Love your reactions. I’m a 63 year old black man, but back in high school along with the Stylistics and other R & B groups and soloists, I loved Harry. I’ve always loved story songs, and songs whose lyrics you can understand. Two suggestions: Gilbert O’Sullivan’s - Alone Again Naturally, and Bobby Gentry’s - Ode To Billie Joe. Thanks for the memories.
Harry and Jim Croce (whom you've heard) were both incredible story tellers, singer/songwriters with a gift to move you into that 'zone'. Both died tragically way too young. Their music lives on.
So many of the 70's singers and songwriters were also great story tellers.. Harry Chapin was one of them. So was James Taylor and Gordon Lightfoot. You will realize this more and more as you explore and experience this period in music history. ♥
... and don't forget about ... 30,000 Thousand Pounds of Bananas ... Humerous but still sad in the end ... or the lesson of how to play the blues in "The Bluesman" ... all of Harry's songs are master pieces of story telling ...
I wouldnt say gut wrenching. More like poignant and accepting that we're all just human beings. My father died when I was in my 30's but I had accepted by then that I would never get from them all I thought I needed. And now that I'm in my 50's I accept that no human being is meant to. We all have our own 100% readily available source of well being and acceptance and it's all an "inside job"..peace.
His song Cats in the Cradle made me an active father when my son was born. It’s a lesson to fathers of what not to do. I coached his baseball teams for 10 years.
Bruce Springsteen talks about this in the tribute. He says Harry told him, "I play one for me and one for the next guy." He was a true philanthropist. A tragic loss.
Also James Taylor, Cat Stevens, a lot of great artists in this genre, for people who just want to kick back and let themselves be absorbed by some stories set to music.
In the year before Harry died, he performed a concert in a small venue in my home town of Tulsa, Oklahoma. I was fortunate enough to be in the audience. After it was over he surprisingly walked up one of the aisles about halfway and greeted people as they were leaving. I was not about to miss the chance to meet and get close to this legend. To my utter delight and amazement, as I approached him he shouted "These Oklahoma girls, I love it!!!!!" He then planted a kiss on me and surrounded me with a bear hug. It was like an out of body experience and I remember it to this day as if it were yesterday. What a great experience! He was so warm and friendly.
@TheApartmentWoodturner... That is my favorite song of Harry's too. On his "Greatest Stories Ever Told" album, he spoke before playing Better Place and he said he wrote this song after playing in Watertown, NY. He also said, "I spent a week there one afternoon." I grew up in Watertown.... he was so right. lol He said it was his favorite song so I've always loved it. What part of the lyrics do you have on your arm? That's so cool. Peace.
Saw Harry several times long ago at the Great Southeast Music Hall. Great storyteller. Only entertainers I ever saw sit on the edge of the stage and actually have a conversation with the audience.
Harry's stories/music never grow old. He got such a bum rap when he was putting his music out. Radio stations wouldn't play his songs because they were longer than the 2-3 minute songs that were popular. He made it into the music world without radio stations' help .... he made it in by word of mouth of the people that loved his music. Once the radio stations recognized his popularity, they decided to play some of his music on their stations. Thank you Harry for the music you shared with the world.... and thank you India, for reacting to this song. Take care. Be well. Peace.
He's an amazing story teller.. SO many great songs.. and stories. Cats in the Cradle. A Better Place to Be.. AMAZING! Mr Tanner. 30,000 lbs of Bananas. Funny and sad.. and true.
"Cats in the cradle and the silver spoon little blue and the man on the moon, when you coming home son, I don't know when, but will get together then dad, you now will have good time then." Funny I haven't thought about this song in very long time, but one someone suggested it and the words came back.
Omg this song and the part 2/sequel. Two of my favorite songs ever. I actually heard the second part first, memorized it as a kid. Both songs give me goosebumps
died too young. i was well into adulthood when this was released.....hopes, dreams all dashed. it is one of the most evocative songs i've ever heard. an incredible story wraps you up in a just few minutes.
Welcome aboard, young lady! I first heard Harry Chapin, back in the mid '70's when I was just entering high school. I discovered emotions that I had not experienced before, when listening to Harry's music.
Harry Chapin was a amazing song writer, its so sad that he died so young, one can only imagine the music that was never made... what a great pick for a reaction.
Harry Chay-pin! LOVED Harry Chapin! The best story teller anywhere. Most of his songs were to long for the radio, Taxi, Cats in the Cradle, and WOLD, were often played in the 70s early 80s. His concerts were like a roller coaster of human emotion, his Amazing stories tapped into the human emotion like no one else.. I saw him many times when he came to Atlanta. This brings back so many memories!
I was introduced to Harry's music at Purdue University in 1980. Had the pleasure of enjoying his music in person during his 1981 concert tour with his brother Tom. Cried with my fellow college students on July 16, 1981 as we consoled each other when news of his passing made its way through the St Tom's community at Purdue. I'm not great with memories but I remember losing Harry (and Jim Croce). I see you reacted to 30,000 Pounds of Bananas as well. Watching that next!! He was such a story teller.
This has been one of my favorite songs since it came out in the early 70's. Cat's in the Cradle is another great song of his. I think you would enjoy it.
In addition to being a masterful story teller, Harry Chapin was the real deal humanitarian. He donated the bulk of his earnings and huge blocks of his time into feeding hungry people. By all accounts the man was completely selfless and a shining example of a great human being.
One of the best singer/songwriters ever. I saw him in the early 80s a couple of years before he died. He was playing at the Fresno fair in the free concert venue. "Greatest Stories Ever Told" is his greatest hits cd and it is fantastic. He is the consummate storyteller.
Harry Chapin was a master storyteller. And you’re absolutely right, he had the very rare writer’s talent and ability to put the listener right into the song with him. “Taxi” didn’t get much airplay in commercial radio at the time it was released, because of its length, most commercial stations wouldn’t play it. But, you could hear it on some FM stations, and college radio stations would play it, because most of those stations didn’t have a limit to the length of the music they played; it wasn’t uncommon in those days for college stations - and some FM stations - to play entire album sides. Harry was never “commercial” anyway, his “Cat’s In The Cradle” did become a hit on commercial radio, but that song was just the tip of the iceberg of what he did, and his extensive list of songs that were never played on commercial radio... but his fans knew. 😉 He died far too young, as the result of a car accident. He left a legacy of great songs and stories... but his untimely death also left a gaping hole in the singer-storyteller genre that hasn’t ever really been filled since. 🙏
Dear India, I really liked Harry Chapin’s story telling, his musical compositions, his voice quality and his use of cello. In the late 70s I and my friend Alex went to a Harry Chapin concert at The University of Waterloo, Ontario. Alex, a trumpet player, fell in love with the sound of the cello. We both got a chuckle that Harry performed wearing a suit. He explained his lateness blaming Canadian border personnel for not believing that he was a “Rock and Roll” artist because he was wearing a suit. Anyway we did enjoy Harry’s show immensely and forgave his late start.
India, out of all the reaction vids I watch you delve the deepest than any other reaction host on youtube. Keep exploring deep deep in the bowels of the 60's and 70's. btw Cats and the Cradles was probably Harry's most famous song. A very very sad song.
Harry's songs are like books that you can't put down. After that first bar or two, he's got you.
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Great Music created by Great Artists with tremendous Music Genius & Talent was commonplace for us back then. Key words = BACK THEN. This great cut is just 1 example of the countless amounts of Great EVERLASTING Music that is STILL just ask amazing & fresh today....as it was 45- 50 + -- yrs. ago. We were the Lucky ones.
I went to his last concert, a bunch of us were saying how great the show was. Later that day we found that he had died. It was a very strange, unrealistic day. Great man who made great music.
Was it a morning concert? I think your statements are at least a little "off". Harry was killed at 1:05pm on the Long Island freeway. He was headed TO a concert.
My mom introduced me to the music of harry chapin when I was really young. This song mesmerized me. And here I am forty years later loving this song. Your reaction was beautiful and I'm guessing that's the kind of reaction harry was hoping for from his fans when he wrote it. Thank you for choosing to showcase it.
I saw Harry Chapin when I was in college. It was the school year of 1979-80. He and his brother were the only 2 playing with his brother being on the bass guitar and Harry on guitar. It was in the gym and we all sat on the floor.He is such a good story teller. Other beautiful songs are Mr. Tanner, A Better place to be, WOLD, Dreams go by... I cry when I listen to mr Tanner.
One of the concert thrills of my life was sitting 25 feet from Harry performing this song. He loved small audiences (100-300) so the experience was more intimate and not reliant on artificial amplification. Billy Joel and Harry Chapin were the lyrical genius writers from Long Island. Had Harry lived longer....he might have equaled Billy and Elton...or more!
He was a great story teller. Always loved his music. Thank you. It does put you in the cab with them. Makes you wonder how you would feel if you ran into someone you once had a loving relationship with. And how you would handle it.
Harry came from a musical family. Brother Tom, and Steve were also musicians (Tom used to have a kids show where he sang children songs on PBS, back in the late 60's, early 70's)...His father (Jim) was a very highly regarded drum teacher...Harry was a philanthropist, and started "Long Island Cares" food bank to combat hunger, which is still going strong...He used to have benefit BBQ's at his home in Huntington, NY...My sister was a fan and attended a few of them....Sadly he was killed at the age of 38 on the Long Island expressway, in 1981...He died with not much money, because he gave most of it away.
Harry Chapin was an incredible performer. He was one of those musicians who was better live than in the studio. I had the pleasure of seeing him 3 times. He was the 1st, or one of the 1st musician to begin doing concerts to feed the hungry. I have seen him with his band or playing a solo gig with just his guitar. It took him 30 seconds to have 10,000 + people in the palm of his hand with just his guitar. One of the finest storytellers ever. If you want to hear a very disturbing song of his, try "Sniper." It is the story of Charles Whitman the Tex University Sniper from the 1960s.
HE WANTED TO PARTY, SMOKE POT ( GET STONED ) YA KNOW! LOL :) IT'S A TIMELESSSSS STORY SONG INDIA. JAMES TAYLOR, GORDON LIGHTFOOT, JIM CROCE, JOHN DENVER,, ALL THAT STUFFFFF IS GR88888 TO LISTEN TO AND TAKE IN. HAPPYYYYY REST OF THE YEAR GIRL AND MANYYYY BLESSINGS TO YOU! :)
Great video and great reaction. I knew Harry before he was famous. He worked as a dish washer in an Italian restaurant in Ithaca,N.Y. During the 70’s. I dated the restaurant owner’s niece during that time frame. He left Ithaca when Cat’s in the cradle was released. He was a very energetic and nice guy.
Harry Chapin Is one of my favorites artists of my lifetime. Founder of WHY? Hunger he generously gave 50%of his concert proceeds to help fight hunger. He was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor after his untimely death at age 38. He always played for the " cheap seats" and spent long hours greeting fans before & after his concerts. The Harry Chapin Foundation and people worldwide still fight for the hungry and human rights. He certainly made an impression on my life.
Harry Chapin reeked sincerity and kindness. One of the most gut wrenching songs is "Taxi." The story of a cab driver with failed dreams and his old lady friend with failed dreams. Brutally real and heart wrenching. Harry did a follow up to the song in "Sequel" that, for me, took a little pain off "Taxi" by having the taxi driver become a successful rocker and his lady not so successful but at least getting out of a bad marriage. Still, "Taxi" is an epic story of disappointment.
So glad somebody has found Harry Chapin again. Back in the day when we mostly listened to rock, in quieter times we listened to folk. I played my "Greatest Stories Live" tape so many times. It was taped off my parents' album, so we all loved him. Some quiet night, put on that album.
This will sound strange but.... one of the outstanding happy moments in my life was when I found out that he had written a sequel, and then was able to listen to him perform them back to back. (yes, I admit that I had tears while listening) I have enormous respect for him, not only because he is an incredible storyteller but because of his charity work - he raised literally millions of dollars for the World Food Program, without taking any pay or recognition, a humility that very few people in the business today possess. I truly enjoyed sharing these few minutes with you, sister. Namaste.
Harry used to do benefit concerts for Michael Moore in Flint Michigan. The proceeds went to hunger organizations about the time GM pulled out of town. Harry was a great humanitarian.
Fun to watch you react to this. You had some great ones during the song. I was waiting with great anticipation for a big reaction at the punch line and ... NOTHIN!
I haven't heard this in a couple of decades but I still remember all the words, classic FM late night song.I think it's a sad song about lost dreams, regrets and settling. Sue is acting but not on stage and Harry is flying but not in the sky.
Harry Chapin’s one of the best storytellers ever. “Cats and the Cradle” is a great song. It was probably his biggest hit. Highly recommended. “A Better place to Be” is a personal fav and also highly recommended.
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There is a part two to this song.
Please do the Part 2 Sequel to Taxi. It tells the rest of the story
Weird. I was thinking about this song yesterday, and wondering how you would react to it!!!
Do more Harry Chapin, I suggest Burning Herself, Sniper, or Better Place to Be. Glad to see he's making a comeback.
India Reacts India, dear lady you have a deep soul.
Happy, healthy, prosperous 2020 to you and yours!
Harry Chapin is one of the greatest musical story tellers ever.
Agree 100%. No other singer like him.
I still remember you.
Well I feel John Denver is right up there.
Gordon Lightfoot is up there too
@@hunterharrell7491 Absotively
This song is timeless. Not played enough on radio.
Harry Chapin is one of the greatest storytelling songwriters ever. Wonderful reaction, India!
Love your reactions. I’m a 63 year old black man, but back in high school along with the Stylistics and other R & B groups and soloists, I loved Harry. I’ve always loved story songs, and songs whose lyrics you can understand. Two suggestions: Gilbert O’Sullivan’s - Alone Again Naturally, and Bobby Gentry’s - Ode To Billie Joe. Thanks for the memories.
"I go flying so high....when I'm stoned..." One of the saddest endings to a song ever.
My life right now.
Harry was also a great humanitarian, he did something like a third of his concerts each to benefit world hunger
Wade Aiken - more like half…
I saw him three times. He had collection boxes for people to drop off canned foods for the poor at the entrances to his concerts.
He died in a crash going to or from a benefit.
there still is a food bank here in long island named after him.
He was driving toward Eisenhower Park in Nassau County, NY to do an open-air concert when he was killed in a crash with a truck.
Harry and Jim Croce (whom you've heard) were both incredible story tellers, singer/songwriters with a gift to move you into that 'zone'. Both died tragically way too young. Their music lives on.
So many of the 70's singers and songwriters were also great story tellers.. Harry Chapin was one of them. So was James Taylor and Gordon Lightfoot. You will realize this more and more as you explore and experience this period in music history. ♥
Good choices. Other singer/songwriters from the same era are Carol King and Jim Croce.
"Cats in the Cradle" is truly a gut wrenching song...
So is WOLD
And Mr. Tanner, Corey’s Coming, Sniper, Better Place to Be, Changes, etc.
... and don't forget about ... 30,000 Thousand Pounds of Bananas ... Humerous but still sad in the end ... or the lesson of how to play the blues in "The Bluesman" ... all of Harry's songs are master pieces of story telling ...
I wouldnt say gut wrenching. More like poignant and accepting that we're all just human beings. My father died when I was in my 30's but I had accepted by then that I would never get from them all I thought I needed. And now that I'm in my 50's I accept that no human being is meant to. We all have our own 100% readily available source of well being and acceptance and it's all an "inside job"..peace.
His song Cats in the Cradle made me an active father when my son was born. It’s a lesson to fathers of what not to do. I coached his baseball teams for 10 years.
That line when she hands him the money and his admission to letting her go long ago, kills me every time 😭😭😭
You should look in to Harry the man. He was tireless with his mission to help others.
Bruce Springsteen talks about this in the tribute. He says Harry told him, "I play one for me and one for the next guy." He was a true philanthropist. A tragic loss.
I had forgotten how good he was. He died so young.
Thank you for your great reaction. This is my favorite song by Harry. 🇨🇦🇨🇦👏👏
Yes I saw Harry a few months before he was tragically killed. One of the greatest storytellers of all time! Must also listen to Gordon Lightfoot!
Also James Taylor, Cat Stevens, a lot of great artists in this genre, for people who just want to kick back and let themselves be absorbed by some stories set to music.
In the year before Harry died, he performed a concert in a small venue in my home town of Tulsa, Oklahoma. I was fortunate enough to be in the audience. After it was over he surprisingly walked up one of the aisles about halfway and greeted people as they were leaving. I was not about to miss the chance to meet and get close to this legend. To my utter delight and amazement, as I approached him he shouted "These Oklahoma girls, I love it!!!!!" He then planted a kiss on me and surrounded me with a bear hug. It was like an out of body experience and I remember it to this day as if it were yesterday. What a great experience! He was so warm and friendly.
I bet it was a real treat to see him perform live.
@@lisas8244 Sounds to me this man was God sent.
@@waynejohanson1083 I just wish God hadn't called him home so soon. He is a national treasure.
I love Harry Chapin!
A BETTER PLACE TO BE- HARRY CHAPIN
... Is my favorite song and I actually have some of the lyrics tattooed on my arm
Better Place to be or Mr. Tanner! or possibly Bummer or Sniper if you want to get dark!
@TheApartmentWoodturner... That is my favorite song of Harry's too. On his "Greatest Stories Ever Told" album, he spoke before playing Better Place and he said he wrote this song after playing in Watertown, NY. He also said, "I spent a week there one afternoon." I grew up in Watertown.... he was so right. lol He said it was his favorite song so I've always loved it. What part of the lyrics do you have on your arm? That's so cool. Peace.
@@cnatview Truth be told I'm probly the biggest Harry Chapin fan you'll ever meet. LoL
@@kj320175 ......nice to meet you. Take care.
Forgot how beautiful this song was. Thanks for bringing it back to me.
This song always brings a tear to my ey thank u for sharing
This is his best! It's what put him on the map. Harry Chapin & Gordon Lightfoot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Storytellers of an era!
Saw Harry several times long ago at the Great Southeast Music Hall. Great storyteller. Only entertainers I ever saw sit on the edge of the stage and actually have a conversation with the audience.
I always liked to listen to this song because it’s so real
Harry's stories/music never grow old. He got such a bum rap when he was putting his music out. Radio stations wouldn't play his songs because they were longer than the 2-3 minute songs that were popular. He made it into the music world without radio stations' help .... he made it in by word of mouth of the people that loved his music. Once the radio stations recognized his popularity, they decided to play some of his music on their stations. Thank you Harry for the music you shared with the world.... and thank you India, for reacting to this song. Take care. Be well. Peace.
He's an amazing story teller.. SO many great songs.. and stories.
Cats in the Cradle.
A Better Place to Be.. AMAZING!
Mr Tanner.
30,000 lbs of Bananas. Funny and sad.. and true.
What Made America Famous W O L D 2 others that are great songs by Harry
And flowers are Red
Bummer
The orchestral arrangement is simply lovely, the strings and cello really make this classic!
Harry Chapin donated an estimated 75% of the money from his massive concerts to help world hunger. He really was a uniquely kind person. ❤️🙏🏻🎻
My brother still volunteers for the Chapin hunger center in Florida
"Cats in the cradle and the silver spoon little blue and the man on the moon, when you coming home son, I don't know when, but will get together then dad, you now will have good time then."
Funny I haven't thought about this song in very long time, but one someone suggested it and the words came back.
I play both these Harry tune on the guitar
One of the greatest songs ever written and performed!
Omg this song and the part 2/sequel. Two of my favorite songs ever. I actually heard the second part first, memorized it as a kid. Both songs give me goosebumps
He is so good at story telling songs.
Glad to see some Harry chapin reaction videos. He's a hidden gem.
Harry, what a great story teller. Died tragically in an auto crash.
I'm glad to go see you react to Harry Chapin. His song Cat's in the Cradle is a must listen.
died too young. i was well into adulthood when this was released.....hopes, dreams all dashed. it is one of the most evocative songs i've ever heard. an incredible story wraps you up in a just few minutes.
Welcome aboard, young lady! I first heard Harry Chapin, back in the mid '70's when I was just entering high school. I discovered emotions that I had not experienced before, when listening to Harry's music.
In the 70s, he was one of the greatest story tellers ever.
Harry Chapin was a amazing song writer, its so sad that he died so young,
one can only imagine the music that was never made... what a great pick for a reaction.
Thank You for playing his best song! It maybe long forgotten so thank you for playing this.
Always loved Harry Chapin, He was another great song story teller! A close second to Dylan!
The high part is actually a guy singing falsetto, Harry's bass player.
I love watching, and listening to your videos and comments , I'm hooked ......
I Wish That Harry Could Have Lived Long Enough To Know How Many Millions Of People That Have Been Helped By The Food Banks..R.I.P. Harry 🙏 ❤
The man can tell a story!
Harry Chay-pin! LOVED Harry Chapin! The best story teller anywhere. Most of his songs were to long for the radio, Taxi, Cats in the Cradle, and WOLD, were often played in the 70s early 80s. His concerts were like a roller coaster of human emotion, his Amazing stories tapped into the human emotion like no one else.. I saw him many times when he came to Atlanta. This brings back so many memories!
A great story teller and a great humanitarian. He was taken from us too soon. Cats in the Cradle is a must.
I was introduced to Harry's music at Purdue University in 1980. Had the pleasure of enjoying his music in person during his 1981 concert tour with his brother Tom. Cried with my fellow college students on July 16, 1981 as we consoled each other when news of his passing made its way through the St Tom's community at Purdue. I'm not great with memories but I remember losing Harry (and Jim Croce).
I see you reacted to 30,000 Pounds of Bananas as well. Watching that next!! He was such a story teller.
Flowers are Red is another great song from this legend.
I am so happy that I got to see him in concert and it was great 👍 💗 I love all of his stories ❤
This has been one of my favorite songs since it came out in the early 70's. Cat's in the Cradle is another great song of his. I think you would enjoy it.
In addition to being a masterful story teller, Harry Chapin was the real deal humanitarian. He donated the bulk of his earnings and huge blocks of his time into feeding hungry people.
By all accounts the man was completely selfless and a shining example of a great human being.
This song brings back the past, I loved it then and now, thanks for your reacts.
I've always favored storyteller singers, Harry was the master👍
One of the best singer/songwriters ever. I saw him in the early 80s a couple of years before he died. He was playing at the Fresno fair in the free concert venue. "Greatest Stories Ever Told" is his greatest hits cd and it is fantastic. He is the consummate storyteller.
Harry Chapin was a master storyteller. And you’re absolutely right, he had the very rare writer’s talent and ability to put the listener right into the song with him.
“Taxi” didn’t get much airplay in commercial radio at the time it was released, because of its length, most commercial stations wouldn’t play it. But, you could hear it on some FM stations, and college radio stations would play it, because most of those stations didn’t have a limit to the length of the music they played; it wasn’t uncommon in those days for college stations - and some FM stations - to play entire album sides.
Harry was never “commercial” anyway, his “Cat’s In The Cradle” did become a hit on commercial radio, but that song was just the tip of the iceberg of what he did, and his extensive list of songs that were never played on commercial radio... but his fans knew. 😉
He died far too young, as the result of a car accident. He left a legacy of great songs and stories... but his untimely death also left a gaping hole in the singer-storyteller genre that hasn’t ever really been filled since.
🙏
He was a wonderful storyteller.
Dear India,
I really liked Harry Chapin’s story telling, his musical compositions, his voice quality and his use of cello. In the late 70s I and my friend Alex went to a Harry Chapin concert at The University of Waterloo, Ontario. Alex, a trumpet player, fell in love with the sound of the cello. We both got a chuckle that Harry performed wearing a suit. He explained his lateness blaming Canadian border personnel for not believing that he was a “Rock and Roll” artist because he was wearing a suit. Anyway we did enjoy Harry’s show immensely and forgave his late start.
This is classic story telling at it's best! The Holy Grail of story songs! Another great story telling song is by Marty Robbins called El Paso.
Marty Robbins is awesome. I love "Streets of Laredo".
India, out of all the reaction vids I watch you delve the deepest than any other reaction host on youtube. Keep exploring deep deep in the bowels of the 60's and 70's. btw Cats and the Cradles was probably Harry's most famous song. A very very sad song.
Harry's songs are like books that you can't put down. After that first bar or two, he's got you.
Great Music created by Great Artists with tremendous Music Genius & Talent was commonplace for us back then. Key words = BACK THEN. This great cut is just 1 example of the countless amounts of Great EVERLASTING Music that is STILL just ask amazing & fresh today....as it was 45- 50 + -- yrs. ago. We were the Lucky ones.
I went to his last concert, a bunch of us were saying how great the show was. Later that day we found that he had died. It was a very strange, unrealistic day. Great man who made great music.
Was it a morning concert? I think your statements are at least a little "off". Harry was killed at 1:05pm on the Long Island freeway. He was headed TO a concert.
Carlton Anderson We were at a night concert the next day, or I think it was the next day, it was years ago. And we were all shocked that he had died.
Harry Chapin is by far THE best storyteller...definitely worth going down that rabbit hole
Look up "Sequel". It's a second part to this song. It takes place some years later.
My mom introduced me to the music of harry chapin when I was really young. This song mesmerized me. And here I am forty years later loving this song. Your reaction was beautiful and I'm guessing that's the kind of reaction harry was hoping for from his fans when he wrote it. Thank you for choosing to showcase it.
I saw Harry Chapin when I was in college. It was the school year of 1979-80. He and his brother were the only 2 playing with his brother being on the bass guitar and Harry on guitar. It was in the gym and we all sat on the floor.He is such a good story teller.
Other beautiful songs are Mr. Tanner, A Better place to be, WOLD, Dreams go by... I cry when I listen to mr Tanner.
Flowers are Red is another good song.
Harry Chapin: What Made America Famous! You won’t be disappointed! Relevant even after all this time!
One of the concert thrills of my life was sitting 25 feet from Harry performing this song. He loved small audiences (100-300) so the experience was more intimate and not reliant on artificial amplification. Billy Joel and Harry Chapin were the lyrical genius writers from Long Island. Had Harry lived longer....he might have equaled Billy and Elton...or more!
He was a great story teller. Always loved his music. Thank you. It does put you in the cab with them. Makes you wonder how you would feel if you ran into someone you once had a loving relationship with. And how you would handle it.
Harry Chapin's great strength was his storytelling. Tragic what happened to him, because he could have been so much bigger than he became.
Harry came from a musical family. Brother Tom, and Steve were also musicians (Tom used to have a kids show where he sang children songs on PBS, back in the late 60's, early 70's)...His father (Jim) was a very highly regarded drum teacher...Harry was a philanthropist, and started "Long Island Cares" food bank to combat hunger, which is still going strong...He used to have benefit BBQ's at his home in Huntington, NY...My sister was a fan and attended a few of them....Sadly he was killed at the age of 38 on the Long Island expressway, in 1981...He died with not much money, because he gave most of it away.
Harry Chapin was an incredible performer. He was one of those musicians who was better live than in the studio. I had the pleasure of seeing him 3 times. He was the 1st, or one of the 1st musician to begin doing concerts to feed the hungry. I have seen him with his band or playing a solo gig with just his guitar. It took him 30 seconds to have 10,000 + people in the palm of his hand with just his guitar. One of the finest storytellers ever.
If you want to hear a very disturbing song of his, try "Sniper." It is the story of Charles Whitman the Tex University Sniper from the 1960s.
Definitely gone too soon ,he was a great talent
HE WANTED TO PARTY, SMOKE POT ( GET STONED ) YA KNOW! LOL :) IT'S A TIMELESSSSS STORY SONG INDIA. JAMES TAYLOR, GORDON LIGHTFOOT, JIM CROCE, JOHN DENVER,, ALL THAT STUFFFFF IS GR88888 TO LISTEN TO AND TAKE IN. HAPPYYYYY REST OF THE YEAR GIRL AND MANYYYY BLESSINGS TO YOU! :)
Great video and great reaction.
I knew Harry before he was famous.
He worked as a dish washer in an Italian restaurant in Ithaca,N.Y. During the 70’s.
I dated the restaurant owner’s niece during that time frame.
He left Ithaca when Cat’s in the cradle was released.
He was a very energetic and nice guy.
Harry Chapin Is one of my favorites artists of my lifetime. Founder of WHY? Hunger he generously gave 50%of his concert proceeds to help fight hunger. He was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor after his untimely death at age 38. He always played for the " cheap seats" and spent long hours greeting fans before & after his concerts. The Harry Chapin Foundation and people worldwide still fight for the hungry and human rights. He certainly made an impression on my life.
Harry Chapin reeked sincerity and kindness. One of the most gut wrenching songs is "Taxi." The story of a cab driver with failed dreams and his old lady friend with failed dreams. Brutally real and heart wrenching. Harry did a follow up to the song in "Sequel" that, for me, took a little pain off "Taxi" by having the taxi driver become a successful rocker and his lady not so successful but at least getting out of a bad marriage. Still, "Taxi" is an epic story of disappointment.
Loved your reaction vid. This is a classic, beautiful song. Hope all is well with you.
I loved Harry Chapin!!
Thanks for playing this song... many memories. Just a note...the high notes were sung by a male...thanks again.
Harry Chapin in my opinion is the greatest songwriter of the 1970's. I just love the man. P.S.-Great humanitarian too.
Love Harry's story telling ability.
So glad somebody has found Harry Chapin again. Back in the day when we mostly listened to rock, in quieter times we listened to folk. I played my "Greatest Stories Live" tape so many times. It was taped off my parents' album, so we all loved him. Some quiet night, put on that album.
You nail it. From one of your new subscribers.
I forgot about this song. Thank you for reminding me.
This will sound strange but.... one of the outstanding happy moments in my life was when I found out that he had written a sequel, and then was able to listen to him perform them back to back. (yes, I admit that I had tears while listening) I have enormous respect for him, not only because he is an incredible storyteller but because of his charity work - he raised literally millions of dollars for the World Food Program, without taking any pay or recognition, a humility that very few people in the business today possess. I truly enjoyed sharing these few minutes with you, sister. Namaste.
Harry Chapin the great storyteller. May I suggest " Corey's Coming" and " Circle"
Ahh another fan of Cory
Brought by this lovely fellow. Jim Croce as well. Shine on!
Harry used to do benefit concerts for Michael Moore in Flint Michigan. The proceeds went to hunger organizations about the time GM pulled out of town. Harry was a great humanitarian.
Fun to watch you react to this. You had some great ones during the song. I was waiting with great anticipation for a big reaction at the punch line and ... NOTHIN!
Cats in the cradle and WOLD
Yeah cats in the cradle absolutely legendary song
Cats in the Cradle and WOLD, absolutely! Harry Chapin's songs tell stories. He is wonderful.
Harry was the last of the great balladeers......rip
Gordon Lightfoot is still alive
This song is actually a true story, you should listen to "Better Place to Be" and "Mr. Tanner"
@Dana Chapin That's not what he said at his concerts.
I haven't heard this in a couple of decades but I still remember all the words, classic FM late night song.I think it's a sad song about lost dreams, regrets and settling. Sue is acting but not on stage and Harry is flying but not in the sky.
Love Harry he was an unbelievable story teller. Before my time but my father used to listen to him...brings back good memories.
the anthology album has most of his songs.my favorite and i think one ofthe greatest albums
Harry Chapin’s one of the best storytellers ever. “Cats and the Cradle” is a great song. It was probably his biggest hit. Highly recommended. “A Better place to Be” is a personal fav and also highly recommended.
Francis Marrero “A Better Place To Be” is such a great song love it
Cat's in the Cradle isn't one of his best songs, just short enough to get on the radio. There are much better songs from Harry.
Harry's wife wrote Cats in the Cradle while he was away performing and she was at home with their son.
John Soon Like I said Cats in the Cradle is a “great” song. Probably his most popular and a good intro to Harry.
Deb Ballak-Murphy true! I heard she wrote it for Harry almost as a warning about his relationship with his son as Harry was away a lot touring.
India that woman's voice is really a big guy bearded dude name John Harry's got some great tunes
Big John Wallace! Great falsetto.
Yeah. I just only recently found out about the Jackson Browne Stay falsetto being sung by a guy. For years I just assumed it was a woman lol
My first concert ever. I was 13. Harry kissed my cheek and signed my program. I’m 57 now & remember it like it was yesterday.
The greatest story teller in song ever . Gone far too soon , miss him so much
Harry got me through some lonely adolescent years, it tore me up when he was killed.