As is often the case, the truth is not so simple. Harry's father, also named Harry Nilsson, returned home after serving in the Army to find his wife, Bette Nilsson, having an affair. The elder Harry did not abandon his family. His family left him. Harry Sr. saw his son only occasionally while Harry lived with his mother in Brooklyn.
As the younger Harry Nilsson began to have success in his music career, his father followed his son's career. A major league baseball scout, the elder Harry lived with his wife, Lois, and children in Palatka, Florida. As each new Harry Nilsson album was released, two copies were sent to the elder Harry - he requested two copies of each LP because he liked to stack them on both on the record player's changer so the second side would play automatically after the first.
The two Harrys finally reunited in person in December of
1968 for the premiere of the film Skidoo in Miami.
Originally, Harry Sr. and Lois were to drive to Jacksonville to meet Harry at the airport and drive him to visit
the Nilssons in Palatka. But the film company decided they wanted Harry in Miami a few days early so that
photographs could be made of the cast and crew of Skidoo. Harry flew directly to Miami while his father and
Lois drove down.
Harry Sr. and Lois arrived at the Ambassador hotel the next morning to meet Harry but Harry was busy doing a television interview. They were escorted to Harry's suite to wait for his arrival. As the Nilssons enjoyed the beach view, Harry walked in. Looking nervous, he approached the father he hadn't seen in 15 years.
According to a report in the Palatka Daily News, "Father and son stood looking at each other for a moment then the elder Harry extended his hand. The younger Harry put out his hand then said 'Aw heck' and embraced his father with a bear hug. Lois stood in the background but was not forgotten for long as Nilsson gave her a hug, too."