Did Harry Chapin Predict His Own Death?? | Roots Music History Documentary

[@barbgot]

An eerie reminisce here. My wife and I saw Harry at the Westchester Premiere Theater a few years before his death. We arrived early and while slowly walking in the parking lot to the venue, we noticed a blue VW Rabbit with the driver's window rolled down and music pouring out. We looked closely and there was Harry, with Big John Wallace in the passenger seat. Harry smiled at us and beckoned us over and said, "Give this a listen". It was a track he was laying down for a new album. We don't remember the song but it might have been for the "Legends of the Lost and Found" album. I don't remember what our responses were because we were in awe. He gave a great show that night, as usual. Saw him about 15 times. A one-of-a-kind human being.

[@ROOTSMUSICHISTORY]

Oh wow!! Holy cow. What an experience........... I'm so glad you added this story to the comments. It's comments like this that make all the research and time editing, etc. worth it! Thank you so much for being here and supporting the channel, too! ❤🎵

[@sherwoodchevy]

Miss him.I met Harry in 1979 and never forgot him.I was in Farmingdale college eating lunch and Harry introduced hiself.I was flabergasted! Harry Chapin next to me! What a charming regular guy. Harry had some things to sell for his charity begins at home.I bought a shirt off Harry and he signed it. I still have it hanging in my closet so I can see it.That was over 40+ years ago.

[@richardsmith8590]

This is being typed on March 6, 2023. I was asked to perform Taxi three days ago at the Seaglass Lounge in the Omni Plantation Amelia Island resort by a random guest. I started to say no but, was able to pull up a chart. This song introduced me to Harry Chapin at 13 years of age. I was a fledgling guitarist at that age and became an instant follower of this great and honest American storyteller. I was fortunate to catch him in concert in Milledgeville, Georgia While attending Georgia College. I was a freshman. His band played for 2 hours. We would not leave. The band came out and did another 30 minutes. They walked off to a roaring and more hungry young audience. After about 5 minutes, he walked out by himself with a guitar and sat, with his legs dangling, on the edge of the huge stage. For another hour he regaled us with story telling and campfire music themes. I loved this man and so did everyone in that small middle Georgia town. Finishing up, today I was reviewing his live recording of Taxi and charting the actual changes.... tonight Gary Rossington, the last living member of the original Skynyrd died. We are not famous in ourselves. Never. We are roots that feed a larger more divine state of human condition and creativity. Creativity is the evidence of God in us. I hope they meet and share a long conversation. Gary was shy but, Harry was engaging. They were perfectly human and that is why we loved them.

[@konagirl8335]

Thank you so much for doing this video. Harry was an absolutely wonderful man and a genius musically. I was lucky enough to meet him a few times as a child because he was friendly with my Dad. Harry's used to stop in at the police department where my Dad worked after he dropped off his son Josh, at the local elementary school to play soccer. He'd stop and see if my Dad was around and they'd have coffee together. I'll always remember him telling me that I had a "great old man." He was so generous with his time and a very funny guy. Unfortunately, we were away when the accident happened and heard it on the radio. We were all so shocked and my Dad was just stunned because he had just seen him the weekend before. We drove home early from DC so that my Dad could go and pay his respects. We always felt that God must have needed a singer/songwriter for his choir because Harry was definitely up there with him! Thanks again, it's so nice to see his smile and hear his voice! Great job on all of your videos 😊

[@pattybob5536]

There were a group of cars in the 1970's that were famous for bursting into flames when hit from behind in accidents. I think it was the Ford Pinto. That is what Harry was referring to in this interview, I believe.

[@allenh7835]

WOW ! Great research. Heartbreaking to know Chapin had the wealth to travel in limos and first class but chose not too. Rare individual and a good man. RIP Harry Chapin. Thank you for those beautiful songs.

[@Primitarian]

Harry Chapin: A musician who died when he was 38 years old in an apparently random car accident in 1981, but whose music continues to resonate in 2023.

[@constancewest4896]

I was born on a farm in '72 and my older sister was primarily in charge of raising me. We did not have a TV and music was our thing. I lived and breathed every song she played bc I loved her so much. She would dig out a center of a haybale roll for us to hide in in the middle of a roll and she would "smoke" in and sing me Chapin songs. It was some of the most poignant memories of my life, so when she left us I still always had those songs in my heart. It is bittersweet now to listen to this lovely man's stories accompanied by music.

[@billbomball3890]

Took my future wife to a Harry Chapin concert in Lake Geneva, Wi in August 1980. What a storyteller he was. It was an open air amphitheater and a strong summer storm came through during the last part of the concert with lightning, wind and heavy rain. Have remembered that concert like it was yesterday and still listen to all the Chapin classics.

[@ROOTSMUSICHISTORY]

That's what I love about him! (Well one of the things) What a great story teller he was and how he'd tell stories with his songs. What a cool experience that you saw him!

[@bonnee3813]

Harry, was friends with my parents. I always remember Harry, carrying Josh, on his shoulders. When Josh, was a toddler. I went to Huntington High School with his sister.

[@rjb77]

Never saw him in concert but listen to his music probably more than any artists. What a fantastic story-teller! I was working on something at home, listening to his music when a friend of mine stopped by, asked me who I was listening to and I told him... the song was, "Mr. Tanner". My friend said, "that's beautiful, too bad he died today". I was shocked at hearing this, so much so, I had to stop working. It took a while before I could listen to his music after that.

[@ROOTSMUSICHISTORY]

Oh my word. How incredible how the universe works like this - that in that moment you are listening to that song and that's how you found out. Wow - I'll remember this account forever! Thank you so much for sharing and for supporting the Roots Music History channel. 🎵❤

[@dougcoleburn1579]

This was very well done . God bless Harry. I love his music.

[@ROOTSMUSICHISTORY]

Thank you so much!! I hope you enjoy my other music history tales as well. If you have any ideas for the next one let me know !!

[@catomember]

Very nice job on such a great man. I had the honor to shake hands and get Harry's autograph at his concert in Nov. 1980. Saw his brother, Steve, Big John Wallace, his son, and Howie Fields (drummer) this weekend. They signed the program Harry signed for me 41 years ago. I was so happy. It was so great to hear his music in this small theater. Everyone there knew, saw, or met Harry and his band. It was a fantastic night. I made some new friends and lived the "Circle" Harry sung about! Live a good life, everyone and spread the word about Harry's music!!

[@ROOTSMUSICHISTORY]

Oh wow!!! I love this thank you so much for sharing this cool memory! I can't believe he shook your hand! Please tell me you never washed it again?! lol! I hope you subscribe and like some of the other videos, too! I love making these and hope you love watching them just as much!

[@PaulMcCann-u7k]

Very much enjoyed this video which I hadn’t come across before. I am a lifelong admirer of Harry Chapin and his music. Love the advice of his grandfather ( sound only on KZbin ) and his praise of Pete Seeger. I think Harry’s reference to the car company producing cars which burst into flames when ‘ rear-ended’ refers to the $125 million of exemplary damages awarded against Ford USA by a Californian court in 1978 for producing the Ford Pinto knowing that the design compromised the safety of occupants when rear ended. The Pinto was designed with the fuel tank behind the rear axle making fire more likely when car ‘rear-ended’. Allegedly, Senior management were aware of this but chose to save the $15 cost per car boosting their profit on Pinto instead of making it safer by a number of safety measures including repositioning the fuel tank.

[@ROOTSMUSICHISTORY]

I’m so glad you liked it! Be sure to subscribe to the channel and you’ll see the other videos and research I post! I’m working on one right now about the Lynyrd Skynyrd Plane Crash ♥️

[@kirkwalsh8985]

I saw Harry twice. July 2, 1976 at the Virginia Beach Dome and May 18, 1980 at Busch Gardens, Williamsburg. Both shows were great. I heard about his death shortly after buying his Greatest Stories Live album. It was a sad day for myself and my older brother who introduced me to Harry's music.

[@JP-qt7yd]

He was talking about the Ford Pinto that was prone to rear end collision fires in the 70's

[@mwmann]

The coroner, i remember the news report like it was yesterday reported his death as a massive coronary infarction. Now looking at the way he suddenly put on his flashers, slowed to 15 mph, then begin swerving on the highway until his vehicle was struck by a semi truck shows some kind of physical distress. Regardless, the damage done to his body cause by the accident and the heart attack virtually assured his demise. Either way it was a tremendous loss to the world and his family. Not to mention his fans like me and the music scene. I cried when i heard the news. I was 26 and my girlfriend was 20 and never listened to Harry's music unless she was with me. Still, she didn't know what i was shedding tears over till i told her. It felt like a close friend had passed. God bless you Harry, and your family. RIP

[@raymanzi1829]

I think he was coherent throughout the event. Looking at the VW scene photo you can see the front wheels are turned to the left in an effort to correct the sideways motion from the impact. I think he was trying to maneuver toward the shoulder due to mechanical problems, but nobody was respecting the flashers he had on.

[@marklouis4644]

Two long 45 RPM singles were released before Taxi: “MacArthur Park” by Richard Harris was released in April 1968 clocking in at 7:21. Later in August 1968, the Beatles released “Hey Jude” at 7:12. Taxi was released in March 1972 clocking in at 6:44, still very long for a single but shorter than those 1968 45 RPM singles.

[@aaroncoberg68]

I saw several Chapin concerts as a kid. We met him in the lobby most of the time after his show. He's always been my model. Thank you for this video!

[@PeterGale-ux5cv]

Well done video, I have been a BIG Chapin fan since the late 70's. I had the privilege ( and I mean privilege) of seeing live in Concert. Once in Calgary Canada ( May 1980) and then again in Banff Canada, in March of 1981. I have been to lots of "Big" name concerts, but NONE were as good as Harry's. The others seemed too impersonal, It was as if Harry sang to each and everyone there. After the show in Banff, he ran thru the audience to near the exit, and sold T-shirts, song books and poem books. All of the money went to world hunger. He shook my hand and said " thanks for coming to the show", I bought all 3.... ( still have them).....

[@ROOTSMUSICHISTORY]

Oh wow! That is a privilege indeed....what a cool life experience. It's things like that where in the moment you may be hesitant to spend the money on the ticket but when you look back on life you are so glad you bought those tickets and went to that show. I know what you mean by some feeling impersonal. Harry was extremely humble and relatable. I can't believe he shook your hand!!!! Please tell me you never washed that hand again! haha! I hope you subscribe and like some of the other videos, too! I love making these and hope you love watching them just as much!

[@barneyronnie]

Excellent video. Thank you for honoring this great singer/ storyteller.

[@ROOTSMUSICHISTORY]

This means so much to me, thank you! I put a lot of effort into these! I hope you subscribe and like some of the other videos, too! I love making these and hope you love watching them just as much!

[@aarongoldstein7614]

“Taxi” came out in February 1972 more than a year before Lynyrd Skynyrd recorded “Free Bird”. However, Don McLean released “American Pie” in 1971 & it was 8:42 as compared to 6:44 for “Taxi”.

[@partsman726]

Excellent video!! I was a big Harry Chapin fan after Taxi hit the airwaves (even now, still) and have several of his albums. I was crushed when I heard of his passing. He was a great story teller, musician, poet, and fighter for the hungry. One can only wonder what great contributions he may have made if his life wasn't cut short. I ocassionally listen to his daughter's music. May his fans keep his music and memory alive forever.

[@kimflannery2047]

I appreciate your take on this ..have always luved Harry’s music and especially his humanitarian work…thank you so much!

[@ROOTSMUSICHISTORY]

Thank you!! I put a lot of work into these videos but I love doing the research and paying tributes ♥️ Hopefully you subscribe and enjoy the others! I’m working on one right now about the Lynyrd Skynyrd Plane Crash 🎶

[@rickpearlstein6421]

Wow! A young person who knows about Harry Chapin? Outstanding! Yes. Everyone should listen to Harry. His live album is my favorite of all.

[@jimstewart2457]

He was a AWESOME singer and person.

[@gerryhatrick6678]

One error in this is the statement about that being the first long song....Hey Jude by the Beatles was seven minutes long...American Pie by Don McClean was eight and a half minutes long...

[@reneeherr4145]

Harry died too soon god wanted him for some reason Rip harry your missed 😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@skippress]

Thank you VERY much for doing this. In 1989, I was cast by Kyle Morris to play Harry in the story of his life We looked so much alike, even the cleft chin. I met Pete Seeger who gave me his blessing (he was Harry's idol). I met Arlo Guthrie, same thing. I could even sing the high part on "Taxi" that Big John did. Then Sandy Chapin got in a court battle with Kyle (who was producing and writing the script) and with a guy writing Harry's bio. Front page of the NY Post. Why? I never found out. A few years later, the producer of Selena and Gettysburg wanted to do Harry's bio and asked me to call Sandy about it, so I did. Sandy didn't even answer me. She just had her lawyer write me and say there would NEVER be a Harry Chapin movie. Why? Who knows, maybe she didn't want the world knowing she cheated on her husband to be with Harry. Very weird, damn shame. Great heart Harry.

[@willsray]

Thanks for the detailed history on Harry Chapin. One edit you may consider is about the "long songs". In 1965 Bob Dylan's "Like a Rolling Stone" was over 6 minutes long..

[@JohnNiemsMusic]

I have subscribed because you did very well showing HARRY as I forgot how young he was when he died! A great songwriter but more importantly a great man!

[@ROOTSMUSICHISTORY]

I'm so glad you liked it and that I've done some justice as a tribute! He's a legend and my childhood would not have been the same without his music. I hope you subscribe and join the Roots Music History Family - there's lots more videos where this came from! and I'm continually working to improve!

[@PaganWizard]

If you're still looking for the Chapin Bros. album, look on eBay. I found quite a few vinyl albums, and CD's just by searching "Chapin Bros." 7:23 You said prior to "Freebird" no song had been longer than 3 and a half minutes. In 1968, Iron Butterfly recorded "IN-A-GADDA-DA-VIDA" which was derived from "in the garden of Eden" clocked in at more than 17 minutes long. Here's a link to that song kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3q5lmCoj6eWo5Y The album this song is on, sold more than 30 million copies, in spite of not doing very well on the music charts.

[@thegoose858]

In speculating whether the accident was because of driver error, Harry having a coronary, mechanical failure, or some other cause, there's another possible explanation: he was travelling slowly and trying to pull over not because of mechanical failure, but because he was having a coronary. We'll never know for sure. RIP to a great man.

[@feenix8461]

I'm lucky that I worked for a friend of Harrys. You have an infectious energy 🥰

[@ROOTSMUSICHISTORY]

Oh how cool is that! And thank you so much a kind comment means so much!

[@jimumble6355]

I learned to play taxi & cat in the cradle .before he passed.

[@maxliamailis]

Saw Harry in Winnipeg, I think in 1980/81. Met him after the show. He was such a gracious kind man.

[@ROOTSMUSICHISTORY]

That’s what everyone says who met him! I love that. ♥️ I wouldn’t want to do all this work on a roots rockumentary for anyone who wasn’t down to earth and nice

[@samanthadoe4742]

They DO still play Harry Chapin on the radio. You aren't listening to the right stations 😉. Great job researching and telling his story. I am in my fifties and hadn't ever heard anything about his accident.

[@eileenrichards3540]

Wow, I thought I knew all there was to know a bout Harry but I heard a few things on here that I didn’t know. The info and eyewitness accounts of his crash were chilling. Thanks so much for this short. You did a great job. BRAVOQ,

[@ROOTSMUSICHISTORY]

I had chills researching it as well!!! I'm so glad you liked the content!

[@eileenrichards3540]

@@ROOTSMUSICHISTORY I was lucky enough to see him 2x at colleges in the Philly area late 70’s, 80. His original band still plays together on occasion. I’m seeing them in November 2022 at Sellersville, Pa. Check it out, fans. Been postponed a few times because of pandemic but may be some seats left.

[@catomember]

@@eileenrichards3540 Eileen, they turned "Mr. Tanner" into a children's book! You can get the book at the show. I just saw the band. They were wonderful!!

[@natet5959]

Wow! What a story! This world could use another Harry Chapin.

[@theunclejeffchannel1]

Harry was my greatest hero and inspiration.

[@mikescully6972]

Great video on harry

[@johngolden9548]

What a fine piece of work on the immortal Harry. Thank you.

[@ROOTSMUSICHISTORY]

Thank you so much! I hope you subscribe and join the Roots Music History family here! :) I get a real kick out of making these!

[@cecelawlor4862]

yes more of his songs indeed

[@TheSurrealGoose]

Thank you for covering Harry.

[@ROOTSMUSICHISTORY]

Thank you for listening! :)

[@JohnB-dr8sk]

Excellent presentation. You are a talented and charming young lady. Keep up the good work!

[@ROOTSMUSICHISTORY]

Thank you so much! Hopefully you enjoy the Dolly Parton video, too! It's not as in-depth (I didn't have as much time to find old clippings and overlays) but if you listen to these podcast style already you wouldn't notice an editing difference. Let me know what you think! If I get a lot of feedback that people like the overlays I'll go back to them :)

[@JohnB-dr8sk]

@@ROOTSMUSICHISTORY Will check it out, thanks:)

[@martydickerson3236]

Regarding long songs, didn't the 17 minute In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida by Iron Butterfly come out in 1968?

[@Songbitslaura]

Great reporting, thanks you for sharing.

[@ROOTSMUSICHISTORY]

Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@constancewest4896]

LEGEND😇

[@MRVISTA-wz7vj]

His wife got 12 mill from the truckers company, even though Chapin s license was suspended at the time of the crash. He was witnessed driving erratically before w his emergency lights on, and he veered in front of the truck after essentially losing control of the rabbit. IDK. I'd have to read the decision. Seems ridiculous IMHO😊😮😢

[@gilbertoarreola4376]

Maestro gran compositor.

[@ROOTSMUSICHISTORY]

Thank you!

[@petemitchell3067]

Very interesting, thank you. Don’t forget to breathe though. 🥵✌️👋🇬🇧

[@ROOTSMUSICHISTORY]

Hahha! Thank you! I slowed down the speed on the next video :)

[@frankcerrone5615]

Chaplin Music is on itunes

[@chrisreynolds4648]

That would have been a great show if you had only slowed your voise down a bit........

[@ROOTSMUSICHISTORY]

Thank you for the suggestion! I'll have to slow it down a bit in future videos :) I know youtube also has a "playback speed" option - it should be one of the buttons you can see when you're watching the video on your personal device and you can choose to speed me up or slow me down to your liking! I'm not sure how well it works, though, and slowing down the original video still might be the best option. Either way, I'm glad you liked the content and I'm happy to have you part of the Roots Music Family here now! :)

[@spankyspudcaster7901]

I understand the editing technique and why it is necessary, but it does need a little more cadence. Watch Mr. Chapin in his interviews, he has to say a shitton of information in one edited take, cause that's how it was done back in the day.

[@mwilson277jan]

Thank you

[@ROOTSMUSICHISTORY]

Thank *you* Michael Wilson! :)

[@sherwoodchevy]

Yes, I knew it was that POS Rabbit that started having engine troubles.Harrys a millionaire but gave all his money to the needy and drove that POS rabbit. I brought my kids up on Harrys music.Flowers are Red Green leaves are Green.Love n Miss you Harry.I'm sure he's seated at Gods table.

[@SuburbanDon]

Hey Jude was 7+ minutes.

[@cdniracer]

good job

[@ROOTSMUSICHISTORY]

Thank you so much, cdntrader! I hope you subscribe and come back for more videos like this. I love making them and hope you love watching or listening to them just as much!

[@blt2254]

pretty sus that this guy is championing anti-Big-Brother reliance causes then happens to get smashed tf into by a truck and the emergency services just "happened" to be on site in no time flat

[@blt2254]

That's even before I heard Ronca was a "retired" police officer! It just goes deeper...

[@lharrill7229]

In the 80's you could still go to a concert for round $10.

[@whiskeywhiskeyromeo3730]

Good job pretty girl...

[@ROOTSMUSICHISTORY]

Thank you!! I hope you like the latest vid!

[@Ralph-Hurley]

Harry was an amazing human being and such a great lyricist.

[@timinjapan3836]

7:20 Long song - Stairway to Heaven was released 2 years before Freebird and Taxi.

[@peterjones4621]

Thank you, excellent review and history of Harry Chapin, I remember when he was killed, it was a very sad time. You did a great job with true feelings.

[@ROOTSMUSICHISTORY]

Thank you so so much, Peter Jones! I put a lot of effort into these! I hope you subscribe and like some of the other videos, too! I love making these and hope you love watching them just as much!

[@JamesRea2]

Excellent video, but slow down a little.

[@CadillacL]

Eerie

[@markjo9626]

I Believe Harry just had a Better Place to Be.

[@cecelawlor4862]

wish he spent more time with his kids.

[@uncatila]

God bless Harry.

[@billybluesrock]

What a tragedy.....😢.....Harry was the best

[@PresAdams-bz2ep]

The first song I heard from Harry was WOLD. 😢😢😢😢

[@ROOTSMUSICHISTORY]

Your username and photo made me giggle!! But thank you so much for being here and honoring this legend with me ❤❤🎵

[@chuckyoneill9029]

HEY JUDE WAS THE FIRST LONG SONG ON RADIO, JUST SAYING😊

[@PanhandleFrank]

Saw him in Cleveland OH after I graduated, summer of '79. Bought his 1976 album "Greatest Stories Live" in 1980, while stationed in W. Germany (USAF). And was still there in 1981 when I heard the news that he'd been killed in a car crash. 😞

[@ROOTSMUSICHISTORY]

OH my gosh! Crazy. Definitely one of those moments everyone remembers where they were. So glad to have you as part of the Roots Music family here now!

[@danwingo7512]

Early Ford Pintos (71, 72, & 73) if impacted in a certain way, in the rear, would burst into flames. I guess this was on Harry's mind during that interview.

[@hlawrencepowell]

Harry was the best. Some of his family moved to Nova Scotia and bought a campground called The Ovens where Harry music is still played regularly.

[@douganderson4030]

The story of the "hypothetical" car that burst into flames was the Ford Pinto which actually did during low-speed collisions. Ford recalled the car to add a small after-market part that prevented this. As far as predicting his death, he had a line in a song called "There Only Was One Choice", which went, "When I started this song, I was still 33, the age that Mozart died and sweet Jesus was set free, Keats and Shelley too soon finished Charlie Parker would be, and I fantasized some tragedy'd be soon curtailing me."

[@MrNeatoMiniStock13]

I was only 16 when I heard that Harry Chapin died. I came home from school and was watching the news here in Los Angeles, and they broke with news out of New York about a car crash involving Harry Chapin. The news was still coming in so we didn't have much to go on. I was devastated when I heard he died after the crash. I didn't know until about 2014, that he died as a result of a heart attack. I believe in a documentary, his daughter said he was working too hard and even his doctors advised him to slow down a bit. He left us with a wealth of music and I think his legacy is from when he helped found World Hunger Year (W.H.Y.) a cause very dear to his heart. I was also impressed that in his concerts, he donated a portion of the nights ticket sales to charity. Wonderful humanitarian. I have various CD's of his music and always love to listen to them as well as sing along with them. May Harry Chapin continue to Rest Peacefully.

[@willbell2707]

I really enjoy your videos 😊

[@ROOTSMUSICHISTORY]

I'm so glad!

[@EricBuxton-qy8yt]

I was at Salisbury Park waiting for him to arrive . I never got to see him at the Lakeside Theater. GBTHV

[@rafdecc]

THANK YOU FOR THIS . I ALWAYS THOUGHT HARRY WAS TAKEN OUT FOR HIS POLITICS. I PLAY HARRY'S MUSIC OFTEN AND IF I CAN EVER LEARN THE GUITAR I WILL PLAY AND SING HARRY'S SONGS. I CONTINUE TO POST ON FACE BOOK AND SEND HIS MUSIC TO OTHERS . GOD BLESS

[@ROOTSMUSICHISTORY]

Thank you!!