Died On This Date (July 16, 1981) Harry Chapin / Popular ’70s Singer-Songwriter
themusicsover Harry Chapin
December 7, 1942 – July 16, 1981
A highly regarded singer-songwriter of the ’70s, Harry Chapin is perhaps best remembered for his timeless classics, “Taxi” and “Cats In The Cradle.” After graduating from high school in New York City, Chapin originally set his sights on film making, directing the a boxing documentary, Legendary Champions, which was nominated for an Academy Award. Chapin moved on to music, releasing his debut album in 1972. It included the top 40 hit, “Taxi.” It wasn’t until his fourth album, 1974’s Verities & Balderdash, that Chapin scored a bonafied hit with “Cats In The Cradle.” The heartwarming song shot to #1 and forever cemented his musical legacy. What many don’t know is how much philanthropic work Chapin quietly did. Whether helping colleges on Long Island or to wipe out hunger in the US, Chapin unselfishly donated time and money. It has been reported that Chapin donated in the neighborhood of 30% of his concert earnings to charity. On July 16, 1981, Chapin was involved in a fiery car accident and was airlifted to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead of cardiac arrest. It was never determined if the heart attack factored in the accident. He was 38 years old at the time of his death.
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Red Shea was a much respected Canadian guitarist who was closely associated with Gordon Lightfoot. Known for his superb picking style, Shea is often credit for giving Lightfoot his unique sound. Beginning his career in television, Shea was part of the house band on Music Hop, Canada’s answer to American Bandstand. Alex Trebeck was the show’s announcer at the time. In 1965, Shea moved on to work with Lightfoot, with whom he stayed for the next ten years. Shea later went back to Canadian television where he hosted his own variety show. Red Shea died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 70.