Harry On My Mind
Sat Mar 17 2007

Nope, not Harry Potter. This Harry was a film-maker turned singer/song-writer, Harry Chapin.

I've been a fan of Harry Chapin since 1970-something when I heard his music while staying with my Aunt (a true child of the 1960's, hippie turned housewife). I was enthralled by it so much that I managed to save up allowance money and buy one of his albums when I was in 5th or 6th grade.

I can't remember if it was 1980 or 1981, but he went on tour and came to our town. I wanted to go to the concert SO badly, but my folks said no (I may have been grounded at the time and that was why, I can't remember now), but my mom assured me that there would be concerts of his in the future that I could attend.

Unfortunately Harry Chapin was killed in a car accident in July 1981. There never was another concert. That didn't stop his music though.

I still listen to him on an irregular basis between my various country, classic rock, pop, jazz and classical CD's. Lately I've had a few of his songs bumping around in my head so I've been listening to the CD more often than in the past.

Harry Chapin was also an activist towards ending world hunger, and was a driving force behind the creation of the World Hunger Commission under then-president Jimmy Carter.

While he is perhaps best known for his song Cats In The Cradle, that is only one of his many wonderful works. If you want to enjoy some of his songs, YouTube has a handfull. I recommend Taxi,or my personal favorite Circle.

Ignore the video on Circle as it has nothing to do with the song. Just close your eyes and enjoy the music.

3 Comments
  • From:
    Yetzirah (Legacy)
    On:
    Sun Mar 18 2007
    It amazes me what people come up with on YouTube.
    Truly.

  • From:
    Blueheron (Legacy)
    On:
    Sun Mar 18 2007
    Circle is one of my favourite songs of his as well. I used to sing it to my client's at work, found it very calming. His song about bananas, can't remember the exact title... always makes me laugh. The world lost a great man and talent too early.
  • From:
    ImNotLisa (Legacy)
    On:
    Tue Mar 20 2007
    I used to listen to Harry quite often, have the double cd compliation of his music. Great stuff. I'll have to get it back out again. :o)