Tim Hardin and Karen Dalton, and earned their respect with his warm and deep voice.

His most famous album, ‘Fred Neil’ (1966), contains the song ‘Everybody’s Talkin”, which became a worldwide hit thanks to Harry Nilsson’s cover version for the film ‘Midnight Cowboy’ (1969). His other songs, such as ‘The Dolphins’ and ‘Bleecker & MacDougal’, were also very popular with connoisseurs.

Fred Neil chose to retire from the music scene in the early 1970s, however, preferring to devote himself to the protection of dolphins and manatees. His legacy, however, lives on: his music continues to inspire and touch the hearts of those who discover it.

The Fred Neil album

The 1966 album “Fred Neil” is a little-known gem of American folk music. A talented singer and songwriter, Fred Neil demonstrates his deep artistic sensitivity and mastery of songwriting.

The album opens with ‘The Dolphins’, a haunting ballad that showcases Neil’s warm, deep voice. The sparse arrangements and acoustic guitar give way to raw emotion, transporting us into a dreamy maritime world.

Other tracks, such as “That’s the Bag I’m In” and “Bleecker & MacDougal”, take us back to the Greenwich Village of the 60s, where Neil shared the stage with legends like Bob Dylan and Tim Hardin.

Each song on the album reflects Neil’s writing talent, mixing poetry and melancholy. The result is a timeless work that seduces with its authenticity and simplicity.

The Dolphins song

From the first notes of the acoustic guitar, Fred Neil plunges us into an intimate and melancholic atmosphere. His warm and deep voice, of a rare depth, captivates the listener and offers him an introspective journey into his own emotions. I found the production of the track very modern and it took me on board from the very first notes of the track.

I’m not the one to tell this old world how to get along
I only know that peace will come when all hate is gone

The lyrics of “The Dolphins” evoke a deep and sincere connection with these marine mammals, symbols of freedom and harmony with nature. The song is a testament to Fred Neil’s love for dolphins, a passion that will lead him to retire from the music scene to dedicate himself to their protection.

This delicate and haunting song is a true hymn to the beauty of nature and the power of human emotion. Its simplicity and authenticity are as appealing today as they were when it was first released, making ‘The Dolphins’ a masterpiece of the American folk repertoire.

Among the covers of this song, I have chosen the version by Richie Havens, the same man who set the Woodstock plain alight with the libertarian anthem “Freedom”.

The song Everybody’s Talkin

“Everybody’s Talkin'”, the flagship song from the 1966 album “Fred Neil”, is a classic folk ballad that has survived the decades without ever getting old. Although the most famous version is by Harry Nilsson, Fred Neil’s original deserves our full attention.

This poignant song depicts the desire to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and find refuge in a peaceful place, away from the glare and gossip. The heartfelt and touching lyrics are enhanced by Fred Neil’s deep, melancholic voice, which captivates the listener from the very first notes.

The simple, uncluttered arrangement, dominated by the acoustic guitar, enhances the beauty of the melodies and the depth of emotion conveyed by the song. This simplicity reinforces the authenticity of the song and gives it an undeniable timelessness.

Where to listen to Fred Neil?

• Listen to Fred Neil on Spotify
• Listen to Fred Neil on Deezer
• Listen to Fred Neil on Youtube

Useful links for Fred Neil

• fredneil.com

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