Harry Chapin--Taxi (1972)

     It would be very easy to write about, "Cat's In The Cradle" since that was by far Chapin's most popular song, but when I think of Harry this is the song that always sticks in my mind.
     Before Bob Geldof and Live Aid made it fashionable to support causes such as hunger and other world wide issues, Harry Chapin was regularly giving most of his money away. According to his widow, he thought "Money was for people" and was giving it back to help others. He supported many humanitarian causes and was instrumental in the creation of the Presidential Commission on World Hunger in 1977.
       Before he signed a contract with Elektra Records, Chapin was a film maker. In fact, his short film, "Legendary Champions" was nominated for an Oscar in 1968 for best documentary. In 1971, he began focusing on music and on the strength of  the single "Taxi", his debut 1972 album, "Heads and Tails" hit the charts. 
     Chapin would be criticized in the rock press for being too moralistic. I do agree that at times, his lyrics could tend to get preachy, but for me, he was at his best when telling stories. "Taxi" got it's initial push by DJ Jim Connors from WMEX who championed the song, and from Johnny Carson. It turns out that in 1972 when Harry was invited to sing, "Taxi" that the show received so many telegrams, and Carson himself was so impressed that Chapin became the only artists to be invited to come back and give an encore performance the next night. He ended up being invited 14 times to sing on the Tonight show, which would always help keep him in the public eye.
     The last single he released before his death ("Sequel")in 1981 was a song that brought closure to the subjects in the original.   

 
 

Read More

In Praise Of: Paul Anka

The stories of those who were stars in the age before the British Invasion who became stars again in the 70's interest me because of their ability to adapt. A few weeks ago we briefly looked at Neil Sedaka...today a longer look at Paul Anka.

Anka's first go-round with stardom occurred during the time between 57-62. Starting with the song, "Diana", he was in top 20 often, with 1959 being his biggest year in terms of chart action with songs like, "Lonely Boy", Put Your Head On My Shoulder" and "It's Time To Cry"....

Although it is certain that the British Invasion had effected it him like much of the hit makers of his day, his light on the charts began to dim by early 1963. He continued to have success during that time by writing for others. He wrote, "She's a Lady" for Tom Jones, and wrote the English lyrics to "My Way" made famous by Frank Sinatra. However, one of his more enduring compositions was this song that was written and recorded by Annette Funicello then later re written for the Johnny Carson Show...here is the song when it was called, "Toot Sweet"....

By the late 60's he was recording again, and for my money was the most fascinating part of his career. One could watch him struggle from one song to the next as he updated his sound for a new generation. One of those attempts was the song, "Jubilation" which was released in early 1972 and reached #65. It doesn't sound like anything he had ever done before....or would do later..I quite like it...but your mileage might vary.

Finally in 1974 he struck paydirt with "(Your're) Having My Baby, which hit No. 1 in the fall of that year. This was the first of six top 20 hits in 74-75. He continued writing for the rest of the decade and into the early 80's, even composing some with Michael Jackson when MJ was at the height of his career. He continues to tour and record.....this last video was the final top 10 of his career, "Times of Your Life"....have a happy day everyone.

Read More