My elementary school music teacher knew him and had him come sing at the school once. He sat on a stool while we kids sat on the gym floor. Another time he came and played at the bowling alley in Huntington one afternoon. Not a planned thing. He just sat near the game room and started playing. I was about 12.
One of my favorites is Roses are Red, it’s about a boy who goes to school and wants to paint flowers. The teacher yells at him for not doing what he’s supposed to. Then complains that his flowers are wrong. And Mr. Tanner, about a singing tailor, who has his dreams crushed.
Yes! I heard about him playing at schools! His daughter Jen said he would never sleep and would constantly play gigs and I think it’s possible he fell asleep while driving. I drive a truck for a living and know exactly how one can pass out. Billy Joel in his early years tried to emulate Harry so much with songs like Captain Jack and others. So horrible he died
Mr Tanner and WOLD are two of my favorite HC songs. I used to listen to him late at night when I was working in news. His mastery of lyrics that spoke to a common man was uncanny. Thanks for posting this cut. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard it.
Oh, yes, Mr. Tanner! That is a great one.