I will never forget the first time I heard cats in the cradle and I want to write a love song, my heart just burst, it was an amazin feeling to hear this man singing stories not just songs! I still listening to him today and my 15yr old autistic son loves his voice!
My favorite album! Miss Harry Chapin. Saw him at least 3 times live, and had tickets to see him in Phoenix yet again but he was killed away right before that show.. So sad! But the privilege of seeing him in a little high school auditorium in Santa Cruz, CA years ago, when it was just him and his guitar - no band, no backup. - bring back the best memories When he needed a duet, he would bring up someone from the audience. OMG! Probably the best "concert" I'd ever attended.
This album is what got me into becoming a harry Chapin Fan, I saw him every year from 1976 through 1981 at least once a year. Met him and talked to him in all but one after every concert, The only time he did not stay he was doing up to testify in front of the House of Representatives along with John Denver, and Kenny Rogers about Hunger in the World.
My Dad gave me his record collection, all vintage releases and this is one i always love to spin! One of my first musical memories is a live show my dad taped off the radio, part of the coffee with harry series from the Cleveland Agora. Will always love Harry Chapin!
Generally, I prefer studio versions of songs to their "live" counterparts - however, I make an exception for Harry Chapin in this regard. Having heard these covers live, I find the original (studio) versions nearly unendurable. These live performances are so superior- this, particularly, is one of my favorite songs of all time. A gorgeous, joyful celebration of life. Particularly poignant when u consider he was never able to experience most of these delights owing to his premature death.
That line "there are songs I should have sung" gets me every time... I wish we could have heard those songs.
I am 18 years old and I grew up on Harry Chapin, it started with my grandma, then my mom and now me... And I certainly won't be the last.