Taxi: The Harry Chapin Story (Paperback)

~ Peter Morton Coan (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

He was one of the most beloved performers in music history, a spokesman of the people and poet laureate to cab drivers, housewives, and commonfolk alike.

Taxi is the definitive biography of Harry Chapin, written by his long-time friend and confidant.

Chapin was an unsung hero, a modern-day Woody Guthrie. The recognition due him was late in coming. Awards are being given to Chapin in his death that he should have received while he lived. His music, his beliefs, and his social activism are finally being appreciated.

Most of the world will remember Chapin for the "Story Song; ' the musical genre he popularized in one of his most famous songs, "Taxi". His unique appeal could be felt in concerts, for it was there that the real and dynamic Chopin emerged. His penchant for audience participation was his trademark.

His performances often ended with tumultuous standing ovations; when the audience quieted down Chapin would stand center stage and give a short speech about his commitments. Often people drove hundreds of miles to hear him, making him one of the highest paid performers in the world.

Even so, due to his selfless humanity and indefatigable interest in social causes, Chapin did not leave much money behind when he died. His involvement with world hunger helped spur widespread interest. He lobbied in Congress to endorse a Presidential Commission on world hunger. It was no coincidence that after his death 30 congressmen and 10 senators rose on the floor of the House to offer eulogies.

Ironically it was the automobile, the very thing that made him famous in the song"Taxi, "which took his life. He died on the Long Island Expressway when his car burst into flames after being hit by a truck.

"The immediate response to Chapin's death in the media and among his fans was truly overwhelming, ' wrote David Marsh of Rolling Stone. "It was as if he reached out and touched lives in a permanent and irrevocable way", HIS albums sold out in record stores. Throughout the --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: Citadel (January 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0806521910
• ISBN-13: 978-0806521916
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #929,359 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Story of a Life, April 23, 2001

By	"mrrickhall" (Annapolis, Maryland USA) - See all my reviews

I had no idea that this book existed, so being a die hard Chapin fan I snatched it off the shelf when I saw it. While an interesting read it could have used a bit more polishing. Learning more details of Harry's story songs was a positive, as was learning what really turned his personal life around. His music always moved me, but I was more touched to learn that the efforts to save his marriage was why he became such an effective activist. It did seem a bit overlong at times, however, and Coan's refusal to even mention 'the widows' name as he slammed her in the introduction seemed mean spirited. If he had told us a bit more as to why there was a fallout between them it would have been more constructive. Still, if you loved Chapin's music, as so many obviously did, and do, it's a worthwhile read.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Read If Taken With a Grain Of Salt, February 5, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Taxi: The Harry Chapin Story (Paperback)

There was a lot of controversy surrounding the release of Taxi: The Harry Chapin Story. For a variety of reasons, the book lost the support of Harry's family. Accordingly, the book was rushed to print and appears to have missed having a final round of editing done, as there are typos throughout. However, it remains an extremely valuable source on Harry's life -- providing insight into many of the stories beyond the songs, and telling tales about the events that shaped the life of the man able to write songs like "A Better Place To Be." There are factual errors in the book, and it is likely that some events have been embellished. (It's easy to see how this could happen given Harry's own proclivity to fib for the sake of telling a great yarn and given the fact that the book still hadn't been finally reviewed by Chapin before he died.) Nonetheless, the book is an extremely interesting read providing great insight into the life of Harry Chapin; just be sure you take everything with a grain of salt.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating even for one who doesn't know the music, December 12, 1998

By	[e-mail] (Sunapee, New Hampshire) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Taxi: The Harry Chapin Story (Hardcover)

I bought the book because I knew my brother liked Harry Chapin. Before I gave it to him I casually thought I'd read it. I was amazed by the man. It is a great read if you know his music. I did not at first but have since bought all his CDs and read the book again. It is even better the second time around. Buy it if you can. At least ask for it. They may reprint it. Every Chapin fan should have it. Thanks