Taxi: The Harry Chapin Story

by Peter Morton Coan

Book Overview

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...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0818405139
• ISBN13: 9780818405136
• Release Date: December 1989
• Publisher: Lyle Stuart
• Length: 542 Pages
• Weight: 1.63 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 5.9" x 8.8"

Customer Reviews

An Excellent Read If Taken With a Grain Of Salt

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.

Captivating story of an unrivaled humanitarian

Harry Chapin lived his music. From the heartbreaks of his life came such beautiful songs as TAXI and SHOOTING STAR. He gave of himself to any orgainzation that needed a helping hand, and was an unparalleled troubadour. A must for fans who want to know the stories behind the music.

as close to real as it gets, a must for the HC fan!

This is an excellent writing, it traces the life of the world's greatest story teller. From birth in 1943, to his tragic death in 1981, no man ever did more for the society in which he lived, than Harry Chapin. Peter Coan tells the story well. From the good times to the bad times and back to the good times, its all there. It shows the man, as well as the myth, that is Harry Chapin.

Captivating even for one who doesn't know the music

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

Hitch a ride on this taxi

If you love the man and his music, you will undoubtly enjoy this book, blemishes and all, about one of the greatest humanitarians that ever lived. Read it, and keep the change!