When Pete Ham and Tom Evans of Badfinger crafted the iconic song “Without You” in 1970, they likely could not foresee its journey to becoming a global phenomenon. Initially, both songwriters had little faith in the track’s potential for success. Tragically, they would not live to witness its rise in popularity. Ham took his own life in 1975, just five years after the song debuted on Badfinger’s album No Dice. Evans followed suit in 1983, also by suicide. The unfortunate circumstances surrounding their deaths were deeply intertwined with financial disputes stemming from their contract with Warner Bros., which heavily favored their manager, Stan Polley. This led to a bitter legal battle in 1974, leaving the band members in dire straits.

In a poignant suicide note, Ham expressed his despair: “I will not be allowed to love and trust everybody. This is better. Pete. PS Stan Polley is a soulless bastard. I will take him with me.” Less than a decade later, Evans had a heated argument over royalties from “Without You” with bandmate Joey Molland, culminating in his tragic decision to end his life in his garden.

Listen to Badfinger’s ‘Without You’

However, one individual recognized the song’s brilliance: Harry Nilsson, who released his own rendition in 1971. His interest stemmed from a misunderstanding; he initially believed it was a Beatles song after hearing it at a party, a reasonable assumption given its melodic quality and emotional depth.

Nilsson’s journey to recording the song was not without its hurdles. Producer Richard Perry recounted the challenges faced during production, stating, “I had to force him to take a shot with the rhythm section.” Even while recording, Nilsson expressed doubts about the song’s appeal, calling it “awful” to the musicians involved. Despite these challenges, Perry managed to steer him towards a grand orchestral sound for the choruses, transforming the original into a more Beatles-esque arrangement featuring notable musicians like Klaus Voormann on bass, Jim Keltner on drums, and Gary Wright on piano. This effort culminated in Nilsson’s version soaring to No. 1 on the charts in both the U.S. and U.K., earning a Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, much to the joy of Badfinger.

“No one had recorded any of our songs until then,” Evans remarked in 1972. “It had been our ambition to write songs other people would record. It’s one of the most exciting things that has happened.”

Listen to Harry Nilsson’s Cover of ‘Without You’

In a twist of fate, Nilsson passed away in 1994, coinciding with another resurgence of “Without You” through the talented Mariah Carey. By then, Carey had already established herself as a formidable songwriter and vocalist, amassing multiple hit singles and Grammy awards. On her critically acclaimed third album, Music Box, she chose to cover Badfinger’s “Without You”, marking a significant moment in her burgeoning career.

Despite being in her early 20s at the time of recording Music Box, Carey showcased her diverse musical influences, which likely contributed to her choice of the song. “I listen to different music at different times,” she shared in a 1993 Us interview. “I like gospel music at night ? I’m pretty religious in my own way. … I like rap when I’m in a rowdy mood. I like songs from the ’80s, ’70s, ’60s, old soul music.” Furthermore, she mentioned in the official music video for her cover that “Without You” had moved her deeply as a child, often bringing her to tears.

READ MORE: How Paul McCartney Crafted Badfinger’s Breakout

Ultimately, the reason behind her choice was quite straightforward. “I heard that song in a restaurant and just knew it would be a huge international hit,” Carey reflected many years later in a 2013 interview.

And indeed, it turned out to be just that. Carey’s rendition, which echoed Nilsson’s arrangement while showcasing her extraordinary vocal talent, was released as a single on January 21, 1994, a mere six days following Nilsson’s death. The track became her first No. 1 hit in the U.K., held the No. 3 spot in the U.S. for six weeks, and topped charts in various European countries, affirming the song’s enduring legacy and the remarkable journey it had taken from obscurity to international acclaim.

Watch Mariah Carey’s Music Video for ‘Without You’