Noel Harrison: British winter Olympian and otherworldly outsider musician
Noel Harrison was best known for his hit ‘The Windmills of Your Mind’, a track popular for its haunting melody and poignant lyrics that showcased Harrison’s ability to convey complex emotions through his music. Perhaps what made Harrison so intriguing, however, was his toneless approach to what others considered excellence. “Recording Windmills wasn’t a very significant moment,” he once recalled.
Released in 1968, ‘The Windmills of Your Mind’ became an international hit and won the Academy Award for ‘Best Original Song’ in 1969. The song’s success solidified his status as a singer-songwriter of considerable talent. In Harrison’s eyes, however, recording the song didn’t feel particularly profound. “It was just a job that I got paid $500 for, no big deal,” he said. “The composer, Michel Legrand, came to my home and helped me learn it, then we went into the studio and recorded it, and I thought no more about it.”
He didn’t adopt a soured perception by any means. In fact, he once also said, “It’s great to have a classic like that on my books”. However, this indifference frequently serves as a means of signalling the perceived absence of an artist’s personal worth. For Harrison, his pursuits were never devoid of meaning; instead, he embarked on a journey to carve out a place for them throughout his life.
Born in London to Rex Harrison and his first wife, Collette Thomas, Harrison received his education in private schools, including Radley College in Oxfordshire. At the age of 16, his mother invited him to live with her in Klosters, Switzerland. Eager for the opportunity, he embraced the move, enabling him to nurture his skills as a skier. He eventually became a member of the British ski team, participating in the Winter Olympics in Norway in 1952 and Italy in 1956.
Relocating to the US with his first wife, Harrison worked at nightclubs before further pursuing his career in acting. One of his memorable roles was in the television series The Girl from U.N.C.L.E. where he played the character Mark Slate. Harrison’s on-screen charisma and versatility contributed to his success in the entertainment industry.
‘Young Girl’, a track Harrison scored a minor hit with, found its place on his self-titled 1966 debut album. Two years later, he lent his voice to ‘The Windmills of Your Mind’ from The Thomas Crown Affair which became a top ten hit in the UK Singles Chart. Despite the song’s Oscar win, Harrison did not perform it at the ceremony; instead, Jose Feliciano took the stage on his behalf as Harrison was busy filming Take A Girl Like You in England alongside Oliver Reed and Hayley Mills.
In 1972, Harrison made his way to Nova Scotia, where he hosted the show Take Time for CBC Television. Throughout the 1970s, Harrison toured the US, participating in productions of acclaimed musicals like Camelot and The Sound of Music. He also took on the role of Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady, a character originally portrayed by his father in the musical’s initial stage production and film adaptation.
After appearances in films such as Power and Déjà Vu, Harrison decided to return to the UK. Despite being semi-retired, he continued to showcase his musical talent through occasional concerts, using the proceeds to fund the recording and release of self-produced albums, including Hold Back Time.
Harrison’s journey is truly a testament to the richness of a life dedicated to various forms of artistic expression. From his award-winning musical compositions to his memorable roles on screen and achievements as an Olympic skier, Harrison’s legacy is a mosaic of talent and passion. Even in his later years, Harrison continued to express his creativity. He engaged in projects like the one-man musical Adieu, Jacques and embarked on recording new albums, demonstrating a dedication to his craft and a willingness to embrace new avenues of artistic expression.
