Nicolette Larson (July 17, 1952 – December 16, 1997) was an American singer best known for her 1979 cover version of Neil Young's "Lotta Love".
Born in Helena, Montana, Larson got her start singing with Hoyt Axton's band and Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen. She worked as a session vocalist for Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, Michael McDonald, Willie Nelson, Jimmy Buffett, Neil Young, Christopher Cross, Little Feat, Mary Kay Place, The Dirt Band, The Beach Boys, Pure Prairie League, and The Doobie Brothers. In 1979, she was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best New Artist. She also had a minor role in the 1988 film Twins.
Larson sang much of the backing vocals on Neil Young's "Comes a Time" and "Harvest Moon" albums, and duets on the song "Motorcycle Mama". She also sang backup on the Van Halen song "Could This Be Magic?", "Sweet Blue Midnight" by The Georgia Satellites, and on the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's hit "Make a Little Magic". In the mid to late 1980's she had several Country chart hits, including the duet, "That's When You Know Love's Right" with Steve Wariner. The song peaked at #9 on Billboards Top Country Singles chart in 1986.
Her voice was appreciated all over the world. She held concerts in Europe and Australia. In 1991 she attended the Italian Festival di Sanremo where she sang a duet with Grazia Di Michele, the song "Me and My Father".
Larson died on December 16, 1997 in Los Angeles as a result of complications arising from cerebral edema. Larson is survived by her husband, the drummer Russell Kunkel, and her daughter Elsie May Larson-Kunkel. Larson is buried in Forest Lawn – Hollywood Hills Cemetery in Los Angeles.
A benefit concert was held in her honor following her death.
A Reached #96 on the Black Singles chart.
