Martin Tubridy (the man who inspired Harry Chapin's "Mr. Tanner") Singing "Mr. Tanner"

[@MikeGrayeb]

Neil Steinberg of the Chicago Sun Times wrote a great story about this which appeared on the front page of the newspaper on Christmas Eve: chicago.suntimes.com/news/steinberg-o-holy-night-reveals-an-unexpected-christmas-wonder/

[@MikeGrayeb]

Check out this video interview with Martin Tubridy and Tom Chapin, recorded one week before Martin's first public performance of "Mr. Tanner". kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWKzoGqojZKZn7c

[@MikeGrayeb]

And check out this brief interview with Martin, along with Jono Chapin (Harry and Sandy's son), and Sandy Chapin, recorded backstage about an hour before the concert. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6Gwp3lnr8-Dm80

[@geraintdavies4804]

Mike Grayeb g

[@COACHWARBLE]

Harry’s best song was W.O.L.D!

[@afconnelly]

This is beautiful.

[@grumpyoldlady_rants]

I absolutely loved Harry. He was such a humanitarian. I cried for days after he died. I’m thankful I got to see him perform in the late 90s. I’m also thankful that his music lives on.

[@Houdini774]

This has come full circle. Thank you Mr. Tubridy. Rest in peace Harry Chapin.

[@strictlycorey3383]

Full "circle"

[@scottschumacher7926]

Whew....just teared up when Martin first started to sing. Full "circle" indeed. 😊

[@ringd]

The critics didn't take music from Mr Tanner. They took Mr. Tanner's music from us.

[@Lola.2248]

I do love John Wallace however how I would have #LOVED for Mr. Tubrity to have sung his part with Harry singing, playing his guitar. Oh how I miss him! He, his songs, were so much a part of my life! Rest in paradise Harry!

[@KJ-nd6jl]

Lola2248 So missed .

[@perryparsons9960]

I'll never forget the day I sat in the breakroom at work, and just broke down, like I had lost my best friend, when I heard we lost Harry. As a student of history, this is so special, on so many levels. That it is Stephen doing this, and the real Mr. Tanner, is not remotely ironic, instead is fulfilling, irony usually has a hint of sarcasm and a bitter tinge to it, and Mr. Harry Chapin was never, ever cruel in intent, rather the very spirit of the song is homage to all of us musicians who are less than epic. In the words of Edmund Burke, we do it, to do it, no matter how disappointing the result. It just makes us whole. God bless you and keep you both, thank you.

[@Oh_I_Will]

You must be about 90 years old by now…God Bless you

[@perryparsons9960]

@@Oh_I_Will Nope, creeping up on 61, Harry was my generation, a few years ahead of me. He had a lottery number, I just had a draft card.

[@Oh_I_Will]

@@perryparsons9960 a draft in what, I’m just a tad younger than you….were you seated into the USFL or something

[@perryparsons9960]

@@Oh_I_Will The military draft. I still have my card somewhere. One of the best things this country ever did was shifting to an all volunteer military.

[@cooldude8488]

We all lost a freind that day

[@Bill23799]

Oh wow. How amazing to have the man who's stage review inspired the song " Mr Tanner ". Now i want to meet " Mail Order Annie " .

[@tomtucker3193]

I want to meet Corey…

[@Kickimanjaro]

Hearing him sing this made my heart burst with happiness and tears splashed happily like candy from God's piñata

[@mikekenney8362]

I saw an interview where Harry Chapin said every song of his was taken from real life. What a beautiful rendition

[@donpardo2510]

@mikekenney8362 the best line I heard from an interview with Harry and a favorite of mine, "I think of my songs as extraordinary days in the lives of ordinary people " and that all of them are based on some fact.

[@davidpirtle1076]

I was introduced to Harry's music at the age of 5 by my father. He and I saw him in concert, i believe in Louisville Kentucky not far from where we live. My strongest memory of that night was when he sang dancing boy. Josh came on stage and danced to the right of his father as he sang. I also remember a hug from Harry in the lobby of the Palace theater (I think). By the way, Josh and I are the same age. Dad had tickets to another concert but I was sick and couldn't go. He went without me. I stihl have the program from that concert signed by Harry with a note to me "we missed you". I was nine when Harry passed. I remember exactly where I was standing when I heard it on the news. All I could do is weep and thought of Josh and the loss to him, his family, and the whole world. It still moves me to tears as does his music. Harry was real. He never forgot where he came from. He put his where his mouth was. He was truly a remarkable person.

[@thecoolguy7324]

I found this song just by chance. Sometimes, the best things are found at random.

[@chrispeterson1989]

Thank you Martin, thank you very much.

[@betsybartleson5367]

Martin, what courage you have shared with all of us. Thank you isn't a big enough word! 'music is his life'. Your music and passion is what this world needs more of!

[@angelsonthemountain321]

The first lyric from Mr. Tubridy’s beautiful voiced made me weep......uncontrollably.

[@jeffreynocera4017]

Other than the woman clapping and yelling early on, this was fantastic..Screw this guy's critics..They were wrong.

[@seekerblue447]

it is good to know that someone who sang such great stories is still remembered to this day,,,,,,,,,,and to have his family and friends gather, no matter the cause or reason,,to just perform Harry,,the reasons and whys of his life,,,,,,,Harry was himself,,,,,he didn't ride in the limo or perform in fancy attire,,,,,,,,,,,,,Harry was all of us.....

[@jamiekendrick5057]

That was SO BEAUTIFUL! It actually made me cry.

[@EPICFLOWS]

OMG, Can't believe I found this, glad I know who Mr tanner is now, I will research everything. He can sing really well Just needed some confidence and presence 🙌

[@sheryld1957]

I only hope he understands how wrong the critics were. He has a beautiful voice

[@janicepaisley8304]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ how many of us die with our song inside of us. Thank you Mr.Tanner, for being the best at your livelihood, and letting music make you whole!!!

[@robertbrown433]

I was actually at this show in Fairfield CT in November of 2016. Every time I come across it I have to stop and relive the moments. The story of Martin finding out he was Mr. Tanner sent chills through the audience.

[@SilentKnight43]

Several decades later - I finally got to hear 'Mr Tanner' by the guy who inspired it! (and he did as great a job as big John) Thanks for uploading this!

[@hossmad11]

Thanks Martin, on Harry's Birthday 12/7/16 he would have been 74....from us in Dayton Ohio...

[@johnmcleod6370]

How cool that Harry gave Mr Tanner his dream to be heard... way to go Harry👍

[@jamescoccia7848]

It was Tom not Harry who introduced him

[@klandersen42]

As much as I love hearing Big John Wallace sing this song, it is very nice hearing Mr. Tubridy sing it. On a side note it sounded like Steve hadn't sung the song in a while, or was just so excited to be performing it with Mr. Tubridy.

[@cbcbcbg]

Now if they can just get the guy from 30,000 Pounds of Bananas...

[@johnnyraiderallison906]

hahahahahahaha thats one of the b est i have ever heard !!!!!!!

[@BeasleyStreet]

most unlikely

[@niceguyeddie5036]

Lol

[@1957mrmark]

I went by the street where it happened in Scranton, all the trees are gone at the bottom of the hill on one side.

[@patmoore7959]

Yes 😂🤣😂😅

[@tombrown8829]

I got to see Harry at the tulsa performing arts center near the time of his passing. He took a break and came back strumming the prequel to taxi for awhile. Inever saw so many people hurry to their seats so fast. And they did it quietly with respect. I still recall that night with fondness

[@keithengle592]

Did I lose it when he sang "it just made *me* whole? Yes. Yes I did

[@katecohen-posey4578]

There are many Mr. Tanners in the world...What I do is not my livelihood, it is my life, it just makes me whole

[@oiler1951]

i met harry at dance contests/ battle of the bands at huff hall in champaign illinois in late 60,s early 70's .he was a very humble down to earth man that would talk to anyone and only knew friends.i am proud to call him friend.

[@lynnmoser6918]

An avid fan I saw him in Bellingham Washington before his death. It was a blessing to have shaken his hand. He greeted his fans after every concert. He's left a lasting impression on so many....all those who take the time to listen to him. What he did for world hunger needs alone, still stands...

[@wynstansmom829]

Harry Chapin performed at our small college in the spring of '78, Jacksonville. When I listen to him sing, "I am always Seventeen". Thank you for the upload Mike Grayeb and Mr. Martin Tubridy 'Tanner'...your singing does just makes me whole.

[@orvpibbs2905]

How utterly cool is this !! Harry would certainly had dug it. Hard to believe he's been gone 35 years. r.i.p. Harry ; (

[@keathgraham2742]

He's been dead almost as long as he'd been alive.

[@redcrabsc1149]

Completes the Circle- Bravo, Martin Tubridy, Bravo!!!! Thanks, Tom, Steve, and, of course, Harry...happy tears here!

[@Jul006]

Brought tears to my eyes! Very, very moving: the song and the story that went along with it.

[@SusantheNerdy]

I am not sure how I didn't know this existed!

[@AllieJ123]

First time hearing Martin Tudbridy singing Mr. Tanner. It was so great to hear the subject of the song perform it. Found out about it and this video in the new book "Searching for Harry Chapin's America: Remember When the Music" I can't believe that Harry is gone 40 years. Harry you can still keep the change in you can always count on the cheap seats. Rest easy until we see you in heaven. We will always love and miss you.

[@rodneyhone2220]

So injoyable to hear

[@pathannifin3302]

I was fortunate enough to attend many Harry Chapin concerts over the years, most of them at Pine Knob in Michigan. When Harry sang this song, he credited Martin Tubridy. At one concert, I jotted down his name after Harry said it (phonetically, but not too far off). Thank you Martin for coming and singing this song--it was amazing to hear you!!

[@hepenypacker]

Thank you for this. You are blessed to have seen him perform. Oh how I wish I could have as well

[@niceguyeddie5036]

Omg. I'm crying right now. Amazing. I love this!

[@trollstheking2636]

I heard this song today on Pandora. I recently discovered Harry Chapin and when I heard this song I had to learn more. Here I am.

[@perryparsons9960]

His music was the least effort he gave to this world, his love, his charity, his desire to leave everybody he could better at the end of the day was his goal. Since his passing, there is no telling how many hundreds of thousands, if not millions, have gone to bed at night with a full belly because he started the circle, and others picked up his cause. He never wrote a dedicated hymn I know of, but my conception of God's grace lives on in everything he did.

[@ohohdanyell]

I'm glad you're here with us. The more people who know him, the more we can help.

[@arthurkurtz2448]

@@perryparsons9960 So very true.

[@martincorner6273]

Still beautiful, still moving and plain fecking awesome

[@michaelking3434]

Amazing to see this! Love the song, “Mr Tanner”, inspiring!

[@mollybrown3483]

Mr Tubridy your story is a big part of my life. This song has always meant a lot to me. The hole album is my security blanket. This song taught me to value and honour myself. BTW that reviewer was very wrong I am going to see if you have any music out there. It was a great pleasure to hear you just. Thank you so much The Great Mr Tubridy bka Mr Tanner

[@alittlepale]

This one of the coolest videos I have ever heard/seen. I feel as if I know Mr Tubridge as an old friend thanks to our mutual friends- Harry and now Tom

[@smmenci]

Tubridy, not Tubridge.

[@michelle9211960]

This is awesome! Gave me chills! Thanks so much Martin!

[@MikeDennehy]

Simply awesome. I am grateful for the upload and the completion of the story. I have always enjoyed the song and hearing the real "Mr. Tanner" is a real pleasure.

[@linlee302]

Tears,I Love this Song, Always Love Always

[@NorthOf60Gaming]

Thanks for posting this is wonderful I miss Harry. I played a few songs in my routine of his a big influence for my love of folk music.

[@pstownley]

It gave me chills.

[@BeasleyStreet]

choked with tears,both joy and sadness

[@pikeman80]

Thanks so much for sharing this. I cried the whole way through.

[@perryparsons9960]

Me too, am still leaking all over the cat in my lap.

[@teawells964]

O M G! Wow this is surreal. So amazing! Thank you.

[@julieclifford7698]

Such a fabulous story, sweet man… beautiful voice… and wonderful Song.. xoxox

[@johnholm6000]

This is so great. Mr Tanner is one of the most beautiful statements on the what music is about.

[@mossmangene]

something new every day! God bless harry!

[@vincents.3085]

wow. I just stumbled on this. for me, it completes a cycle in a very special way. thank you so much!

[@donstack4011]

Vincent S. Absolutely agree

[@williamdegnan4718]

All my life's a circle.🎼

[@perryparsons9960]

@@williamdegnan4718 Beat me to it, and ain't the truth.

[@whosthatgirl718]

This made me cry! Thank you for sharing this with us

[@christophermanley3602]

Came here after Richard Goodall sang on AGT. It just reminded me of this song, and I had to play it for my wife.

[@RayVisotski]

Just found this. How cool is that!

[@fredsrox3177]

3 years later, I never saw this one.

[@rac7773]

God bless you, Mr. Tanner, Martin Turbidy. You really are great. Love you always Harry!!!!!

[@redcoat4ever]

W O N D E R F U L !! Beyond words. Never listen to the nay-sayers. Believe in yourself.

[@CoryHerbert]

Did anyone else get goosebumps the first "fall on your knees?"

[@veganlaw6599]

Martin, BRAVO!

[@billmiller520]

Tears

[@humptydumpty3769]

Thank you for sharing this. Love it

[@jonserkspawn7776]

So, so awesome

[@jamesmongan7967]

Wouldn't it be great if Martin AND big John sang the tenor part as a duel.

[@DB-thats-me]

YES PLEASE

[@perryparsons9960]

You mean duet? This is not a feud, is intended as a healing, cleansing effort, to allow both sides to sing in harmony, to join together.

[@perryparsons9960]

Damn autocorrect.

[@mikeprevost8650]

Martin isn't a tenor. He's almost a bass.

[@theresafoster2761]

Fantastic!

[@stevespellbinde]

Holy Shlt! Beautiful

[@sharondrew867]

Wow! Thank you for the upload!

[@gstan471]

Fantastic song and singers! It's hard to balance drums in such a quiet peaceful song, so they're best left off.

[@starcruze328]

I miss hearing the cello weave through this song. RIP Yvonne Cable, and, of course, Harry.

[@genedamron7858]

Love it

[@janadale1382]

WoW

[@DB-thats-me]

WOW? Made me cry. WOW indeed. Privileged.

[@alstewart6870]

Awesome!

[@higgme1ster]

My wife hates it when I become a blubbering fool over a song. Beautiful irony is an emotional experiance, what can I say?.

[@EeeebeeeE]

Being from Brookville, an outer suburb of Dayton, this song has always been close to my heart although I think one line should be changed. The very last line as Mr. Tanner sorted through the clothes should be "He did not CARE how well he sang ... it just made him whole." THat would better profess his love for singing.

[@ruthmachain8544]

👍👍

[@mikeyeden5791]

I love this story, I am trying to write a play on it! Does anyone know the name of the place he went to, to sing his first time and got his bad reviews and who maybe there names where?

[@MikeGrayeb]

Mikey Eden check the description for the video which contains a link to an interview with Mr. Tubridy and Tom Chapin.

[@mikeyeden5791]

Thanks! I noticed that. But I have not noticed my questions. I wonder if I can get in contact with one of them!?!!?

[@MikeGrayeb]

Hi Mikey. In that video interview I referenced, the names of the halls where Martin performed and sang (Carnegie Hall and Town Hall, both in New York City) are mentioned as the lyrics actually draw from two separate appearances Martin made. Here's a link to a video about one of the two reviews: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHe5lnatqtl2a68. I can't recall if the other reviewer's name is mentioned in the video interview I mentioned above or not. If not, you might go back to the New York Times (through the archives section of their website) to find the other article and critic's name. Best wishes.

[@mikeyeden5791]

Mr. Grayeb! Thanks very much sir! If you want when I am done with the play I would share it with you if you would like.

[@MikeGrayeb]

Mikey Eden Would love to see it. Thanks and best wishes!

[@ringoffireproductdevelopme3151]

Saw Harry in Concert twice. During the second , In Naperville, Ill, when introducing the song, he made a statement (paraphrasing) that they always dedicated that night, that performance to Mr. Tanner. And, they did not know how well they would sing but it would make them whole. Touched that he was found and had the opportunity to perform. I think it would have been better if Tom had done the singing and would have been a little truer to Harry's version.

[@melindailey-dohn9472]

I wish the drummer had remembered that this was NOT his song. He over powered the set.

[@ilbasso74]

The sound engineer didn't help things, but yeah. He was so musical on Harry's records but there are some odd drum moments here that I too found distracting.

[@ronniehembree7855]

...full time consideration...might be...in Order...

[@shreddder999]

Never heard of anyone being named Turbidity.

[@patcon314]

Beautiful song, great idea using the real "Mr. Tanner" to sing those parts. I so wanted to love this, but I can't. The musicians (particularly the drummer) overpowered the singers and took away from the mood.

[@wsddrama8735]

gorgeous but kill the drums- they are so wrong

[@williamridgesr.6068]

They are not doing the music justice. There was only one Harry Chapin.

[@justus4883]

Sir, this is in his remembrance, to show that his songs had impact on everyone even those who he sang about. I can agree the drums should've been more in the background but I'm just glad they made this

[@kossend1]

@@justus4883 You could say that they don't care how well they sing, it just makes them whole

[@justus4883]

@@kossend1 yeah, that's a better way of phrasing it, thank you

[@johndybala8580]

Harry had - and Steve has - about half a dozen songs that he would get in huge trouble for leaving off a given night's set list. This song was/is one of them. Literal millions of people know Mr. Tubridy's story who never would have heard it otherwise, or heard him otherwise. And he got to tell it himself while giving the finger to the author of that flippant, four-line review. Exactly how much more justice did you want for the song and its inspiration?

[@johnward8064]

This keyboard player is absolutely butchering this song.

[@edgdula8549]

Who was playing the Piano & singing so poorly? Where was Big John Wallace? He was sorely needed!!! What a disappointment to Harry's memory, this could have been so much better! BTHS'63.

[@aarongoldstein7614]

Harry's brother Steve.

[@ellenw391]

Now I found this as a major gift! And I can't believe it was up here. I want to know how Harry found the story. But how blessed are we to hear the real "Mr. Tanner"?!?! How I wish the Chapin family had done a better job of promoting all of this. I would have driven down in a heartbeat!

[@linjicakonikon7666]

Beautiful voice, irritating drums. Beautiful song, bad band.

[@Mozart1220]

Two words in I was in tears.

[@joeg509]

Incredible!!!