One ( Harry Nilsson song ) - wikipedia One ( Harry Nilsson song ) `` One Is the Loneliest Number '' redirects here. For the novel, see Tom Clancy 's Net Force Explorers : One is the Loneliest Number. This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. ( September 2009 ) `` One '' Single by Harry Nilsson from the album Aerial Ballet B - side `` Sister Marie '' Released 1968 Recorded 1967 Genre Chamber pop Label RCA Songwriter ( s ) Harry Nilsson Producer ( s ) Rick Jarrard Harry Nilsson singles chronology `` Good Old Desk '' ( 1967 ) `` One '' ( 1968 ) `` Everybody 's Talkin ' '' ( 1968 ) `` Good Old Desk '' ( 1967 ) `` One '' ( 1968 ) `` Everybody 's Talkin ' '' ( 1968 ) `` One '' is a song written by Harry Nilsson and made famous by Three Dog Night whose recording reached number five on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in 1969 and number four in Canada. The song is known for its opening line `` One is the loneliest number that you 'll ever do ''. Nilsson wrote the song after calling someone and getting a busy signal. He stayed on the line listening to the `` beep, beep, beep, beep... '' tone, writing the song. The busy signal became the opening notes of the song. In 1968, Al Kooper released the song on his debut album I Stand Alone. In 1969, the song was recorded by Australian pop singer Johnny Farnham, reaching number four on the Go - Set National Top 40 Chart. `` One '' Single by Three Dog Night from the album Three Dog Night B - side `` Chest Fever '' Released April 1969 Recorded 1968 Length 3 : 06 ( album ) 2 : 55 ( single ) Label Dunhill Songwriter ( s ) Harry Nilsson Producer ( s ) Gabriel Mekler Three Dog Night singles chronology `` Try a Little Tenderness '' ( 1969 ) `` One '' ( 1969 ) `` Easy to Be Hard '' ( 1969 ) `` Try a Little Tenderness '' ( 1969 ) `` One '' ( 1969 ) `` Easy to Be Hard '' ( 1969 ) Contents 1 Three Dog Night version 2 Chart performance 2.1 Weekly charts 2.2 Year - end charts 3 Other versions 4 In media 5 References 6 External links Three Dog Night version `` One '' was released as the second single from Three Dog Night 's eponymous first album. It became their first of seven gold records over the next five years. The song reached number five on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and spent three weeks at number two on the Cash Box Top 100. It also reached number four in Canada. Chart performance Weekly charts Chart ( 1969 ) Peak position Australia Go - Set 39 Canada RPM New Zealand ( Listener ) 16 U.S. Billboard Hot 100 5 U.S. Cash Box Top 100 Year - end charts Chart ( 1969 ) Rank Canada 20 U.S. Billboard Hot 100 11 U.S. Cash Box 16 Other versions John Farnham, released as a double - sided single with `` Mr. Whippy '' in 1969. Mike Melvoin released an instrumental arrangement of `` One '' on his 1970 album The Plastic Cow Goes Moooooog. The New Seekers released a version on the 1971 album Beautiful People. In 1992, it was recorded by the band Chainsaw Kittens on the single for the song `` High in High School ''. The song was recorded by Aimee Mann for the 1995 Nilsson tribute album For the Love of Harry : Everybody Sings Nilsson. Mann 's version also appears in the 1999 film Magnolia and on the film 's soundtrack. The song was recorded by the rock band Filter for the soundtrack to the 1998 film The X-Files : Fight the Future. There is also a scene in the movie where Mulder says to a bartender ( played by an uncredited Glenne Headly ), `` You know, one is the loneliest number. '' Dokken included the song on their 1999 album Erase the Slate. The Beta Band closed their 2001 album Hot Shots II with `` Won '', a hip - hop track built around extensive samples of Nilsson 's song. Alva Noto and Blixa Bargeld, working together for their ANBB project, included a version of this song on their 2010 album Mimikry. Mastodon recorded an arrangement of the song for the Army of Two trailer. Electric Six recorded a cover version of the song for use in the trailer for Army of Two, but their version was rejected in favour of the Mastodon version. It was subsequently included on their 2015 complilation album Mimicry and Memories. In media In 1995, the song was sung briefly on The Drew Carey Show at the Warsaw Pub between both Carey and his boss, Mr. Bell, in the first - season episode `` Nature Abhors a Vacuum ''. The 1999 film Magnolia, by Paul Thomas Anderson, uses this song for its intro. This song was used in a 2002 episode of the animated comedy series Family Guy called `` Brian Wallows and Peter 's Swallows ''. This song was quoted by Robert Barone in an episode of Everybody Loves Raymond. In Disney 's Recess : School 's Out ( 2001 ), the song is also played. The song was sung by Nathan Lane and was featured on the soundtrack Stuart Little 2 in 2002. In 2004, the song appears in the third episode of House ( `` Occam 's Razor '' ). Dr. House references the song 's opening line during a discussion with his team, and the song later plays over the episode 's last scene. Also in 2004, the song is briefly sung by Donkey in the film Shrek 2. The Muppets and Jimmy Fallon performed an impromptu rendition of the song on the set of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon while rehearsing for the 2009 Christmas performance. In 2013, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic created a video using `` One '' to promote their US Open final match. In 2013, Lisa Simpson sang the song at the beginning of episode 536 of The Simpsons, dated November 24, 2013. In 2014, the Three Dog Night cover of the song appeared in the teaser trailer for season five of the American crime drama Boardwalk Empire. In October 2016, an original version recorded by Harry Nilsson was used in Masters of Sex TV series ( season four, called `` Coats or Keys '' ). Also in October 2016, the Harry version was used in The Blacklist TV series ( episode 6, season four, called `` The Thrushes '' ). The Three Dog Night version appeared in the 2016 video game Mafia 3. In February 2017, the song was featured in The Lego Batman Movie. References Jump up ^ `` Playlist : Best Harry Nilsson songs for what would be his 75th birthday ''. Azcentral.com. 2016 - 06 - 16. Retrieved 2016 - 08 - 20. Jump up ^ `` One ( song by Three Dog Night ) Music VF, US & UK hits charts ''. Musicvf.com. Retrieved 2016 - 08 - 20. Jump up ^ Nimmervoll, Ed ( 13 September 1969 ). `` National Top 40 ''. Go - Set. Waverley Press. Retrieved 16 May 2014. ^ Jump up to : `` Cash Box Top 100 7 / 19 / 69 ''. tropicalglen.com. Jump up ^ Joel Whitburn 's Top Pop Singles 1955 - 1990 - ISBN 0 - 89820 - 089 - X Jump up ^ http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/rpm/028020-119.01-e.php?brws_s=1&file_num=nlc008388.6104&type=1&interval=24&PHPSESSID=mhe12pta2k83e08udtq66ot062 Jump up ^ `` Top 100 Hits of 1969 / Top 100 Songs of 1969 ''. www.musicoutfitters.com. Jump up ^ `` Cash Box YE Pop Singles - 1969 ''. tropicalglen.com. Jump up ^ `` Mimicry And Memories - ElectricSix.co.uk ''. www.electricsix.co.uk. Jump up ^ `` Final track listing for Mimicry and Memories ''. Kickstarter.com. Retrieved 29 March 2015. External links Review of `` One '' on allmusic.com Harry Nilsson Studio albums Spotlight on Nilsson Pandemonium Shadow Show Aerial Ballet Harry Nilsson Sings Newman The Point ! Nilsson Schmilsson Son of Schmilsson A Little Touch of Schmilsson in the Night Pussy Cats Duit on Mon Dei Sandman... That 's the Way It Is Knnillssonn Flash Harry Soundtracks Skidoo The Point ! Son of Dracula Popeye Remixes Aerial Pandemonium Ballet Compilations Early Tymes A Touch More Schmilsson in the Night Nilsson ' 62 : The Debut Sessions Hollywood Dreamer Nilsson The RCA Albums Collection Singles `` All for the Beatles '' `` Sixteen Tons '' `` You Ca n't Do That '' `` River Deep -- Mountain High '' `` One '' `` Everybody 's Talkin ' '' `` Me and My Arrow '' `` Without You '' `` Jump into the Fire '' `` Coconut '' `` As Time Goes By '' `` Subterranean Homesick Blues '' `` Save the Last Dance for Me '' `` Many Rivers to Cross '' `` A Love Like Yours ( Do n't Come Knocking Everyday ) '' `` Sail Away '' `` Just One Look / Baby I 'm Yours ( medley ) '' Other songs `` This Could Be the Night '' `` Ten Little Indians '' `` The Puppy Song '' `` Old Dirt Road '' `` You 're Breakin ' My Heart '' Collaborations John Lennon Pussy Cats Every Man Has a Woman Ringo Starr Ringo Son of Dracula Goodnight Vienna Ringo 's Rotogravure Stop and Smell the Roses Keith Moon Two Sides of the Moon Hal Willner Stay Awake : Various Interpretations of Music from Vintage Disney Films Related articles Discography RCA Victor The Monkees Midnight Cowboy Richard Perry The Hollywood Vampires The Lost Weekend The Telephone `` Pussy Cats '' Starring the Walkmen For the Love of Harry : Everybody Sings Nilsson Who Is Harry Nilsson ( And Why Is Everybody Talkin ' About Him ) ? Three Dog Night Danny Hutton Michael Allsup Paul Kingery Pat Bautz Eddie Reasoner David Morgan Cory Wells Chuck Negron Jimmy Greenspoon Floyd Sneed Joe Schermie Skip Konte Al Ciner Gary Moon Richard Campbell Studio albums Three Dog Night ( 1968 ) Suitable for Framing ( 1969 ) It Ai n't Easy ( 1970 ) Naturally ( 1970 ) Harmony ( 1971 ) Seven Separate Fools ( 1972 ) Cyan ( 1973 ) Hard Labor ( 1974 ) Coming Down Your Way ( 1975 ) American Pastime ( 1976 ) It 's a Jungle ( 1983 ) Live albums Captured Live at the Forum ( 1969 ) Around the World with Three Dog Night ( 1973 ) Compilations Golden Bisquits ( 1971 ) Joy to the World : Their Greatest Hits ( 1975 ) The Best of 3 Dog Night ( 1982 ) Celebrate : The Three Dog Night Story, 1965 -- 1975 ( 1993 ) 20th Century Masters -- The Millennium Collection : The Best of Three Dog Night ( 1999 ) Singles `` Nobody '' `` Try a Little Tenderness '' `` One '' `` Easy to Be Hard '' `` Eli 's Coming '' `` Celebrate '' `` Mama Told Me ( Not to Come ) '' `` Out in the Country '' `` One Man Band '' `` Joy to the World '' `` Liar '' `` An Old Fashioned Love Song '' `` Never Been to Spain '' `` The Family of Man '' `` Black & White '' `` Pieces of April '' `` Shambala '' `` Let Me Serenade You '' `` The Show Must Go On '' `` Sure As I 'm Sittin ' Here '' `` Play Something Sweet ( Brickyard Blues ) '' `` Til the World Ends '' `` Everybody Is a Masterpiece '' `` It 's a Jungle Out There '' Discography Book John Farnham Studio albums Sadie Everybody Oughta Sing a Song Looking Through a Tear Christmas Is... Johnny Farnham Johnny Together Johnny Farnham Sings the Shows Hits Magic & Rock ' N Roll Johnny Farnham Sings Hits from the Movies J.P. Farnham Sings Uncovered Whispering Jack Age of Reason Chain Reaction Then Again... Romeo 's Heart 331⁄3 The Last Time I Remember When I Was Young : Songs from the Great Australian Songbook Jack Friends for Christmas Live albums Johnny Farnham Sings The Big Hits Of ' 73 Live ! Full House Live At The Regent Theatre Highlights from The Main Event John Farnham & Tom Jones -- Together in Concert The Acoustic Chapel Sessions Two Strong Hearts Live Compilation albums The Best of Johnny Farnham Johnny Farnham 's Greatest Hits Anthology 1 : Greatest Hits 1986 -- 1997 Anthology 2 : Classic Hits 1967 -- 1985 ( Recorded Live ) Anthology 3 : Rarities Love Songs One Voice : The Greatest Hits The Essential The Essential 3.0 Videos & DVDs The Main Event Anthology - The Videos An Audience with John Farnham The Last Time One Voice : The Greatest Clips John Farnham & Tom Jones -- Together in Concert Classic Jack Live ! Chain Reaction Live in Concert With The Sydney Symphony Live at the Sydney Opera House Two Strong Hearts Live EPs & Singles `` Sadie ( The Cleaning Lady ) '' `` Underneath the Arches '' `` I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus '' `` One '' `` Raindrops Keep Fallin ' on My Head '' `` Help ! '' `` You 're the Voice '' `` Pressure Down '' `` A Touch of Paradise '' `` Reasons '' `` Age Of Reason '' `` Two Strong Hearts '' `` Beyond the Call '' `` When Something Is Wrong with My Baby '' `` Everything 's Alright '' `` Everytime You Cry '' `` The Last Time '' `` We Will Rock You '' `` Downhearted '' `` Even When I 'm Sleeping '' Related articles Discography Awards Little River Band Darryl Sambell Glenn Wheatley Filter Richard Patrick Jonathan Radtke Tim Kelleher Bobby Miller Brian Liesegang Matt Walker Rob Patterson Phil Buckman Studio albums Short Bus Title of Record The Amalgamut Anthems for the Damned The Trouble with Angels The Sun Comes Out Tonight Crazy Eyes Compilations The Very Best Things ( 1995 -- 2008 ) Singles `` Hey Man Nice Shot '' `` ( Ca n't You ) Trip Like I Do '' `` One '' `` Welcome to the Fold '' `` Take a Picture '' `` Where Do We Go from Here '' `` Soldiers of Misfortune '' `` Happy Together '' `` Gimme All Your Lovin ' '' `` What Do You Say '' Related articles Discography Army of Anyone The Damning Well Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=One_(Harry_Nilsson_song)&oldid=863414011 '' Categories : 1967 songs 1968 singles 1969 singles 1995 singles Songs written by Harry Nilsson Harry Nilsson songs Three Dog Night songs Filter ( band ) songs Song recordings produced by Rick Jarrard RCA Records singles Dunhill Records singles Reprise Records singles Songs about loneliness Chamber pop songs Hidden categories : Articles needing additional references from September 2009 All articles needing additional references Articles with hAudio microformats All articles with specifically marked weasel - worded phrases Articles with specifically marked weasel - worded phrases from January 2017 Talk Contents About Wikipedia Español 日本 語 Edit links This page was last edited on 10 October 2018, at 16 : 41 ( UTC ). 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Question: who wrote the song one is the loneliest number
Answer: Harry Nilsson