Harry Nilsson's business manager stole his savings, and he died in Chapter 11 owing 75 creditors

Harry Nilsson was a millionaire before 30 and signed a $5 million record deal in the early 1970s, one of the largest of the time. He believed he was worth $5 million. In 1991 he and other clients found that their business manager, Cindy Sims, had taken their money. Nilsson wrote in a court letter that his family of eight went from financial security to "$300 in our checking account" in one night, and that he was "virtually penniless." Sims allegedly removed foreclosure notices from his home so he would not see them. She pleaded guilty to three counts of grand theft and served two years in state prison. A sentencing report said she claimed she took the money to keep his company from failing because she feared he might kill himself. Nilsson went into Chapter 11 bankruptcy in US Bankruptcy Court in Los Angeles. He faced foreclosure notices, IRS warnings and 75 creditors. He died of heart failure at 52. Sims was paroled in June 1994. In November 2022 his estate sold his publishing catalog and his artist and writer income to BMG for an undisclosed price. In 2026 BMG owns the songs and works with the family on books, film and stage projects.