November 9, 2015

At Summerfest in 1974, I had the opportunity tp photograph Harry Chapin. He was a shining star who left us way too early in a car accident in July of 1981.

In 1968, Harry, who at the time wanted to be a documentary film director, directed "Legendary Champions" but music was to become his career.

Harry had such a great voice and his song writing was excellent. He started by playing trumpet and wasn't very good according to a friend who told him that a guitar would be a better instrument for him. At the time, Greenwich Village and New York City where Harry lived, was hot with folk music and guitar players.

In the early 1970's, Harry signed the largest recording contract in history that included free studio time for his nine album contract. That saved Harry a lot of money and that was unheard of to get free studio time.

Benefit concerts and donating money to help fight world hunger were on the top of Harry's interests. The Harry Chapin Foundation was the result of his efforts.

Here are a few photos from a nice summer night at Summerfest in 1974.

Thanks,

Rich Zimmermann

Harry Chapin, at Summerfest in 1974.