25 Years On
Nigel Stapley
http://www.thejudge.me.uk/Not_Blog/Not_Blog.htm#16_07_06
(BTW, where *is* everyone nowadays?)
--
Regards
Nigel Stapley
<reply-to will bounce>
Dave M
Unfortunately Harry was never fully appreciated or understood on this side
of the Atlantic (England). His songs were often dismissed as being flights
of fancy or overly sentimental. In fact they are full of wry insight and a
glorious cynicism which reflected Harry's attitude to both society and the
music industry.
In the mid 1970's Chapin focused on his social activism, including raising
money to combat hunger in the United States and co-founding the organization
World Hunger Year. This was 10 years before the world had even heard of Band
Aid!!
His songs told stories of the lives of everyday people and were set to
amazing music. He is truly one of the greatest singer/songwriters ever in my
humble opinion.
Harry was buried in the Huntington Rural Cemetery, NY. The epitaph on his
gravestone is taken from his song "I Wonder What Would Happen To This
World." and is perfect:-
If a man tried
To take his time on Earth
And prove before he died
What one man's life could be worth
I wonder what would happen to this world.
Why are we here if not to make some kind of difference to our fellow man? Be
this on a personal level with our friends and family or in a global way.
1981 was responsible for two events which literally changed my life.
One was 13 May when I saw Bruce Springsteen at Manchester Apollo and
realised the power of live music at it's best and what it was capable of
making you feel.
The second was Harry's death on 16 July. He played Manchester Apollo in
January 1981 as part of his tour for Sequel. For reasons unknown I decided
not to go and see him as I would catch him next time. Alas there was not to
be a next time. I will forever regret this decision as I never got to see
him live.
That is why to this day I continue to go and see anybody who takes my fancy
and never think "I'll go next time".
Harry, we miss you.
"Nigel Stapley" <un...@judgemental.plus.com> wrote in message
news:44b96bb3$0$22103$ed26...@ptn-nntp-reader01.plus.net...
Robert Proctor
Texan
wrote:
If you ever want to read sometihng great, read some interviews of
those who knew Harry. Especialy other musicians.
I read a story about Harry, if I remember right, from Bruce
Springsteen long before he became rich and famous.
Seems Harry could never resist a good story whether in song or in a
conversation. Which often happened in a hallway, lobby or anywhere
else he happened to catch you. He wouldn't let you leave until the
story was complete. Unfortunatly this would cause others to avoid
getting into a conversation with Harry unless they were prepared for a
long one. Harry just loved to talk and was the ultimate story teller.
BRO
"Nigel Stapley" <un...@judgemental.plus.com> wrote in message
news:44b96bb3$0$22103$ed26...@ptn-nntp-reader01.plus.net...