My dad was tent camping with his best friend the day they got the news that their favorite artist had died. That night my dad cried and told his friend that one day his kids would listen to Harry Chapin. I was born 9 years later and he is my favorite artist today.
I was 16 years old and on my first date and we went to see Harry Chapin at Purdue University. He sat in the lobby during the intermission and I purchased a program. I leaned in to ask if he would sign it and he kissed me. Sweaty face and all. I was shocked but felt thrilled. Harry instilled my love of live performances. He reminds me that we are all just a phone call from our knees. I cried in my bedroom closet for hours when he died.
Sharon, I know it's been 3 years since your wrote about meeting Harry, but I met him many times and he was wonderful in person and on stage. Somehow I had no idea how tall his was until he walked up behind me, put his hand on my shoulder and said "Excuse me, bro." He was heading out to the table after the show to meet fans and sign things. My girlfriend at the time got a kiss and talked about having the softest lips and the most gentle way...a sweet kiss that was loving without feeling intrusive. I was just devastated when I heard he had died. We need him and his songs now more than ever.
Loved when my Dad would play this growing up. I now have an 18yr old named Tanner because of this beautiful song. Being named after great songs is kind of a thing in my family.
God, I miss this stuff. I was 18 in 1977 when I first saw Harry in concert in Seattle the next year I took the woman who would become my wife to see him and we saw him every year until his passing. I remember where I was and what I was doing when I heard of his death and it hit me harder than any life expeareance i'd had up until then. This song makes me cry every time I hear it. I'm a singer and I've been told I a good one but the line "he never sang again" just gets to my core. God bless you.
Mr Tanner exists in all of us. I personally never tire of hearing this story and am Thankful Chapin chose "Oh Holy Night" as the song for Mr Tanner to grace us with ... absolutely Blesses Me each and every time I hear Mr Tanner sing this Christmas Story!
i remeber see harry after a concert, he was full of sweat and working hard to promote world hunger. I graciously bought a shirt and treasured it until it was full of holes and stains. I remember the day of his crash on the LIE like it was yesterday. I had to pull my car over to cry. What a great person, I wish that he could have enjoyed his fame, he was a candle in the wind.
saw Harry back when i 18 im 53 and still to to this day that was the most wonderful night of my life, i remember where i was when i got the news of his death and how it broke my heart. and every now and then i come back to Harry just to feel real again
I saw Harry when I was 15 years old his performance mesmerized me and the thousands of others at the Queen’s University’s site. He had us all singing in perfect harmony all night long, I will never forget it. He also introduced me to the cello that night. Every time I hear the beautiful notes of the cello I immediately think back to that night that changed my life. RIP Harry Chapin.
Just listening to Harry gives me goosebumps of delight. The album "Short Stories" is in my top 3 favorite albums. What an incredibly talented man. What an incredible loss of someone that talented at such a young age. We are blessed for having had the opportunity to have listened and enjoyed his music.
Saw HC and the boys at Morristown, NJ in the late 70's or early 80's. Can't recall which. But I will never recall the music that night. Holly Pupo, where are you?
How Wonderful! Took me right back to the three concerts that I was fortunate enough to see, before he passed away. Can't help but become emotional. Thank you Harry.
Such a sad song about a man who stopped sharing his music because he'd been judged and found guilty of not being good enough. Made me cry. Such is the current state of our world.
Harry was one of a kind, who sang us stories, I've missed him and all the stories he still had to tell us. Mr. Tanner was told with the start of being a great journey for him, just to end because of the critics crushing his dream. So much of a true story of how life can go.
Saw Harry in concert in 1974 in OKC small turnout at the civic center but this wonderful singer jumped off the stage after the concert to talk with his fans much to their delight. You left us far too early, we miss you.
Another classic from Harry, thanks. It never ceases to amaze me that the beautiful voice of John Wallace is the very same voice that sings,"baby's so high that she's skying, etc." in Taxi. A whole lot of talent on that stage, but there will never be another Harry Chapin.
Saw Harry 5 times - first at Curry College after Taxi came out - last time in Phoenix Az - Had tickets for the show at the Music Tent in MA - he died about a week before the show. I have passed Harry along to my kids so that they may pass him along to their kids. The Best.
Jackie Evancho was treated brutally in the New York Times after her first concert there. Thank God she did not listen nor did the thousands of her admirers. She is now a platinum-selling international superstar and sings from her heart and her soul as did Harry.
I have a very close friend to thank for my introduction to Harry. I remember driving to work the day he died. There was an accident on the LIE that had traffic tied up for miles, I knew Harry was giving a free concert in the area, and I hoped it wasn't him involved in the accident, alas it was. I love the stories Harry tells and will never forget him.
I, too, was lucky enough to get to see Harry Chapin in concert twice. Once when I was 13 - it was my very first concert - then again in college. Both times he came out and signed every autograph and talked to every fan. It was shortly after I last saw him that he was killed. His death hurt my heart them and still to this day. It's wonderful to be able to see these videos and to know that he still lives on through his music and good works. Thank you, Harry.
Keep an eye out for the PBS pledge shows, because he did a show for them that still shows up sometimes. Of course, with a live audience there's a special quality to it. Did you know that he started a foundation to fight World Hunger before Band Aid or Live Aid ?Half of his sales still go to fund it today. He always played one concert for his income and one "for the other guy." Wish he was still here!
Saw Harry 5 or 6 times....Love this man, his voice and his soul. The world lost a treasure when Harry left us. Have introduced my husband to Harry; he is now a fan as well, posthomusley. Wish I could see him one more time (around again)...!
I saw Harry Chapin in concert 8 times -- met him 6 of those times and got one hell of a kiss from him once :-) He is and will always be my favorite artist and this is one of my favorite songs but as wonderful as the lyrics are, it is Big John that makes the story come alive. Contrast it with his voice in Taxi and you can see what a beautiful talent he was (is) as well.
One of my very favorite Harry Chapin creations. I always loved the song and suspected there was a "germ of reality" to it...now that I know the inspiration, it makes the song all the better.
To me, time is the greatest teller of how much Harry is missed. There are brilliant singers and writers today but still, music and poetry has a dark hole where his bright star once shone.
I used to listen to Harry whenever my dad drove me to sporting events as a kid. Harry Chapin makes me feel so happy. I love the story telling of him, and his music will forever, in the best way, remind me of my dad.
I first was intoduced to Harry at about 8 when my dad got the singers and songwriters tapes and that was all it took got a tape of his a little while later for my birthday and played it till it would play no more. I regret that he died before my birth but I still love his songs and the way he could put so much feeling into his stories.
The sign of any great song is to still remember the lyrics 30 years after it's first release. I loved Harry back then and still do, this this song one of the best. Whoever you are and wherever you are thanks for posting. And how good is it to finally see John Ross live!
never saw this before. saw him many times, including two weeks before he died. we have many things to be grateful for in this life, Harry Chapin is very much one that I am most grateful for. I got to sing piano man with the Johnny Holm band and Johnny paid me the highest musical compliment i ever received - he said i reminded him of Mr. Tanner. thanks buddy.
@barbsneices Big John still performs saw him on 6/4/11 in concert with Steve Chapin, Howard Fields ( Harry's drummer) Big John and Steve's sons. It was a great show and I was thrilled to see them and hear that Big John's voice still has that range. The ovation for Big John as he walked on stage was tremendous !
@psakref Wow well put you have echoed my thoughts (or I have echoed yours) I wonder what songs / stories went untold and unheard since we lost Harry. I too enjoy sitting back listening to what I can find on UA-cam. At least we have that to hear Harry. RIP Harry we miss you wish you were still here to share your gift.
I have loved this song since I first heard it. For the millions of Mr tanners out there, who'll never get a chance to make us all happy because of a system that is closed. For every "star" there are countless of capable numbers ...
Coming across this song again made me get out my guitar and "remember when the music...." Harry's music meant so much to me. As a kid coming of age in the '70s, I knew "Cat's in the Cradle" and "Taxi" well, but the impact really came as I started to explore the rest of the catalogue and learn and share his songs on my guitar. I saw him share a show with Tom shortly before he died, on a revolving stage outside of Baltimore that brought a new interpretation to "All My Life's a Circle."
I've been a fan of Harry's since I was in Jr High. I can tell you where I was the day I heard he'd died. This song reminds me that it matters NOTHING what the world thinks of your ability and passion, only what YOU think of it. I'm a passable singer myself, and I love to sing. But I would never sing professionally because that's not why I sing.
I grew up in Dayton. I have a very good friend who is a professional concert violinist. He talks about the scenario of always having to audition to "win" the position in the orchestra. It's like playing professional sports.
And I have to add: Mr Tanner, I wanna learn a love song, All my life's a circle. I had the opportunity to participate in three concerts, and he has been a thread in my life even today.
My church choir is preparing "O Holy Night" for a Christmas Eve service and we are having several solo voices sing verses before the chorus comes in at the end. An elderly gentleman asked to do one of the verses. He was once a very musical person but at his age his voice is a bit unsteady and he cannot hold a pitch very well, but he is erstwhile and sincere in his rendition. Some were annoyed that he is singing. I thought of this song and thought it is very poignant.
@Heartofclay - Same for me..." and he never sang again.." chokes me up... and " Full Time consideration of another endevour might be in order.." wow...gets me everytime
My dad was tent camping with his best friend the day they got the news that their favorite artist had died. That night my dad cried and told his friend that one day his kids would listen to Harry Chapin. I was born 9 years later and he is my favorite artist today.
I was 16 years old and on my first date and we went to see Harry Chapin at Purdue University. He sat in the lobby during the intermission and I purchased a program. I leaned in to ask if he would sign it and he kissed me. Sweaty face and all. I was shocked but felt thrilled. Harry instilled my love of live performances. He reminds me that we are all just a phone call from our knees. I cried in my bedroom closet for hours when he died.
Sharon, I know it's been 3 years since your wrote about meeting Harry, but I met him many times and he was wonderful in person and on stage. Somehow I had no idea how tall his was until he walked up behind me, put his hand on my shoulder and said "Excuse me, bro." He was heading out to the table after the show to meet fans and sign things. My girlfriend at the time got a kiss and talked about having the softest lips and the most gentle way...a sweet kiss that was loving without feeling intrusive. I was just devastated when I heard he had died. We need him and his songs now more than ever.
Loved when my Dad would play this growing up. I now have an 18yr old named Tanner because of this beautiful song. Being named after great songs is kind of a thing in my family.
And now your son is 28 :) Merry Christmas :)
" & he sang from his heart, & he sang from his soul ". How many musicians do that now ?
Damn, I love this song.
Wow !! John Wallace singing "O Holy Night" in the background !! The world certainly is " A Better Place To Be" because of Harry !!
God, I miss this stuff. I was 18 in 1977 when I first saw Harry in concert in Seattle the next year I took the woman who would become my wife to see him and we saw him every year until his passing. I remember where I was and what I was doing when I heard of his death and it hit me harder than any life expeareance i'd had up until then.
This song makes me cry every time I hear it. I'm a singer and I've been told I a good one but the line "he never sang again" just gets to my core. God bless you.
One of the greatest ever. All his songs someone can relate to, don't care how tough you think you might be . My favorite Chapin song.
The greatest story teller , a legend.
OH My God how I miss you Harry. The world is all out of whack.
Mr Tanner exists in all of us. I personally never tire of hearing this story and am Thankful Chapin chose "Oh Holy Night" as the song for Mr Tanner to grace us with ... absolutely Blesses Me each and every time I hear Mr Tanner sing this Christmas Story!
i remeber see harry after a concert, he was full of sweat and working hard to promote world hunger. I graciously bought a shirt and treasured it until it was full of holes and stains. I remember the day of his crash on the LIE like it was yesterday. I had to pull my car over to cry. What a great person, I wish that he could have enjoyed his fame, he was a candle in the wind.
Harry was one of the few who was better live than on an album. He was a true performer and songwriter. His songs had heart.
I'm from Dayton, Ohio Harry......I shed a tear every time i hear you sing this tune.....Miss you, home
Saw him twice in concert... Went to a lot of concerts back in the day and he was the best!!! Had every one of his albums... He went way too soon 😖
saw Harry back when i 18 im 53 and still to to this day that was the most wonderful night of my life, i remember where i was when i got the news of his death and how it broke my heart. and every now and then i come back to Harry just to feel real again
amazing post, with you brother
+MusicVidsBJG saw him twice live amazing , tragic loss
What he said!!!!
I saw Harry when I was 15 years old his performance mesmerized me and the thousands of others at the Queen’s University’s
site. He had us all singing in perfect harmony all night long, I will never forget it. He also introduced me to the cello that night. Every time I hear the beautiful notes of the cello I immediately think back to that night that changed my life. RIP Harry Chapin.
Gone 30 years ago today. I still miss you Harry. The greatest singer storyteller ever.
" He didn't know how well he sang, it just made him whole."
Music is about heart and soul, Mr. Chapin had loads of it.
One regret I have is that I never got to see him perform. R.I.P., Harry, you were the best.
Real good person making real good music - enough said.
Greatest song ever
There are no singers like this anymore. miss him.
Yes, but Quiet Riot is better.
Just listening to Harry gives me goosebumps of delight. The album "Short Stories" is in my top 3 favorite albums. What an incredibly talented man. What an incredible loss of someone that talented at such a young age. We are blessed for having had the opportunity to have listened and enjoyed his music.
I miss Harry
Saw HC and the boys at Morristown, NJ in the late 70's or early 80's. Can't recall which. But I will never recall the music that night. Holly Pupo, where are you?
I saw Harry at the Oakdale in Wallingford, CT in October 1980, I feel blessed.....
How Wonderful! Took me right back to the three concerts that I was fortunate enough to see, before he passed away. Can't help but become emotional. Thank you Harry.
Such a sad song about a man who stopped sharing his music because he'd been judged and found guilty of not being good enough. Made me cry. Such is the current state of our world.
Yes, REAL musicians. Big John compliments so beautifully here.
Thank you, Sandy Chapin, for a wonderful introduction to Mr. Tanner (which is my favorite Harry Chapin song).
Harry was one of a kind, who sang us stories, I've missed him and all the stories he still had to tell us. Mr. Tanner was told with the start of being a great journey for him, just to end because of the critics crushing his dream. So much of a true story of how life can go.
Saw Harry in concert in 1974 in OKC small turnout at the civic center but this wonderful singer jumped off the stage after the concert to talk with his fans much to their delight. You left us far too early, we miss you.
Damn -I miss him so much
Another classic from Harry, thanks. It never ceases to amaze me that the beautiful voice of John Wallace is the very same voice that sings,"baby's so high that she's skying, etc." in Taxi. A whole lot of talent on that stage, but there will never be another Harry Chapin.
Saw Harry 5 times - first at Curry College after Taxi came out - last time in Phoenix Az - Had tickets for the show at the Music Tent in MA - he died about a week before the show. I have passed Harry along to my kids so that they may pass him along to their kids. The Best.
Jackie Evancho was treated brutally in the New York Times after her first concert there. Thank God she did not listen nor did the thousands of her admirers. She is now a platinum-selling international superstar and sings from her heart and her soul as did Harry.
I have a very close friend to thank for my introduction to Harry.
I remember driving to work the day he died.
There was an accident on the LIE that had traffic tied up for miles, I knew Harry was giving a free concert in the area, and I hoped it wasn't him involved in the accident, alas it was. I love the stories Harry tells and will never forget him.
I, too, was lucky enough to get to see Harry Chapin in concert twice. Once when I was 13 - it was my very first concert - then again in college. Both times he came out and signed every autograph and talked to every fan. It was shortly after I last saw him that he was killed. His death hurt my heart them and still to this day. It's wonderful to be able to see these videos and to know that he still lives on through his music and good works. Thank you, Harry.
Absolute classic from a legend. Def. One of his 5 best songs.
R.I.P. Harry, we miss u
What a GREAT composition... Harry was a real GENIOUS...
should never stop.because some one says you arent good enough .youre good enough .
Keep an eye out for the PBS pledge shows, because he did a show for them that still shows up sometimes. Of course, with a live audience there's a special quality to it.
Did you know that he started a foundation to fight World Hunger before Band Aid or Live Aid ?Half of his sales still go to fund it today. He always played one concert for his income and one "for the other guy." Wish he was still here!
One of favorite Chapin song's
Story of my life . I had the awsome pleasure of seeing Harry in Kansas City. Not realizing I was seeing Greatness Heaven should be proud !
Saw Harry 5 or 6 times....Love this man, his voice and his soul. The world lost a treasure when Harry left us. Have introduced my husband to Harry; he is now a fan as well, posthomusley. Wish I could see him one more time (around again)...!
My wife, sister & I saw Harry in Jackson, MI at Cascade Park. What a wonderful man and performer. Beautiful :)
I did also... A wonderful wife and Kids (5) he did sing from his soul!
after watching that I am 31 years younger.Thanks Harry and John
This is haunting. But I love it....Harry know how to work it....I miss you.
Avon High School Winter Guard brought me here. They are incredible and give this song such visual meaning.
I saw Harry Chapin in concert 8 times -- met him 6 of those times and got one hell of a kiss from him once :-) He is and will always be my favorite artist and this is one of my favorite songs but as wonderful as the lyrics are, it is Big John that makes the story come alive. Contrast it with his voice in Taxi and you can see what a beautiful talent he was (is)
as well.
One of my very favorite Harry Chapin creations. I always loved the song and suspected there was a "germ of reality" to it...now that I know the inspiration, it makes the song all the better.
Saw him in New Haven many times, still remember the quality of the music live...
Harry Chapin was one of our all-time great songwriters. Still sad he's gone.
To me, time is the greatest teller of how much Harry is missed. There are brilliant singers and writers today but still, music and poetry has a dark hole where his bright star once shone.
I used to listen to Harry whenever my dad drove me to sporting events as a kid. Harry Chapin makes me feel so happy. I love the story telling of him, and his music will forever, in the best way, remind me of my dad.
I first was intoduced to Harry at about 8 when my dad got the singers and songwriters tapes and that was all it took got a tape of his a little while later for my birthday and played it till it would play no more. I regret that he died before my birth but I still love his songs and the way he could put so much feeling into his stories.
Harry Chapin....the absolute best!
The sign of any great song is to still remember the lyrics 30 years after it's first release. I loved Harry back then and still do, this this song one of the best. Whoever you are and wherever you are thanks for posting. And how good is it to finally see John Ross live!
My favorite Harry Chapin tune. Hard to believe Harry, you've been gone for 30 years ; (
never saw this before. saw him many times, including two weeks before he died. we have many things to be grateful for in this life, Harry Chapin is very much one that I am most grateful for.
I got to sing piano man with the Johnny Holm band and Johnny paid me the highest musical compliment i ever received - he said i reminded him of Mr. Tanner. thanks buddy.
Too true to be just another song, a treasure for those of us that know about it. Marvellous song from a marvellous singer(s)
whoa..one of my favorites. Beautiful. RIP, Harry.
jacob you are so right.I to revisit harry every know and then,just to remind myself how much we have missed out on since his untimely death.
I miss him...all these years later.
i have sang this song for 30years an d i still get emotinal about this song
@barbsneices Big John still performs saw him on 6/4/11 in concert with Steve Chapin, Howard Fields ( Harry's drummer) Big John and Steve's sons. It was a great show and I was thrilled to see them and hear that Big John's voice still has that range. The ovation for Big John as he walked on stage was tremendous !
My name is Tanner, and I love Harry.
He was such a great story teller. The best in concert. What a grand guy he was.
RIP Harry, you are sadly missed.....
@psakref Wow well put you have echoed my thoughts (or I have echoed yours) I wonder what songs / stories went untold and unheard since we lost Harry. I too enjoy sitting back listening to what I can find on UA-cam. At least we have that to hear Harry. RIP Harry we miss you wish you were still here to share your gift.
@Heartofclay Same for me....." He never sang again" crushes me everytime...
What a phenomenal artist Harry Chapin was.
I remember seeing this on TV many years ago. It's a beautiful song. Though this performance is very good, the studio recording is even better.
I have loved this song since I first heard it. For the millions of Mr tanners out there, who'll never get a chance to make us all happy because of a system that is closed. For every "star" there are countless of capable numbers ...
Wasn't a fan but THIS song moved me AND my very favorite of his is A Better Place to be just a great story
It is hard to say, but I believe this may be my favorite song from Harry. The story...
Big John Wallace. Five octaves, and he liked being Harry Chapin's backup singer. We have seen some good stuff in our lives.
Coming across this song again made me get out my guitar and "remember when the music...." Harry's music meant so much to me. As a kid coming of age in the '70s, I knew "Cat's in the Cradle" and "Taxi" well, but the impact really came as I started to explore the rest of the catalogue and learn and share his songs on my guitar. I saw him share a show with Tom shortly before he died, on a revolving stage outside of Baltimore that brought a new interpretation to "All My Life's a Circle."
I've been a fan of Harry's since I was in Jr High. I can tell you where I was the day I heard he'd died. This song reminds me that it matters NOTHING what the world thinks of your ability and passion, only what YOU think of it.
I'm a passable singer myself, and I love to sing. But I would never sing professionally because that's not why I sing.
Happy birthday, Harry!
Great song love Harry Chapin thank goodness my parents showed him to me
I grew up in Dayton. I have a very good friend who is a professional concert violinist. He talks about the scenario of always having to audition to "win" the position in the orchestra. It's like playing professional sports.
And I have to add: Mr Tanner, I wanna learn a love song, All my life's a circle. I had the opportunity to participate in three concerts, and he has been a thread in my life even today.
such a great singer/songwriter
Two thumbs way up. I miss him.
wonderful lyrics great artist sadly missed better missed than not at all
Love this song... Since I was a little girl...
I've never seen him live but I miss him so much. Thanks for posting.
Cello, you have to love the cello.
Happy belated 74th Birthday Harry, from Mr. Tanner's town.....12/7/42-12/7/16
Yea and from Big John Wallace’s hometown too...
My church choir is preparing "O Holy Night" for a Christmas Eve service and we are having several solo voices sing verses before the chorus comes in at the end. An elderly gentleman asked to do one of the verses. He was once a very musical person but at his age his voice is a bit unsteady and he cannot hold a pitch very well, but he is erstwhile and sincere in his rendition. Some were annoyed that he is singing. I thought of this song and thought it is very poignant.
So miss the man
love you Harry and Sandy -Forever
Harry, was an original.
@Heartofclay - Same for me..." and he never sang again.." chokes me up... and " Full Time consideration of another endevour might be in order.." wow...gets me everytime
So glad I got to see this live.
The one and only Mr. Tanner = Big John Wallace!
beautiful gift harry….had never heard before…
heartbreakingly wonderful!
The song is one of my favorites. John Walker helped to bring this one alive.
He was great !!!
Oh Beautiful video Thank You