Greatest Stories Live (Live)

by

Harry Chapin

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What can I say that hasn't already been said? I bought my first copy of this album in 1977 after a buddy in high school recommended it. From that day forward I have been a complete Harry Chapin addict. I have worn out 3 vinyl copies, 2 tapes and fortunately my CD is lasting. It's a special place I can go to when I play this album and I wouldn't want to be without it.

Harry was a special guy. Flawed like the rest of us and he knew it and accepted it. Idealistic but with an awareness of the cruelty of the world. Taught me that the greatest risk isn't looking foolish for trying something that I might not be good at...but that the greatest risk might be getting old and realizing that I never did what I really wanted.

I was 17 years old in 1978 when I saw Harry perform live. My uncle was a musician who had become a local celebrity in upstate NY and who had performed in the studio with a number of well known acts. He mentioned to me that he knew Harry and I should be sure to hang out after the concert because he would talk to each and every fan and loved to mix. Sure enough, after the show (which was amazing...I still remember the guy running up from the crowd, putting his arm around Harry so his friend could take a picture...Harry stopped singing and just started laughing and commenting "I wish I had what you must have smoked"), Harry came out to talk with everyone and sign autographs. Put his hand on my shoulder as he walked in and he stopped and talked to me for quite a while...and when I mentioned my uncle he just laughed out loud and said, "Hell yes, I know him, he was our first lead guitar player back in the days of the Chapin brothers...". What a moment for a 17 year old kid in front of a bunch of buddies.

I played and sang and wrote songs my self in my college days, doing the bars and coffee houses. Always was sure to do at least 3 or 4 Chapin songs. In July 1981 when Harry was killed, my girlfriend at the time held me all night long because I couldn't stop crying.

I'm 41 now and still sing Harry's songs (lately "Tangled Up Puppet" has been about me and my 15 year old daughter) and I own most of his albums. Enjoy Greatest Stories Live. It is a rare and precious treasure. May his song be sung.