Performer Mike Rayburn Plays a Beautiful Version of ‘Cat’s In the Cradle’ for Dying Father

In May 2013, talented guitarist and performer Mike Rayburn played a truly beautiful version of the classic heart-wrenching Harry Chapin song “Cat’s in the Cradle” to his dying, bed-ridden father, Charles Benjamin Rayburn, Jr. It was an incredibly touching tribute to the man who gave his son his first guitar.

May 1, 2013. I know my Dad is going soon. But even for the rocky relationship and challenges he and I had, one Christmas I wanted a CB radio. He said no way. Instead he gave me a guitar, and changed my life forever. So tonight I sang him the first song I ever performed on stage, irony of ironies, “Cat’s In The Cradle,” and held the hand that taught me my first chords. …In Memory of Charles (Charlie) Benjamin Rayburn, Jr. 1936-2013. Coach Rayburn