Harry Chapin

Subject: Harry Chapin
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 16 Jul 06 - 11:54 AM

I just glanced and my calendar and saw a note that surprised me.   Today, July 16th, marks the 25th annivesary of the death of Harry Chapin.   It seems like yesterday that we all sitting in the "cheap seats" and sure that we would "get together again and again and again..".

We still miss him and we could certainly use his inspiration today.

Subject: RE: Harry Chapin
From: The Sandman
Date: 16 Jul 06 - 01:19 PM

Did nt he write Born Today, a brilliant song.

Subject: RE: Harry Chapin
From: danensis
Date: 16 Jul 06 - 01:39 PM

There are so many lyrics - well worth a re-listen:

Strum your guitar -- sing it kid
Just write about your feelings -- not the things you never did
Inexperience -- it once had cursed me
But your youth is no handicap -- it's what makes you thirsty,

John

Subject: RE: Harry Chapin
From: gnu
Date: 16 Jul 06 - 02:16 PM

25 years! Gosh. RIP.

Subject: Lyr Add: THE SHORTEST STORY (Harry Chapin)
From: SharonA
Date: 17 Jul 06 - 12:27 PM

Captain Birdseye: The song you refer to is entitled "The Shortest Story", written in 1976 as part of his personal campaign to raise awareness about world hunger. Indeed it is a brilliant song...


THE SHORTEST STORY

I am born today, the sun burns its promise in my eyes;
Mama strikes me and I draw a breath and cry.
Above me a cloud softly tumbles through the sky;
I am glad to be alive.

It is my seventh day, I taste the hunger and I cry;
My brother and sister cling to Mama's side.
She squeezes her breast, but it has nothing to provide;
Someone weeps, I fall asleep.

It is twenty days today, Mama does not hold me anymore;
I open my mouth but I am too weak to cry.
Above me a bird slowly crawls across the sky;
Why is there nothing now to do but die?

Subject: RE: Harry Chapin
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 19 Jul 06 - 06:19 PM

The song of his I most admire is "Why did the little girls grow crooked". Thanks for reminding us of this anniversary, Ron.

Subject: RE: Harry Chapin
From: Anonny Mouse
Date: 20 Jul 06 - 03:33 PM

Had the extreme privilege of seeing Harry on the same bill as Carly Simon as both were hitting their respective strides..."Taxi" was on the radio; Carly's first album was gold. I was in the wings on stage with my wife-we were friends of the two other performers on the same bill. After Harry's set, he came back to watch Carly with us. So, there we are sitting with him...and all I can think of to talk about is this massive Guild F-50, all curly maple guitar he was playing. What a tone-monster. So, being the owner of a Guild D-40, I ask Harry about his guitar, and what the woods were...so he yanks it out of the case, and plucks a few things talking about how much he likes it. Then he says: "here--try it out...tell me what you think." So I did...and then reverently handed it back to him. He was about the most self-effacing, warm, friendly, down-to-earth guy you could hope for...not a pretentious bone in his body. So that's MY "Harry Story." He went on to do great things, and then taken from us waaaaaay too soon! Hoist one for Harry today--thanks man!

Subject: RE: Harry Chapin
From: Donuel
Date: 21 Jul 06 - 10:21 AM

We had some half naked pictures of Harry from a motel when he was on tour in NYS. His ever present smile was evidence to his joi de vivre.

Subject: RE: Harry Chapin
From: EBarnacle
Date: 21 Jul 06 - 11:16 AM

I met with Harry several times. The last time was at a Clearwater Festival in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. As he did not bring his band with him, several of us were invited to join him on stage. I was invited to do the high part from Taxi. My recording of the set tells me I did it fairly well.

The strange thing about Harry's music is that it comes over quite well on a video or in person. An audio only recording is more reflective of his textual content. Most of his songs are sad and, without his presence, somewhat depressing, especially when played one after the other.

Subject: RE: Harry Chapin
From: GUEST,Banion
Date: 21 Jul 06 - 06:47 PM

You were the best, Harry,...the best!

Subject: RE: Harry Chapin
From: CamiSu
Date: 21 Jul 06 - 10:47 PM

I haven't been here in years. (Long story) But I get on today and here I see this. Harry was my neighbor. I babysat Josh & Jenny, and taught Jason to swim. Jaime is my sister's best friend. I've sung "Circle" for said sister's wedding and my dad's funeral(actually we all sang it). But I certainly have my years mixed up. My recollection is that Lady Wavestar was 6 months old when he was killed, not 1 1/2. And how time flies. It was years before I could listen to one of his songs without losing it. He taught me Cat's in the Cradle and Shooting Star, before the album came out. Probably helped sales a bit in Tempe AZ as I was playing those down there.

But my Harry moment was...I'd missed the train to NYC and needed to catch a bus back to school in CO. Mom saw Harry and most of the kids, and she flagged him down. Harry was one of the worst drivers in the world--had a hard time concentrating on the road--so the ride was memorable to say the least!

A lovely man. Grace and humility. We could sure use him around here now!

CamiSu

Subject: RE: Harry Chapin
From: GUEST,treespirit
Date: 24 Jul 06 - 03:51 PM

weirdly .. I havent been here for a while .. but I've just started to learn Circle and saturday Morning.

I'm finding it very hard to remember the melody :-o

Subject: RE: Harry Chapin
From: Gypsy
Date: 25 Jul 06 - 01:00 AM

I never had the privilege of meeting him. But his music was present at some of the most difficult moments of my life. What an incredible story teller! Harry lad, we miss ye

Subject: RE: Harry Chapin
From: Scrump
Date: 25 Jul 06 - 04:29 AM

HC had a rare way with words - The Cat's In The Cradle is one of the few songs that make me feel emotional. Ask any parent!