Letter: Harry Chapin inspired good works

Thirty years ago, I was at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow searching for friends I was to meet to see Harry Chapin perform ["Chapin celebrated at family's reunion show," News, July 17]. I heard the knee-weakening news of his fatal car accident on a boom box belonging to strangers. I leaned toward them in disbelief.

A few years earlier, Harry had spent some at Syosset High School, simply to be there for us students. His presence that day dramatically changed my life. No one could get through to me; I was a defiant and difficult teenager.

Harry broke the barrier by being real. This cool renowned musician took some time to speak with me about the lyrics of "Taxi." I recall Harry saying, "This song is about a guy who could have been more, but he was taking tips and getting stoned. I am not saying what one should or should not do, but you can do more, you can." He looked directly at me.

Harry Chapin's tireless efforts to make change may have inspired George Harrison's Concert for Bangladesh, Live Aid and Farm Aid, as musicians strived to make life better through musical expression. People had food on their table because of Harry Chapin's efforts.

My attempts and dedication to leading a dutiful, moral and charitable life are in a large part inspired by Harry's doings and my brief meeting with him. He was the rare individual that walked the talk.

Steven Taub, Melville

Editor's note: The writer makes documentary films.