The definitive biography of musician Harry Chapin, a modern-day Woody Guthrie, selfless humanist, and poet laureate to cabdrivers, housewives, and commonfolk alike, written by a longtime friend and confidant. Chapin is known for his ballads and "story songs", among them his signature song, the hugely popular "Taxi". He died in an auto crash in 1981, just as his fame was burgeoning and his albums were selling out in record stores. Though the broader recognition due him has been late in coming, his music, his beliefs, and his social activism are now widely appreciated by increasing numbers of fans here and abroad.