What would it be like, as a gay man, to have a deep relationship spanning over 40 years with a straight male friend? Singer-Songwriter/Recording Artist Chris Hassett and Tom Owen-Towle published a no holds-barred book of letters written to each other.

Chris Hassett is a singer- song writer and recording artist (His 6th album of original songs is coming soon). 

Chris is also the co-author of Friendship Chronicles -  Letters Between a Gay and a Straight Man.

About Chris Hassett
Chris Hassett has been delighting audiences with his unique style of singing, song-writing &  story-telling for four decades. An accomplished entertainer with a rich baritone, Chris can also point to successful careers in coaching, teaching, publishing, manufacturing and communications. His passion for music, however, has remained strong throughout his life and it now drives his current creative projects. He’s working on a sixth album and hopes to introduce a dozen or more original love songs to his audience in the spring of 2023. A published author, he also hopes to continue with a second book project.

His original songs come from his heart, drawing upon his life experiences as a gay man. Although his original lyrics have particular appeal for open-hearted types, he has been known to win over a large audience that crosses all lines -- gender, sexual orientation, genre, age, and even political persuasions. For more information on his music, visit his website, www.chrishassett.com.

Chris also has his own YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/cahassett49), an artist page on iTunes (Chris Hassett), and he maintains a strong presence on Facebook (Chris Hassett Music) & Instagram (@kitchencrooner).

Brief Bio

Chris is the third of five boys, born to Frank and Doris Hassett. As an Air Force family, the Hassetts moved from base to base every few years (and sometimes every few months) throughout his childhood, eventually settling in California. In that same Central Valley town, Merced, Chris also spent his early adult years as a high school math teacher and swim coach. Music was always a big part of family life — not so much in an organized way as in a constant, impromptu way, with dad usually getting the ball rolling. Chris was fortunate to inherit his dad’s love of singing and strong voice. In spite of developing a wide-range of interests in his life, Chris knows that singing is what he does best.

Chris was singing regularly in the San Diego area from the early 1980s. Whether in private or community concerts, benefit or professional gigs, Chris earned a reputation as a poised, naturally humorous and gifted entertainer with a powerful and expressive voice. In 2009, he began a recording career and now has five albums to his credit. About half of the tracks across those albums are his original compositions.

In 2018, Chris — suddenly single and ready for a change of scenery — moved from San Diego to Palm Springs. Although more than half of the time in his new town has been affected by COVID restrictions, he remains optimistic that this desert town will give him the community, resources and music opportunities that he craves.

Aside from music & writing, Chris is an accomplished swimmer, gardener and yoga enthusiast. He has close ties to his three surviving brothers and has maintained strong friendships with people across the decades.

If you are interested in a copy of his book, Friendship Chronicles, you may contact him via email: chris@chrishassett.com ($15 plus $3 for shipping).

Photo: Copyright Wilkinson/2022

Podcast opening and closing music courtesy the very talented Zakhar Valaha via Pixabay.

Chris' song in this podcast is "This I Promise You." Copyright 2012 Chris Hassett. All rights reserved.

Contact Wilkinson- BecomingWilkinson@gmail.com