In my attempt to cover more than just movies, which seem to have an abundance of posts, I’ve been wracking my brain trying to think of who I could cover musically. There are so many artists that I adore, so much music available in the world to be listened to, and the one standout in my mind, no matter the mood I’m in, is the late Harry Chapin.

Probably because I got my name from one of his songs and grew up listening to his music. Possibly because no matter how grim some of his songs are, Sniper and Dance Band on the Titanic, they are a comfort to me. Some people have comfort foods; trust me I do too… I love to cook, but additionally I have comfort music and I really cannot explain how much his music is a comfort to me.

Chapin was a unique blend of singer-songwriter-artist and activist. This man was doing things for hunger and poverty long before Bob Geldof and Willie Nelson. To my knowledge he wrote everything he sang. The man was simply amazing and his music is a nice reflection of the soul, touching on many subjects in his time period that even today most artists won’t touch.

Yet even amid his darker songs there are love songs unparalleled. She Sings the Songs without Words and Shooting Star are some of his best compositions in my opinion when it comes to expressing unconditional love and adoration.

Is Chapin’s music known today? Yes, but unfortunately for one song alone for the majority of the populace. And trust me, it’s one everyone seems to know and desire to cover. Cat’s in the Cradle.

Unfortunately Harry Chapin was killed in a car accident on his way to a concert in 1981. His music is hard to find in stores, his name forgotten among some. His legacy lives on in his family with daughter Jen performing and writing just like her father did. Even uses one of his guitars.

Can his music be found? Yes. His family has a site set up that has all his music on CD, and you can find a decent collection of it at Amazon as well. These are some of the few places you’ll find it.

I can go on and on about Chapin and his music, but here all I can do is encourage you to have a listen. I cannot tell you you’ll like everything, but I believe you’ll find something you’ll enjoy.

Oh… and the song? Corey’s Coming.