If you want your son to become a folksinger, it’s a fact he’ll have a much better chance of success if you name him “Tom.”

Tom Chapin, Tom Paxton, Tom Rush, Tom Morrello …

See?*

Of these Toms, only Tom Chapin will appear in New London as the latest Friday Night Folk series headliner. But it’s still one of THE Toms of folk music.

Chapin has released 27 albums, won three Grammy awards, and he’s a familiar and popular presence in folk clubs, as a storyteller and activist/philanthropist, and as a children’s entertainer.

Yes, one of his brothers was Harry Chapin – and Tom has been known to cover a Harry tune or two in performance.

As always, the concert takes place in the All Souls UU Congregation.

*We’re talking “The Watchman” aspect of Morello’s work and not his membership in Rage Against the Machine or the E Street Band.

Tom Chapin, 7:30 p.m Friday., All Souls UU Congregation, 19 Jay St., New London; Friday Night Folk; $25 in advance, $30 at the door, $10 for active military and students with ID; fridaynightfolk.org.