Harry Chapin’s “Cat's in the Cradle” turns 50; documentary in the works

By Jill Lances

October 01, 2024 at 12:00 pm CDT

Tuesday marked the 50th anniversary of Harry Chapin's classic tune "Cat's in the Cradle," and fans will soon be gaining some insight into the song and its impact.

The Chapin family just announced that a documentary on the making of the tune will be released this year, featuring interviews by Billy Joel, Pat Benatar, Judy Collins, Robert Lamm, Darryl McDaniels, Whit Crane from Ugly Kid Joe and more.

So far there’s no information on an exact release date for the film.

“Cat's in the Cradle,” inspired by a poem written by Chapin’s wife, Sandy, was a #1 song for the artist and has gone on to be certified double Platinum by the RIAA.

Chapin was killed in an auto accident in July 1981. He was 38.