What happened to HARRY CHAPIN?

Harry Chapin will always be remembered for "Cats in the Cradle", a heartbreaking story song about a man who misses his child's most important moments. Chapin's catalog of music was rivaled only by his charitable desire to make the world a better place.

[@six-pack1332]

Harry Chapin and Jim Croce were 2 of my favorite song writers.

[@robertlongwill8856]

Russell mine as well they were fantastic Storyteller songwriters and performers

[@maddyhayes617]

MINE TOO.

[@freddyt55555]

It's funny that you mention Jim Croce because I thought he was the one who wrote and sang "Cat's in the Cradle" for the longest time.

[@danielueblacker9118]

Harry Taxi Part 2 amazing.... Jim Junk Yard Dog real songs down to earth. Both amazing.

[@gmcjetpilot]

A lot of these musicians died in transportation accidents primarily because things weren't as safe back then, as they are today both on the road and in the sky.

[@SchmaltzyCraftsy]

Most of the shirts in this video he's seen wearing were made by my mom, who is/was a fan from Ohio. She'd make them for him deliver them at Ohio gigs.

[@MsCNail-fe1sj]

Awesome!

[@jamiemarsh8826]

Beautiful shirts. His death was such a shock.

[@LilyGazou]

Beautiful story. Do you carry on the tradition with sewing creatively?

[@CardinalX]

How many cats does she have?

[@landru303]

That is so cool!

[@Davefromberkeley]

Around 1973-74, I was recently divorced and took to spending time at the old Boarding House on Bush St. in San Francisco. I was familiar with Harry's music from all the radio play he was getting at the time, so when I read he'd be appearing at the Boarding House, I went by to see him perform. The club had a nice little bar off to one side and a good kitchen, too. It was my habit sometimes to get there early and have a bite to eat and a drink or two before a show, which is what I did that night. While enjoying my pre-show drink at the house end of the bar, this bright-faced, curly-headed guy came down the hall and took the stool next to me. He ordered a beer, then turned to me and said, "Hi, I'm Harry, how're you doing tonight?" He extended his hand to shake mine like he'd expected to see me there. I introduced myself and we sat there and chatted like old friends catching up until it was time for him to go back stage and get ready to perform. He told me about his wife. We talked about our kids, and how much we missed them. He was just that kinda guy. Casual and folksy as could be. His genuine, down-to-earth manner left quite an impression on me. I was shocked and saddened a few years later when I learned he'd been killed.

[@louisramos1363]

Beautiful story!

[@lazyishardwork]

Dave you're a great story teller. You convey your encounter with such clarity and presence. The imagery is incredibly vivid. You really need to tell stories, write them, remember them or make them up, you could do as Harry did. It's a damn shame what happened, he wasn't that old and had a lot more to do.

[@sharonramone7186]

Thanks for sharing your story

[@Carol-D.1324]

What a story! ♥️

[@peggyhill7283]

Such a wonderful experience & memory for you. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@jamesgreally2195]

Harry Chapin was a true one -off, and an absolute gentleman. I was really into his music in the late 70's I'll never forget going to see him in Connolly Hall, Cork, Ireland on a cold wet night in January 1981, not long before he died. I was hobbling on crutches at the time with a fractured kneecap, but I wouldn't have missed his concert for the world! The show was to begin at 8pm and the band had somehow been delayed & were late, taking to the stage at 8.30pm. Harry was SO apologetic to the audience and thanked them for their patience. He was a complete pro. They played straight through until 11.35pm without a break - an unbelievable concert! And then after playing a 3 hour concert, Harry jumped straight off the stage and walked out the middle of the theatre to the entrance door where he chatted to & shook everyone's hand on the way out, signed autographs and posed for photos. I remember thinking what a tremendous character he was . He really touched so many hearts that night. A great singer and a lovely person too. RIP, Harry

[@connoroleary591]

What a nice story and thank you for sharing it.

[@rontroy3843]

I met Harry in the lobby of Carnegie Hall, and we talked about one of his most famous songs, 30,000 pounds of bananas, a true story from my home town of Scranton PA. A wonderful memory.

[@rogersutton3138]

wow your story is very heart touching

[@joshdavidwhitmore550]

I saw Harry in person (usually sitting in the front 20 rows) 16 times. So let me say this........While Harry made interesting records, the "REAL" Harry Chapin was the guy who showed up on stage.....sometimes solo, sometimes with his cool band. He was singularly the best performer I have ever seen, and no one else comes close. I'll debate who's the greatest singer, the best guitarist, or the best band. But for me there's no debate that Harry was the best onstage act I've ever seen. Miss ya, Harry.......I hope you're up there in the cheap seats......

[@joesimon2018]

He left the world a better place than when he entered it. That should be everyone's mission in life.

[@MichaelGiordano777]

Why?

[@joerichardson-vi2kx]

@@MichaelGiordano777 So it don't end up worse than the disaster we have today

[@yungwendigo]

No joke Harry chapin was my great uncle!

[@ttnnaples8060]

He must truly have been great in every way. I'd heard every imaginable version of the fatal car accident,,,he'd had a heart attack driving, etc. I'm just as broken hearted every time I hear any one of his songs. Loved his music. What a fantastic smile 😢

[@ndsmudlogger4061]

Was? Regardless of whether he’s alive or not he still IS your uncle.

[@RichardHughes15]

That is awesome. It’s so great to hear how he touched so many people, not only through his music, but by how generosity, and his kindness to others like myself. Truly spec is al man.

[@jimhawkins245]

You didn't happen to go to his solo show in Aspen with his two stepson's on January 1st,1980. I promoted that show which was at "Rick's American Cafe", and before the show Harry and I, along with his two teenage boys along with a nephew went out to eat together. They had all gone skiing as soon as they got in to town earlier in the day. It was a great weekend.

[@seanmoore1068]

Thank you so much for making this available. Harry Chapin was a beautiful person.

[@robertesposito1313]

When I was in the 7 th grade Harry put on a free concert at my junior high school in Deer Park, Long Island. That performance was the catalyst for me to pursue a musical career. I remember saying to myself I want to be a musician just like him and give back to the world with my talent. I still perform today at 54 years old and when I'm playing , I still think back to that day that changed my life. My wife was actually going to the concert the day he passed in 1981. Bless you Harry for being a big part of my path in life.

[@jeffmelchior8573]

Robert Esposito The ‘70s had its problems, but any era where a major recording artist played at junior high schools (and the kids actually enjoyed it) has my vote for decade which should never have ended.

[@Ethan-en2ij]

I live 20 minutes away in NHP and we often learned about him during school charities and like our food drives. Those times were the best in elementary school

[@rondy702]

They don't make them like this anymore! Music business has certainly changed for the worst!

[@Ethan-en2ij]

rondy702 Who knows how much worse it could get

[@MsThebeMoon]

For what is in rotation on radio stations is certainly limited.

[@jameslaw3740]

You know its getting worse every year, we Canadian people are sorry for Justin bieber and Trudeau, today's music has no soul or class, just swearing and no story lines. Only loud obnoxious verbally foul trash, bring a musicians heart back to the music instead of the corporate money greed. Today's music is just financial not spiritual, even today's inbred country crap is terrible. Chapin, Cash, Nelson's (Ricky and Willie), and many others have made the world a better place , today's music and video games are all about the violence and killing , no love no more in today's people just money grubbing fools . 😢😢

[@yourteamsucks2136]

He is my hero.

[@ILove2EatUranium]

@@jameslaw3740 take back John Kricfalusi and we might forgive you.

[@KenCostlow]

Man, we sure could use more people like Harry Chapin these days.

[@GeminieCricket]

1972...... Taxi .........cried every time I heard it. Then Cats in the Cradle.....OMG! Poignant.

[@batheandrelaxinmyshit6344]

Are you pregnant?

[@muffs55mercury61]

"Harry.....keep the change."

[@Querent2000]

Cheap sentimentality.

[@edharris1408]

Saw Harry in concert five times, once at Albion College in Michigan.. no band, just him and his guitar. The last time was a warm summer night outdoors at a park in Jackson Michigan. Took my son, he was about 10 years old. The ticket man said kids were not allowed. He finally said wait a minute, and went and talked to Harry in his trailer. Harry said, "Let him in", then had him come sit on the lawn, a front row seat. It was Harry and brother Tom only. Harry sprayed mosquito spray around the stage then passed the can to the audience.

[@DeanD]

Harry Chapin was the reason why I started writing songs. He will always be my musical hero

[@robertlomas7007]

Saw him in concert twice in Sheffield and shook his hand after buying a T-shirt, The shirt wont fit me anymore But I'll never get rid of It, It is my memory of Harry. An Inspiring man.

[@venetabritt2771]

Saw him in person at NAU's Dome in AZ as a teen. Loved his music then and stll do at almost 63. Timeless music.

[@glennweaver3014]

A true gentleman and class act. I saw him in concert in 1979. He hung around after the show for hours to greet fans and sign autographs. I was very sad when I heard the news of his tragic death at such a young age. His memory lives on through his music and his wonderful humanitarian contributions.

[@KLFaber]

Yep, same story here. I saw Harry in 1980 and after the performance he went into the lobby and stayed there until everyone who wanted to shake his hand or get his autograph did so. I was one of the last dozen or so people to leave that night and I left before Harry did. He cared a lot for his fans.

[@batheandrelaxinmyshit6344]

How did you know he was well hung??

[@easttawest]

@@batheandrelaxinmyshit6344 You obviously have no interest in the discussion here, so why don't you go smear your crap elsewhere

[@batheandrelaxinmyshit6344]

@@easttawest I love shit

[@jimdavis2385]

Met Harry many times when he played Dallas in the late 70's and early 80's before he died in '81. He was tall, talented, and willing to take time to talk to fans. The very first time I met him, I was waiting for an entourage to bring him around to the product table so he could sign autographs, books, and albums. However, Harry walked up behind me all alone, placed his large hand on my shoulder and said, "Hey, Bro...mind if I slip past you?" Then he got to the table and started chatting just like we were...well, in a Taxi. His concerts were true celebrations of memories, music, and life!

[@stevelosonczy3290]

That's excellent u were with him face to face.i was at my KISS convention.&i MET VINNY Vincent,&paul FREHLEY-KISS GUITARIST.

[@lazyishardwork]

you write so vividly Jim, it was almost like it was my memory as your story unfolded. You have such a natural way of conveying thoughts in an interesting and engaging manner. You really should write, maybe you could emulate Harry to some extent (not being flippant.) It's a shame what happened to Harry, it would have been such a shock being so sudden and unexpected. He had a lot more left, he wasn't really all that old.

[@micheleblais1162]

Wow!! You were very fortunate!!

[@TutoneEarthling]

I saw him in concert twice. Both times during intermission he would go out to the concession area to talk with people. As the concerts ended he would disappear while the band still played. Where did he go? To the main exit to greet people as they left the arena. People came to see him and he wanted to thank them personally.

[@yungwendigo]

Dang he’s actually my great uncle I wish I could’ve met him

[@alankelly-hamm2702]

I think that Taxi is the most perfect story song ever written. Pure poetry.

[@FeaturingMaxAsMax]

Actually, he wrote so many great story songs. My personal favorite is "Corey's Coming," from The Road to Kingdom Come album. I think that someone should make a movie of it.

[@carrotjuse]

It's a minor biographical masterpiece.

[@tomisweddable]

A Better Place to Be fucks me up everytime, too.

[@rickywidner7111]

Taxi was me & my childhood sweetheart fav song of all time. What a sad lost it was . we love you Harry

[@superchitownhustler]

Dog Town is the best.

[@starjunkie2804]

To this day, I cannot listen to Cat's In The Cradle", I get all choked up thinking about my pops.

[@joeo7257]

I was 14 then. Dad traveled allot to keep 7 kids in Catholic school. I'd rather have Dad.

[@2fas4me2]

We all have similarities to the same story friend. Treasure what you did have. I still do.

[@AmeriFanPicker]

Yeah man it chokes me up too cause I work out of town a lot. You want a real tear jerker search Chet Atkins "I still can't say goodbye".

[@aliyamoon80]

I never could listen to that song. I cry every single time.

[@84glewis]

The power of music!

[@christopherclark4572]

Harry played a concert at Centenary College in the late 70s and I was one of the stage crew, he played a great show! I remember as we were striking the stage and he came up to every stagehand and shook our hand and thanked us for our part in the show! WOW that was so special and showed me the humility and greatness of himself! I’ll never forget him!!!

[@victorlorenzo5467]

He will be best remembered with his song - Cats In The Cradle. A generous man indeed. RIP Harry Chapin.

[@keithellison6009]

I see so many comments on here that are less than an hour old. I see many comments lauding Taxi or Bananas or A Better Place To Be. Have you listened to Sniper? To Mismatch? To the Shortest Story? To The Mayor Of Candor? Stranger With The Melody? There Only Was One Choice? Shooting Star? My god, I could talk about this for hours! This guy had a mind that ranks among with the greatest poets to ever live.

[@TheWorkinschlep]

keith ellison ....Dogtown!

[@happycanuck5080]

You are so right....the Mayor of Candor and that whole album is incredible....one of my favourites.....Only Seventeen.

[@foxpianocovers]

keith ellison Mercenaries for me!

[@GraemeBlore]

SO true Keith. He was a brilliant wordsmith.

[@jamesd.wheeler6190]

Harry Chapin a great underrated storyteller troubadour

[@barbarapierson402]

I briefly met Harry on the subway in NYC. I’m a flight attendant and I was on the long ride from Manhattan to JFK. I was seated and he got in the car and just sat down next to me. We just talked. He was super nice and just “normal.” Believe me, in my over 41 year career I’ve met so many celebrities. He just stood out. I felt like I was just talking to a neighbor. Nice memory. That was 40 years ago.

[@dalecleveland144]

When my youngest daughter got married she requested that we do the father/daughter dance to Tangled Up Puppet, I get emotional thinking about it even now.

[@MarkMclaughlin-qm8kq]

Harry Chapin sitting up on a cloud he lived a lifetime in 38 years what a remarkable life we all should strive to be like him charity hope home family wonderful things he topped the world and god called him home god always takes the shining stars harry definitely one of them.

[@janetalvarado6557]

“She took off to find the footlights, I took off to find the sky”.:

[@mikebradshaw6484]

I fly High when i'm Stoned.

[@dianasoto7011]

And Im flying so high when Im stoned...

[@MrWitchtrials]

Heartbreaking.Too good for this world. RIP Harry,thank you for the music!

[@donvaughn146]

met Harry and Tom in 1980 when they played at our Air Force station in Germany. I was pleased to meet him and Tom, talk with them and just enjoyed the music. He was a star but better, a man who cared. Harry and Tom just sat with us and we chatted about this and that, they didn't have to... but Harry was "just a guy" and I loved that I got to be with him, for just a while.

[@Alpha11]

Thanks for the story, Don! Glad to hear he was a nice guy!

[@donvaughn146]

I also have one of TWO photographs of Harry, he signed for me and my buddy Paul who took the photo. Harry was to perform at another base but they did not sell enough tickets, so Harry asked if we would like to have him return in two days.. Paul and I were the first in line for the second concert. Paul gave me a 8x10 which Harry signed. When Harry died, Paul contacted the family giving them the negative. He never heard back, so he destroyed the negative. Imagine that... I have one of two photos, signed, in the world. It is a most cherished memory.

[@byrdwell4391]

Harry's dad, Jim, was an awesome man who was inducted into the Drummers Hall of Fame. He gave drum clinics around the country and soon become a fast friend. RIP Harry and Jim. We love and miss you!

[@SeanVplayer]

His father was an Incredible drummer. If you can put your hands on his book, Open Ended, it's a treasure. Extremely hard to find/obtain.

[@MrChopemup]

I had Jim Chaplin’s drum book as a kid . Called “syncopation”...I could do the last page by heart back then , Great book...

[@Kathy42973]

I saw Harry live four times. It was. pouring rain at one concert and he invited the audience to move onto the stage. His songs told real stories. Miss you Harry

[@PhotosByCraigRoss]

I was a young person who fell in love with the songs, I learned what I could about his songs and stories. I took the time to write to him the week before he died, He never got to read it, im sure he would have liked what it said. Someone at his record label did read it. They wrote to me saying he had passed but she wanted me to have a photo and sent me one of him and his taxi! I still remember it over 37 years later.

[@williampaterson4333]

I'm an old man now and I've had some truly wonderful times along with the Bad ! Harry nailed my entire life in his song "taxi". Thank you for uploading Harry's story. Peace and love to ALL everywhere 💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖

[@BadgerOWesley]

He also left behind a brother, Tom Chapin, and his old band mates that carried on his dream.

[@bonzodog6872]

BadgerOWesley don't forget his other brother Steve who helped arrange and produce a lot of Harry's songs

[@Musicman2012Now]

I have heard Tom in live performance several times. I enjoy his work very much.

[@smittykins]

As a kid, I used to watch “Make A Wish,” which Tom hosted.

[@wandalewallen1401]

He played a cello

[@sgtjeff56]

The outdoor bandshell in Eisenhower Park in East Meadow Long Island was where he was driving to to perform when he had his accident was renamed the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theater.

[@mr.sherlockholmes6130]

He changed the world and made it a better place. What a incredible man. His music will live on forever and he was a truly great humanitarian. I hope we all can learn from him and his message about life. He will never be equaled and such a sad ending he had so much more to teach us. To his family Thank you for allowing us to have the honor to be part of his journey that i hope will never end. We all have a life but very few of us Truly live and Harry Truly lived! God bless you all.

[@rickbama3565]

Troy State Univ in the spring of 1979....Harry, his guitar, and a bar stool. Still the best show I ever saw. He took an audience who mostly knew only two of his songs and made them enthusiastic performers by the end of the show. Pure charisma !

[@anthonycasola2310]

The only time I saw Harry was at my high school 1976 in LI, NY.....NBHS........Doing what he did best, Giving back. A free concert for us kids. I wish I could go back for just one thing, he ask any of us if we would like to join him on stage, no one did. What a missed chance to perform with a legend ........42 years later, that concert is still in my memory. Thanks Harry.

[@michaelascerno3813]

I thought it was 74, but I may be mistaken. It was amazing. Glad you were there too.

[@larrystromberg2840]

I feel very blessed that I had a chance to see him perform...one of the best story tellers that ever lived.

[@kimbirllinelson9744]

Thank you so much for his story, Harry was a serious influence early in my life and I still play taxi from time to time if the crowd is right, he was one of those storytellers from the late sixties to mid seventies, another was Jim Croce, also died to young, Gordon Lightfoot, John Stewart and John Denver, these guys influenced how I shaped my music for all my life, they were the definition of troubadours, storytellers, all but Gordon Lightfoot are gone and their is a hole in music where they used to be keep on justasinger54

[@rikmoyle3610]

John Stewart? Do you mean Al? I agree with your list...

[@Vampirebear13]

You should check out John Gorka. Best wishes from Ohio, Miss Kimbirlli

[@rikmoyle3610]

Yes. Al!!! and I hope so. Though I've never seen him live, truly a wonderful musicin/songwriter...Enjoyed my life listening to him in the early70's....Hope you are well also...

[@rikmoyle3610]

Sweet, and only the second person named Fern that I have crossed paths with....

[@rikmoyle3610]

Hilarious. Names are not my strong point, mine is only one usually remember! Give Fern a pet for me...

[@keywestkyn9250]

The only concert I have ever sung along with was one of Harry's.

[@martyndaniel6055]

We never had a choice!

[@KOLDBLU3ST33L]

He played a charity concert in our H. S. shortly before he was killed... Sad.

[@Dennisdewdrop]

I saw him in Atlanta years ago. When he took the stage there were two unoccupied front row seats directly in front of him. He made a deal with the audience that we would all stand and applaud when they arrived. We did and the latecomers took a bow. 😂

[@jnwd3750]

Chapin's Cats In The Cradle was one I loved anytime it came on the radio as a teenager in the 70's. He was a deep person as I am too. He gave us beautiful songs to treasure. Lovely person he was.

[@sherrymorgan6745]

Harry was at his greatest when singing with Big John Wallace in songs like Mr. Tanner and the Bluesman. Big John has the most amazing vocal range imaginable.

[@Michael65429]

Mr Tanner, man what a song...

[@2fas4me2]

Cats in the Cradle was given to my father by my mom. On their anniversary. Dad was a truck driver. He began his own company in 1976 and he devoted most of his time to driving and managing the business. It's still in business today. 23 trucks, 40+ trailers and a load brokerage operation. Here's still alive but retired. Now the cat has come for me. He's 82 and mom, 80.

[@mumbles215]

I know it’s two years later, but go see them Andy. Tell them you love them. Cheers.

[@jamesb.9155]

Thank you for this biography of a wonderful, courageous and beautiful artist, Harry Chapin.

[@mitchgawlik1175]

Harry was a true story teller, "Taxi" makes that abundantly clear. We knew what he was singing about. There was no trying to figure out far fetched lyrics (The Dylan mystique) or obscure word play (Don McLean's "American Pie"). When it came to humanitarian efforts Harry walked the walk.

[@sheilabarron4526]

Thank you for the video+Thank you for sharing his life

[@williamridgesr.6068]

They forgot to mention what I thought was Harry's best. A double album called Greatest Stories Live. All his earliest hits live. It came out before Sequel. Find it, listen to it. You'll love it.

[@PoggeB13]

William Ridge Sr. My favorite too.

[@aaronb.2177]

Harry was at his best in front of a live audience.

[@paulatkinson4439]

We certainly lost a good 1 when Mr. Chapin was called home. .....makes his shortened time much more treasured.

[@jeffsmith2022]

"It was rainin hard in Frisco', what a wonderful, talented man was he...

[@grimreaper-qh2zn]

Don't know anyone who can listen to "The Shortest Story" without a tear welling up.

[@figmo397]

Harry Chaplin was the first person to tell me I had a “good voice.” It was at a charity gig. He even invited me on stage to sing backup with him!

[@LilyGazou]

figmo397 I hope you still sing.

[@dianewuchevich6208]

Thank you for your charity Harry. You're feeding my elderly parents even now. I know you have a special place beside the King in heaven. 💖

[@MsCNail-fe1sj]

I had no idea how he died, so sad. I loved his music. I am so sorry for his wife and 5 kids. :(

[@MsCNail-fe1sj]

So sad. I do not understand how his widow was able to collect 12,000,000.00 dollars by suing the truck that hit him?

[@rcstafford1]

Ms.CNail, please explain..... f

[@MsCNail-fe1sj]

Explain the settlement? If so it was said he was swerving from lane to lane and swerved in front of the truck that hit him...who was not able to miss him when he came into his lane. Speculation is Harry suffered a heart attack.

[@MsCNail-fe1sj]

Yes I read his widow won 12 million.

[@MsCNail-fe1sj]

Here ya go, the settlement: virtualglobetrotting.com/map/spot-where-harry-chapin-crashed-and-died/

[@Gyrocage]

I saw Harry Chapin twice. The first time was at Saint Vincent’s College in a blizzard. Noting was moving, only about 100 people fought their way into to concert, and Harry himself was an hour late. He did FOUR HOURS of music and then cane down and shook the hand of every single person in the auditorium!

[@davidwolkowicz3368]

"I had the kind of a dream that made America famous"

[@LambieSamba]

We need Harry now! Too soon gone!

[@steveshelby2465]

We need him now, more than ever! I’ve been listen to Harry’s music for 49 years. My all time favorite singer/ song writer! Love you Harry, miss you still.

[@batheandrelaxinmyshit6344]

How do you know me?

[@mairem.9300]

I remember that day vividly. I cried so hard, and for days.

[@hoobered1232]

So do I . I was stuck in the traffic on the LIE , on my way to the concert.

[@ArchFundy]

Loved his music. One of my favs was Mr. Tanner.

[@trudyjackson2309]

Wow! I never knew what happened to him. How sad! Harry seemed like a wonderful guy. Thanks for this video!

[@AMStationEngineer]

+Trudy Jackson, It was never clearly determined as to why, however, approximately ¾-mi prior to the exit, he slowed to less than 20 mph, then began weaving between all three lanes, and into the path of the semi. He did suffer an MI, however, it was never determined as to whether the heart attack occurred before, or during/after he was struck, nor were they able to determine if there was a mechanical problem with his VW Rabbit. About ten days after the accident took place, myself, along with two friends, detoured to Exit 40, after a flight into JFK. We had no trouble finding the location, as there were at least 8 cars pulled to the shoulder of the roadway; a NY State Trooper was one of them.

[@jamesreed1579]

me neither in fact i thought he was still among the living, may god bless him n family

[@natashazent919]

AMStationEngineer .

[@dexterdog717]

He did seem like a very decent guy. Bad luck to have to die so young and in such a brutal way. Life sucks some times.

[@a3a14613]

AMStationEngineer Sucks that his family was able to sue the trucking company.

[@davesherry7751]

Chapin was my favorite. What a loss for the world. He would have been front and center in today's world of unrest. Damn I miss his songs. Cory's coming.

[@lolo77222]

I used to listen to my older brothers album Taxi and play that song over and over again. Strange thing is now I realize I was only 8 or 9!!!...but even so young I knew that song was something special! I still have it on my playlist and listen when I'm driving, I'm 59 yrs old haha

[@greg7656]

For some reason I always thought that Harry was struck by a car while walking. Wonder what made me think that. I live not far from a playground dedicated to his memory in Brooklyn Heights.

[@tomasaldente2622]

Sandy sued the trucking company for millions of dollars afterword.....

[@greg7656]

@Dana Chapin I'll think of him every time I walk past that church

[@robtk3]

Such a horrible way to die for such a kind man.

[@garyhase181]

Harry did a USO concert in Naples Italy in 1978 and I had the honor to watch his son Josh while he performed....What a great day

[@madelinehayes-jk9xl]

Harry was one of the VERY BEST. I HAD THE PLEASURE OF SEEING HIM IN CONCERT TWICE. AFTER HIS SECOND CONCERT HE WAS STANDING RIGHT NEXT TO ME. I WAS VERY SHY AND DID NOT EVEN SAY ANYTHING. YEARS LATER HIS BROTHER TOM PLAYED A CONCERT IN MY HOMETOWN. WHEN I TALKED WITH HIM AND MENTIONED I WAS AFRAID TO SPEAK TO HARRY, HIS COMMENT "MADDY, HARRY LOVED HIS FANS". HARRY AND TOM, BOTH PHENOMENAL :)

[@better_together-w4m]

He was an amazing talent and a good family friend. We lost one of the best.

[@throwingsparks]

Back in the mid 70’s, Harry’s niece was a home economics teacher at our Middle School.

[@johnharp7596]

I seen Harry in concert it seems nobody remembers songs like Mr. Tanner or 30 Thousand pounds of bananas 😢

[@davepa37]

I am SO loving your What Ever Happened to videos. Thank you for these

[@Alpha11]

Thank you for watching; we're glad you like the videos!

[@standinonthecorner7627]

I was privileged to see him in Belfast 1978 during the 'troubles' when virtually no one would come here, and if they did it was a solo performance, but Harry did with his full band.It was a great gig.

[@redlemonspayne8798]

Saw him while I was in college. He was amazing! Thanks so much for this ... Makes me happy and sad.

[@jimhawkins245]

I was friends and worked with Harry for many years promoting full band concerts and numerous solo/ acoustic shows, all, except the first concert, were shows benefiting Harry's charity foundation WHY.

[@johng4250]

We are loosing so many that can put life down on paper….Harry Chappen, Jim Croce, Jimmy Buffett, John Stewart, Nanci Griffith, John Prine, the list goes on and on.

[@aspensulphate]

Yes, people die. Maybe you should direct some of your energy into developing a philosophy about life, instead of bemoaning the "loss" of it.

[@johng4250]

@@aspensulphate philosophy about life “ life sucks and then you die”, how’s that for a philosophy?

[@donwilliams6879]

I liked this video but one fact was left out. Harry's car accident was due to the heat attack that he suffered while driving. And it was his daughter's VW.

[@kathyflorcruz552]

Details like that ARE important. Thanks.

[@vincentzito3933]

I was caught in the traffic jam for 4 hours... when I got home, a couple days after that....I found out it was Harry Chapin that was killed and was the reason for that jam...

[@chomama1628]

vincent zito that’s sad man.

[@vincentzito3933]

@@chomama1628 .... I was with my brother Frank, My brother has since joined Harry in the hereafter...

[@IvorPresents]

The Long Island expressway always frightened me. Large trucks and small cars jammed together. it went past my home in Queens.

[@patreeves6945]

A true legend taken far too early...he will live on in our hearts forever.

[@checkyoursix5623]

"Flowers are red" ... one of my favorites ...

[@bignhoj47]

I had seen Harry in concert back in the late 70's.I was going through what I felt was a hard time in my life. Was not a fan when I went. Was a hugh fan after the concert and still am to this day. They did not call him the story teller for nothing.

[@peterturley2960]

Absolute tragedy- truly great and inspirational singer/songwriter and a really nice down to earth guy- the good do indeed die young. X

[@phyllischarpentier4585]

I went to a wedding in the east village (grenwich village) in 1971 and Harry Chapin sang in the Church. Another great talents life cut short. Damn the long lsland expressway. R.I.P. HARRY. I JUST WILD ABOUT HARRY.

[@tekteam26]

I loved Harry's music. I remember attending a Harry Chapin concert in Stewart Theatre on the campus on NC State University about six months before his death. I was sitting on a cushion right on the stage about six feet away from Harry and his brother Tom as they played a totally acoustic concert that lasted for hours. That was the most incredible concert that I have ever been a part of. It is indeed a shame that Harry Chapin was taken from us all too soon.

[@LindaMerchant-bq2hp]

Harry folk singer songwriter storyteller hreat performer

[@robertavery4476]

Loved his story telling. Not a bad song on any album. So many good people die way too young. "Cats in the Cradle " "Taxi" "Circle" just a few my favorite.

[@66guns4]

A very unique, powerful musician and human being.

[@ruthwickline1000]

I saw Harry at Williams College in Williamstown, MA.. Just him and his guitar.... he was awesome!!!!!!!!!

[@u.s.n.retired1995]

"WOLD", great song. The man sounded like he was kind. A true talent.

[@petel6625]

I saw him at Belmont Park N.Y. 1979. Great show!! Thanks for remembering him.

[@Alpha11]

Thank you for watching, Pete!

[@whoward6258]

Truly a wonderful video, I was privileged to see him in concert in 1979. My first concert. Harry was always a first class act. I miss his music along with Jim Croce, John Denver, John Lennon and Jimi Hendrix.

[@BobbNaef]

Jim Croce another great we lost way to soon.

[@imonittonite]

Still missing the great Harry Nilsson.

[@dexterdog717]

Nilsson Schmilson

[@marciasuminski8455]

imonittonite wrong.guy.

[@davidlyons6736]

Flowers are green

[@DB-thats-me]

Today marks the anniversary of Harry’s passing. 😢

[@mhill7569]

"Only the Good die young"🎶 🥀 ❣️

[@davidholcomb9393]

A life well spent and taken from us far too soon.The world could use a lot more Harry Chapin's.

[@janestahlhut8608]

Loved the video and still love to listen to Harry Chapin.

[@Hansaman58]

Got to see him in 1980 at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, VA. So glad I was able to. He was a brilliant performer.

[@1965RonnieP]

Sad ending great artist and activist rip

[@robbrown4621]

Wow. I just came across this documentary. I am in the photo at the 3:09 time mark. I recall the day. Harry played a song that was not yet finished. I made a suggestion about rearranging a couple of lines in the song. I was a beginning songwriter at the time. Harry understood my idea and afterward he came up to me and asked me if I was a songwriter. When I told him that I was working on it, he then invited me to join a workshop for songwriting he held at his house about once every other month. This photo was taken on his lawn next to his home. I never knew that there was a photo from this moment. I'm the young guy in the dark jeans and tan shirt all the way on the left in the photo. I am now sixty-eight years old.

[@Lisabug2659]

I started to listen to Chapin when I was 13. His voice was so unique, as was his style--his gritty emotion. Went to see him in concert in 1976 and was truly entertained by the talent of the group. I know exactly where I was at age 21 when they broke in on the radio to announce his death. I was stunned..... Fast forward all these years and I still listen to his songs, know the words, and have used some of his music to chronicle family videos. Now my eldest boy is turning forty and the youngest grandson is turning 10.... my eldest grandson wants the keys to my car now that he has a permit....... These cats aren't in the cradle long.... RIP Harry C.

[@aaronb.2177]

I was about the same age when I started listening to Harry. A substitute teacher at school turned me on to him. Less than a year later, I also remember vividly while riding with my family during our summer vacation trip, when they announced his death on the radio.

[@pameladotson2503]

He was a storyteller! His sudden passing from an accident was shocking at the time.World Hunger and charity.work was what he did! On his way to a concert.

[@jasonrdrunner]

His singing voice is incredible. Really stands out.