Wednesday
3rd December, 2008
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Rod at home by Chuck Hasse
11/1/08. Copyright 2008 by Stanyan Music Group
A Thought for Today
Those who travel gentle in the world are
seldom recognized as gentlemen by others. It matters not, for gentleness
toward another human being is the thin line between personal success and
failure for each of us.
A NOTE FROM ROD
Every December Webmaster Ken Blackie takes a well-earned month off from
putting together his weekly column
This One Does It For Me; so I raided the archives and starting today and
continuing every Wednesday through New Year’s Eve I’ll be presenting my
pick of some of his past outings. Maybe you missed one or two or would
just like the fun of reading them again. I know I do. Here’s his column
from November 7th of last year, I picked it because I thought Maria’s
letter was nice and “Empty Harbor” is a favorite poem.
My choice was also influenced by the fact that three old friends are
celebrating birthdays today. The lovely soprano Phyllis Curtin who
appeared with me when The Louisville Symphony premiered two of my
classical compositions that they commissioned: “I Hear America Singing”
based on the poetry of Walt Whitman, for which I composed the music and
a cantata for narrator, soprano and orchestra in which I provided both
words and music. Phyllis sang Benjamin Brittan’s “Illuminations” and the
program was rounded out by Beethoven’s too seldom played Symphony #2. My
friend and our poetry curator Jay Hagan attended both the Louisville
premiere and the subsequent performance in Knoxville.
The indomitable Andy Williams turns 80 today and is still going strong.
Andy has a new Christmas album and DVD taken from his appearances at
Branson (he continues a long stand at his own theatre there every
holiday season). I’ve always enjoyed his version of “Seasons in the
Sun,” recorded way back in the 1970’s. I first met Andy shortly after
Robert Kennedy’s death when at Ethel Kennedy’s request he contacted me
about writing a lyric to one of Bobby’s Kennedy’s favorite pieces of
music, “The Boys of Wexford.”
Last and certainly not least on my role of today’s birthday friends is
the late Sylvia Syms. Frank Sinatra considered her his favorite singer
and, in truth, she was one of the greats of supper club singing and
performing. Sylvia and I had a long friendship; she was my date when I
won the Grammy for “Lonesome Cities,” as best spoken-word album. I
produced an album of my songs for her entitled “Love Lady” which will
finally make its CD debut early next year. Her versions of “Second Best”
and “The Ivy That Clings to the Wall” are to die for.
RM 1 December, 2008
THIS ONE FROM THE ARCHIVES
Hi Ken,
I just felt compelled to write a letter to let it be known that Rod's
work is still being appreciated by the younger generations.
I am a 2nd generation Rod fan. Instead of listening to tape cassettes
and CD's while growing up, I was listening to my mom's Rod McKuen vinyl
records. I am now a junior in college, and have been so inspired by Rod
throughout my young life.
Whether I am feeling down or chipper, I love flipping through my Rod
book collection. I have tried, also, to share the talent of Mr. McKuen
with others. I have given away more books than I own!
Basically, I just wanted to write this short email to pass on the word
to Rod that his work is still touching the lives of many.
Thank you!!
Andi Maria Morrow
Dear Andi,
When we first launched this site back in 1998 we had a number of
objectives in mind. Most of them we've achieved but the one that proved
most difficult, and almost impossible to measure, was attempting to
introduce Rod's work to a younger audience.
All we could do was hope that younger fans would find their way to us
either through their parents (or in some cases grandparents) or via
searching the Web or a combination of both. Your letter is proof that
our hope wasn't misplaced and I'm delighted to welcome you as a regular
reader.
On a personal note - the nature of the medium dictates that this is a
sometimes solitary job and I'd be lying if I said that from time to time
(thankfully not all that often) I didn't question if it was all worth
the effort and wonder if there really was anybody out there paying
attention. Without fail, whenever these dark thoughts have surfaced a
heartfelt letter such as yours has arrived to remind me it IS worth the
effort and there ARE people out there who pay a lot of attention to what
we do.
So sincere thanks to YOU for taking the time to write. Your letter now
resides in my "special" file, along with a couple of others, and is one
I'll treasure for a long time to come.
Love,
Ken.
FIRST PUBLISHED: November 7, 2007
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