When I turned eighteen my girlfriend bought us a pair of tickets to see Harry Chapin who was performing at his home on Long Island to raise money for his town library. I was an aspiring songwriter at that time. When we got to Harry's home, there were perhaps sixty people there. Harry was sitting cross-legged outside on the side of his home performing some new songs. Before he began the last song, he said that it was not yet finished but that he wanted to play as much as he had already completed. After the performance, I casually suggested to him that he invert two lines so that the song could develop from where that idea would take him. He immediately agreed and understood the implication of my suggestion. I thought nothing more about it until a little bit later Harry approached me and asked me if I was a songwriter. I told him , yes. He then asked me if I would like to join his songwriter's workshop that he held in his living room about once every other month. I enthusiastically said yes! So, for the next couple of years I would go to Harry's house. Josh was two years old at that time and would crawl around on the floor. Sandy would make us all tea. There were about six or seven of us there. Harry's brother, Tom, would be there too. I recall he had some great children's songs. Anyway, Harry was the first adult person to really express to me a belief in my talents and abilities. And for that, I will always be grateful. Now, I am sixty six and Harry has never left my heart...

@hurin_thalion11

Жыл бұрын

that's an awesome story. Thank you. Huntington Bay history

@JohnMalcolmCuthbertson

Жыл бұрын

That's a great privilege to have had the opportunity to interact with the Chapins!

@mikeoakley7470

Жыл бұрын

Fantastic opportunity.

@candidasmith9623

Жыл бұрын

❤

@MikeGrayeb

11 ай бұрын

Great story. Do you remember which song you were referring to and which lines you suggested he invert?

Met Harry at O’Hare on a shared flight to OKC. He (his young son along) was going to perform that night. He asked if they could sit by me. He asked me, (22 at the time) where I was from and how was it going. He talked about life and how short it is. That is why he was bringing his young son along. They were laughing. He asked if music could change the world, told him that, thru him, it already has. Humble, polite and caring: an example for me the rest of my life. Thank you, Harry.

I had just completed 23 years in the Navy submarine force. When I heard about Harry’s accident and death I cried like a baby. What a great human being. I miss him so.

@chesslerbooks

Жыл бұрын

Even if you spent half your time on board and half at home, this means that you really gave your life to your country. Thank you so much for keeping us safe.

@ginaweisblat7377

3 ай бұрын

me too

Harry Chapin was my first concert. I was 13. I'm now 67 and I love his music as much as I did then.

We need more Harry Chapin's!!!

@quinbrady

Жыл бұрын

many, many more

@NMarsden

6 ай бұрын

Remember what happened in 1981!

@cindipossidento5688

6 ай бұрын

AMEN 🙏

Every time I hear one of Harry's songs I always get a lump in my throat & tears in my eyes. He was the embodiment of Humanity & exuded this in all aspects of his life. The world needs so much more of this kind but it seems only the very few are capable of this. Harry understood that we are all one on this spinning Blue Ball and that we all deserve to be cared for as humans. I look forward to speaking with him in the ethereal realm. We will always love you, Harry, thank you for your words & your humanity.

@user-rz8bu6vl8x

4 ай бұрын

I always tear up when I hear cat's in the cradle 😢

I remember sitting on the steps of my college gym talking to Harry about life during his break practicing for the nights performance. I will never forget him.What a awesome person!

@melodyelson3202

2 жыл бұрын

how wonderful that you had that experience thx for sharing !! •••□\■●●♤□□○●○•~`•••• what a tribute to a wonderful man a circle of words an experience to be shared with our world

@johnnyraider

Жыл бұрын

YOU LUCKY LADY. I REMEMBER HAVING FRONT ROW SEATS AT TARANNA'S (TORONTO) MASSEY HALL WITH MADAME X. HARRY JUMPED DOWN OFF THE STAGE AND LAID DOWN IN THE AISLE BESIDE ME. I ABOUT PISSED MY PANTS. I SHOOK HIS HAND AND SAID KEEP ON KEEPIN' ON HARRY - I WISH I HAD SAID GET SOMEBODY ELSE TO DRIVE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FUCK I MISS U HARRY.

@candidasmith9623

Жыл бұрын

He had magnetic personality....

@robertsimonofsky3959

7 ай бұрын

You are a lucky person

@laurinnnn

5 ай бұрын

@@johnnyraider😢💔

After first hearing "Taxi" on the radio about 1972. I bought my first Harry Chapin record in 1976, "Greatest Stories Live", and was hooked. I bought everything I could find after that. His music was a major part of the sound track of my youth. For me, on hearing that Harry had died in a car crash in 1981, that was "The day the Music Died". Bought this Tribute Concert on cassette in 1988. It was great to hear renditions of his songs by others. The story from Pat Benatar on how she became a Rock musician under Harry's influence, and her beautiful rendition of "Shooting Star". Then there's Bruce Springsteen story of first meeting Harry before singing "Remember When the Music". Harry was a master storyteller and he has been missed!

I saw him 5 times in person, all in Chicago. Cried when I heard he died. My favorite performer.

Harry wrote poetry and put it to simple melodies. It was the words that made his songs so meaningful.

My life's much richer for having been able to experience Harry's music 🎶

Harry is such an icon feeding so many, he’s a miracle.

It is truly sad to recall the loss of great singer songwriters, activists and humanitarians, like John Denver and Harry Chapin. True visionaries. Both of these artists help shape my life in so many way as well as my thinking of humanity, where we are, what it can be and the work that we need to do. I am just seeing this tribute to Harry. Takes me back to the last 3 concerts he did in the MD, PA area shortly before (april Nov1980 and May 81) his fatal car crash on the Long Island Exchange on July 16 1981. Damn we miss you Harry! Wish you were still here!

@marilynlovelady607

Жыл бұрын

He had just played here in B'ham., AL; I wanted to see him but had to work. I said : I'll see him next time. There's no next time. Story was that he was not a good driver & his wife had told him Not to drive!

@THEDUDE912

Жыл бұрын

Long Island Expressway. 495

Wow! Pat Benatar blew My socks off! Beautiful Voice and powerful Pipes...

Harry was the best!! Miss him so much.

Fortunate enough to have met Harry several times. No words can describe this mind boggling workaholic. A 'Type A' x 10. Energy ? He's been gone 41 years I've never met anyone like him. A force of nature. A 6 foot 1 - 190 pound hurricane.

@SmartCookie63

Жыл бұрын

He died when I was in navy boot camp. And in a place of constant movement, everything just... STOPPED.

I'm just grateful to see Mr. Harry Belafonte as the MC. This is a man that lived his life for bettering humanity just as Harry Chapin. I only wish that Bruce Springsteen had thought more about Harry Chapin's words than his own accumulated wealth.

@5555enna

11 ай бұрын

I thought Bruce did a great job 😊

@roserose517

2 ай бұрын

Bruce Springsteen is quite a philanthropist.

@mariosaldana4006

Ай бұрын

I’m a Harry Balafonte fan, check out Mary Lou by The Creative Force!

I didn't care for Julie Collin's rendition of Cats in the Cradle, but I loved Pat Benatar's rendition of Shooting Star.

@jeffgreenberg5306

2 жыл бұрын

no doubt, pat nailed it!

@loditx7706

9 ай бұрын

@susanjean: I was disturbed that they didn’t have a man sing it. There were plenty of them there.

@christopherlundgren3499

9 ай бұрын

I love Judy Collins, but, this is the only song I've ever hated her doing. It was bad

@milliebanks7209

8 ай бұрын

Susan. I agree with not only but with the suggestion or question as to why they did not have a male sing it? True, Julie Collins did not do this wonderful song any justice and should have left it alone!

@janjerge1484

8 ай бұрын

What a shame!! Judy Collins took what was Harry Chapin's all-time, classic anthem & made it JUST a SONG!! 😢 Poor Harry!! He deserved so much better!! The fact that reviewers couldn't get JUDY Collins' name right is proof of how truly forgettable her performance was!! On the other hand, Richie Havens, Pat Benatar, & The Smothers Brothers performances were brilliant!! ❤❤

I saw Harry the first time in 1972 at the Great Southeast Music Hall in Atlanta. I saw him every year until just before he died in 1981. He would come out after every show and talk, sign autographs. I still have a tee-shirt that's autographed and embordered, "You could always count on the cheap seats." I've been playing guitar for more than 50 years and my style was influenced by his style. No pick and the E string turned down to D. Corey's Coming was the hardest for me to learn. I miss him and listen to him often and always will. All his songs touched me and usually ended with a touch of hope.

Harry's legacy is more than being a phenomenal songwriter and artist but is best exemplified in this video by his heart for the hungry which he put far above fame or fortune while working to eliminate world hunger, even starting a food bank, and was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for his humanitarian work as a true American hero.

@andreanelson3141

2 жыл бұрын

Just discovered this concert tribute to Harry Chapin. I attended 5-6 of his live concerts…such a vital human being with so much compassion and humanity. After one concert, he met fans in the lobby…giving out kisses to raise $ for hunger! I was lucky to experience one of those kisses and I remember it vividly 40+ years later. We need more folks with live hearts like Harry’s! His stories set to music remains his enduring legacy! Introduce your kids and grand kids to his ballads!

I met him once at a meet & greet that he used to do after his concerts. I got to speak to him ... I said "I am in awe of your capacity to create a 400 page novel and put it into a 3 minute song" He smiled and said "Thank you"

I've been going through some really difficult times. Every nice and pull out my phone, I did it when I was in the hospital almost 60 days and I do it now at home. I listen to his music, sometimes for hours, and start to feel better. To feel like myself. Somehow it takes some of the pain away

Thank you Graham that was beautiful ! What an amazing voice he had and why am i only realizing this 49 years later ? Pat ! Wow !

You go to a concert...and everyone knows all the words to all the songs and he sings along with you...so good 50 years and the memories are still strong

@patricktruchon9153

Жыл бұрын

Something about TAXI touches me in my heart. We all have one story in our life that fits this narrative. Wishing you the best Debi.

Amazing how often I meet other Chapin fans …. a next door neighbor, an old (50 year ago) high school friend and now …. my new boss! Wonderful how far and wide Harry’s music and fan base stretched. Like certainly is a circle.

What a kind bunch of loving souls celebrating the life of Harry, Graham Nash was amazing.

My heart warms and breaks. So beautiful. I am going to cry now.

I grew up listening to Harry. I consider myself blessed to have worn out so many tapes of his. Yes. TAPES. Happiest times in my life.

An awesome concert honoring this fine singer, songwriter and humanitarian!

I saw him in Nashville in the late 70’s. He came out to the lobby to sign albums and such and came up to me to compliment my outfit. Such a warm, kind and gifted musician and humanitarian. We miss you, Harry❣️

Do you know how to tell if someone has a really good heart and cares about humanity? If they're a longtime fan of Harry Chapin's music, that's how.

O, thank you. That was extraordinarily beautiful. His family there and singing, Richie Havens, I love you. So much love he instigated in the world. Thank you so much, Harry💚

Harry s music always enchants me.

He came to wvu . It was just him and his guitar. What a great concert that was. Glad I got to see him

I met Harry and John Denver at a University in Denver. He was very committed to ending hunger. Both of them were awesome people.

I saw Harry Chaplin perform three times and each appearance was magical. No one could weave a song better than Harry. One of those appearances was at my school on Long Island. It was easy to get him. He was listed in the phone book and the staff called him up and he agreed to show up and the only thing he asked for was that everyone bring a can of food to be admitted. It was just him and his guitar and it was so memorable. I remember I was living in Dayton, Ohio (home of Mr. Tanner) and driving to an Air Supply concert on July 16, 1981 when the DJ on the car radio announced that Harry had died in a car accident. I almost drove off the road. And now over forty years later I continue to listen to his music and still get emotional, especially with tender stories like “A Better Place To Be”, “Stranger With The Melodies” and “Mail Order Annie” among others. Harry was a truly great humanitarian...humble, kind, generous and thoughtful. He is sorely missed.

He is one of the best musicians I have ever listen to. His lyrics is wonderful and have a real meaning. I am so glad that I can listen to his music when I am down. 🥰💕

Best regards from Germany to the USA. It's nice that you can still hear such a good tribute concert nowadays. Since I became aware of the songs of H. Chapin, this extraordinary great songwriter in 1974 on the AFN radio station and also got hold of his records, I like to listen to his great songs again and again. It is a pity that such a very valuable person was allowed to live only for such a short time. But his wonderful songs remain (for me) unforgotten! - Many thanks for this tribute concert recording. Greetings again!

I am 68 and twice saw Harry perform in Calgary in the 1970s. I have seen hundreds of wonderful concerts featuring great musicians since, but not one gave me more sheer pleasure than seeing Harry on stage and the joy he brought to it. I am still moved when I play is music, and saddened that we lost him too early. The great storytelling songwriter of our generation, in my opinion. Every song is like a movie or a novel.

Blessed to have seen Harry 3 times. It was like going to see an old friend who could also sing. Miss his stories!

This is great music and people‼️. I trust many many many more will experience the extraordinary man, Harry Chapin and ALL honoring him. 🙏🏼♥️🌏🌺 LOVE to YOU …

I've been watching a recording of this concert since I was a kid and never stopped loving it. There is so much to take away from these songs and how much it has touched so many lives. Harry Chapin was a true gift to the world and I think all song writers would benefit from watching this. He was truly inspired and so good hearted. Thanks for posting this gem!

Easy to say Harry is great songwriter, but he was a truly great man. His human generosity is legend,

Never had the opportunity to see this amazing Saint...thank you for the music Harry& the memories..hope my late partner who did get to witness you..are together in Heaven..

It's fitting Pete Seeger, one of Harry's heroes, was on stage singing along when they did the Chapin Family Anthem "All My Life's A Circle"

Love that The Hooters are part of this all-star line-up.

Judy, here, is singing, perhaps, the absolute best I have EVER heard her sing; a voice of utterly dazzling, crystal clarity. Superb!

Harry Chapin was a special man, not just a musician or a song writer or performer, He was a Giving and Caring human being. I was at his concert that he was driving to when he got killed. I will always remember the man and his music.

@pennynickels5216

Жыл бұрын

Wow. So Harry never showed, was late? Did they announce his death and send everyone home?

Harry Chapin, FOREVER, One of THE BEST of the VERY BEST. We love and miss you, Harry.

One of a kind. My wife bought me front row center seats, which meant you last in line for t tee shirts . Harry stayed, signed mine said Always count on the cheap seats. The fact was Harry stayed.

This was truly the height of Benatar’s power as an artist. She summons that same apocalyptic intensity of “Invincible” or “Love is a Battlefield.”

@bobphillips3222

Жыл бұрын

She certainly hit them with her best shot!

Cats in the craddle my Harry's favourite song!!!

Love seeing Pete Seeger standing next to a guy in a tuxedo. I remember thinking at the time that losing Chapin at the start of the Reagan Era was just a brutal kick to the gut.

@lisaperry7297

3 ай бұрын

The guy in the tux is Steve chapin, Harry's brother

Harry should still be with us...what a guy.

I remember seeing this on TV; thanks for posting. Much appreciated.

I heard Taxi on the radio today. Harry was a brilliant song writer and singer.

Pat Benetar's rendition of Shooting Star was spot-on perfect..Wow.

I was honored to see Harry perform at the Front Row near Cleveland.

The greatest story teller in song ever

Incredibly beautiful night… for an amazing man .. left us 40 years too soon..🤍🧡💚🤎

Thank you for posting this. I dearly loved Harry's music (since the early 70s) and the fact that he was always totally committed. I've never seen this tribute. Again, thank you.

Unforgettable song. Unique

I saw him twice in Grand Rapids, Mi! He was then and still is a big influence in my musical life! I will always miss him!! ❤️🙏🏻👍🙋‍♂️🖖🏻

What a night. Harry Chapin's experience through all these great singers and musicians. Harry was sincere in his soul and his music will live in all our hearts 💕 RIP Harry Chapin!!

A great tribute to a fantastic musician and song writer. 😍

@25:40 There are a lot of reasons I have adored Pat Benatar for my entire adult life. This is just one of them.

Harry Chapin such a talent ,such a great person . His music was so endearing its so good for the soul. Complimented by a great band and of course the often overlooked base player singerJohn Wallace . Thanks for sharing. Be well

Harry Chapin and his music 🎶 were FANTASTIC ❤❤

Harry I seen you live but when I see your videos you put life back into me

Pat Benatar brings me to tears

Harry Chapin will always be an incredible figure in human history. His songs and life tell a gospel of true grit, true pain and true joy. The critics couldn't handle the reality and pain he brought to light within us all. However, they couldn't stop him. I was born in 1974 and was blessed to see Chapin several times in concert as he toured the midwest. If not for Harry's magic I would not know how to find the joy in the midst of tears or find my heart, in the midst of fears. I would have never dreamed of being an ordinary plumber capable of putting out the fires of this world. If not for Harry I would have never believed that while I spoke in an unknown language I would find someone to translate every word. I can't imagine a day not knowing the realities that my life is like a circle and inspite the bends in the road, I'm good until the dead end. I truly couldn't thank Harry enough for allowing me to be annoyed by a stranger only playing a few chords of music in that I would learn the magic of partnership. In my late 40's now I know that when I sing the songs the minstrels sang and tell the jokes the jesters told, it won't matter... cause truly there is only so much variation to a life's story. Harry helped me learn that beginnings and endings have a commonality that can only be found deep in the heart. In that small variation it's a heart that never stops feeling the pain of the lips it never kissed and all the trips it missed. In closing, I learned that even my most carefully chosen words sometimes go to hell and sometimes my most flippant have served me well. With how magical he truly was I wonder what might have been had he longer to live. On the flip side, could he have become so powerful in life as he did in death? Chapin might say perhaps just as well. Jesus had to go on a cross for us and a music man will burn.... To those who have experience Harry like me, you know I can no longer see through the puffy tear streaked eyes. I truly love you Harry, all of it. Thank you.

@RuththeTruther

Жыл бұрын

Beautiful. Thank you💚

saw him in concert many yrs ago. unforgettable. effusive personality. inclusive to the audience. always seemed so personable. family man. plus his stories hit you in the heart remarkably. miss him greatly. luckily we have him on disc and he will live on forever. needless to say, his commitment to world hunger has made me and others do volunteer work to help those in need. thanks for all that he accomplished.

We were there at his final Concert Performance , Hamilton Place 1981, Singer Song Writer, Story Teller & Humanitarian.

Seen him and his band 3 times in Belfast Ireland , masterful , wonderful .

Richie Havens just own that song, amazing

I got turned on to Harry back around 1976 or 77, one of our local radio DJs used to play guitar and perform a couple of Harrys tunes including Taxi. I was hooked. Thanks Greg Monde for your versions.

Harry Chapin was a wonderful storytelling musician. This is a great tribute.

AT 17:11(BILLY JOEL SAID HARRY WROTE THE BEST STORY TELLING SONGS STANDING ROOM ONLY(ME TOO): CROWD ERUPTED WITH APPLAUSE TO " SO I KEPT THE BILL IN MY SHIRT":>SO FORTUNATE TO CATCH HARRY< HIS BROTHERS & FULL BAND(EVON TOO & BIG JOHN))""TAXI & SEQUEL" STILL MY FAVORITES!!!!~~

I love this!! Just great heartfelt music! It is great to see and hear Pete Seeger , an icon from my childhood and peace marches on Washington

@diananutt1517

2 жыл бұрын

@Jennine McLaughlin. 🍀🌄🌾 I hope you saw the video of Pete with Arlo Guthrie when they sang "Can't Help Falling in Love With You." Can't imagine anyone not enjoying that! A real gem.💕

@diananutt1517

2 жыл бұрын

@Jennine McLaughlin ☮️🌲🍀 I'm so proud of you, Jeannine...and so jealous! What wonderful memories you must have!

@diananutt1517

2 жыл бұрын

@Jennine McLaughlin Sorry for that extra "a!"

Thank you for posting! Harry's Harry Chapin Greatest Stories Live double album was a regular play on my turntable before I finally had a chance to see him. The first time was a solo show at a 3K seat venue in Savannah, GA in 1979. The other was for my birthday in early 1981 at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion with the full band. I met him in the lobby after the show in Savannah. He signed my ticket. I still have it. What a shock it was to learn of his tragic death just a few months later. This show is amazing! The talented artists who covered Harry's songs in this tribute-fund raiser really knocked it out of the park! Thanks again for posting, Remember When The Music I always will. Thank you, Harry, for your timeless stories. They have soothed my soul through all these years.

Love it

He is a amazing person

It brought tears to my eyes hearing everyone in our University auditorium sing "Life is but a Circle" in harmony with Harry. Love you Harry ❤️

I met Mr Chapin while ushering at an Arts foundation benefit in Commack on L.I.N.Y. Tom Paxton. Richie Havens & a Canadian fella were also on the Bill. Lawrence I think was his name. One of the other Ushers Simon talked me into getting his Autograph. I wasn't into autographs, but I did it anyway. I got Havens 1st; what a sweet heart he was, then Lawrence, also an amiable gentlemen, then Paxton the same. Finally I met Chapin. I was thrilled & a lil overwhelmed, so off the cuff I said "Hey how are ya Harry" like his "Taxi" song lyrics. He just glared at me. I thought he was kidding too, but then he shoved the poster right back at me. Paxton nudged him a lil & Harry scribbled his Sig. hard over his pic and shoved it back to me. I was speechless. Part of me wanted to rip his picture out & toss it back, but the other part of me thought it would be a fun story one day. I wrote it off as just a bad day, still listening to his great music & having some fun with the story over the years. New Yorkers love a good bad experience story you can embelish over time. I was more of a Classic Rock guy. but folk singers were so much more intimate giving back ground to their songs & joking with the audience a bit. All in all I felt lucky to be there to hear these legends live. Many years later I shared both Taxi & Cats in the Cradle with my oldest son, along with the story. They loved it & we had a few laughs to.

Harry's stories.... ❤

I wish I could give this video 10 or 20 "likes"

Love this

This has blessed my life so very much. Thank you. I had concert tickets to see Harry, but the concert was cancelled when he passed. It was one of my greatest regrets to not have seen him live. His music touched my soul somewhere deep, so this is greatly appreciated.

Wow, your a lucky person❤️ Thanks for sharing❤️

Outstanding! :)

This is such an unknown song, except to Harry fans, that I want to thank you for this. It means that other people have been touched by this song, as I have. I play and sings this too, glad to have a like soul. 😊

The Greatest Human Being in my lifetime. 1966 to current. One of the Greatest to ever walk this planet.

Saw him - before he sang he said’ this is going to be the best day of my life’ he was so ‘real’

i saw him at ontario place it was raining and he call everybody into the stage out of the rain it was like a sing song around the campfire it was great

Nash, there is no parallel. Carnegie Hall most astounding.

Three thousand views and no comments? Crazy. Thank you so much for posting this! Seeing Pat Benetar perform Shooting Star was beautiful.

@melodyelson3202

2 жыл бұрын

I was supprised I'm seeing this tribute for the first time ... to be shared w/ many how wonderful that we have utube saving musical history what an amazing group of musicians and words to share !!

@margueritewalte3814

Жыл бұрын

Maybe there are no words...

@nancybertolino665

Жыл бұрын

No comments can compare to Harry Chapin’s song-writing words! Why try?

I hate to say this, but what I still feel after all these years is anger. About fifty years since I first saw him perform, I still think of the senseless way we lost a great songwriter/storyteller.

@annschon3105

7 ай бұрын

I absolutely agree with you this man was a living Saint, but would have detested this title.

@bonniek5331

7 ай бұрын

I know! I seen him in concert 2. 3 times. Breaks my heart!

In deep heart...memory .

Saw Harry in 77 at the Rota EM Club. Only paid 5 dollars.

ritchie performing wold is sublime