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Photograph by Bob Gentry 8/5/99
A Thought for Today
The sounds that break the silence are the ones we never
hear.
Welcome to another week. Am trying to answer
mail on Sunday night while watching "The X Files," not easy.
THE SINGLE MAN VIDEO
Dear Rod: I downloaded
"The Single Man" video from the Stanyan By Mail site and I really like it. Thank
you for providing such a beautiful gift. It seems that you are always giving us something
of yourself without any monetary motive, I wish more artists felt the way you do. As far
as I know you are the only author to put an entire book online and make it as a free
download. What CD is this version of "The Single Man" from? Keep up the good
work, what's next? Alan Roamer, New Mexico
Dear Alan, Glad you liked the video and "Caught in the Quiet". It was done by
Dwight Michaels & he has a couple more set for posting soon. Another friend, Eric
Yaeger, has put tracks from my CD's on MP3 & is going to make them available to me.
When he does I'll post selected ones so they can be downloaded. We have a few other
surprises in the works as well. Stay tuned. The video version of "The Single
Man" is an added track on the "Listen To The Warm" CD. Thanks for your
letter, Alan. All the best, Rod.
NEW CAROLS FOR CHRISTMAS
Rod, Got out "New
Carols for Christmas" and listened to it while starting to plan this year's Christmas
decorations in the new house. That CD is just so wonderful. Took a copy over to the place
where I get my nails done and girl called me a few minutes ago and just ooohhhed and
ahhhhed over how wonderful it is. She's only 25.
That particular CD just made my Christmas last year and I am sharing lots of copies of it
this year. Each song is better than the one before, but I especially like Simple Gifts.
Just wanted you to know how much it means to me. Dwight will tell you I'm not kidding. I
think I bought out his supply of that CD.
Dwight says you cooked for Thanksgiving. Hope you had a wonderful time. Love, Rita
Dear Rita, Thanks for the nice words about "New Carols for Christmas." Most
Christmas albums are recorded in the spring or summer, not only was this one done near the
holiday season, but it was recorded in London. There's nothing more Christmasy than
singing with a symphony orchestra & a boy's choir in Merry Old England while the snow
is falling outside.
You didn't completely deplete Stanyan's stock of the CD, but you made a major dent in it.
"New Carols" made it to CD a couple of years ago. In the years I worked with
LaserLight I produced over fifty Christmas albums by a wide variety of artists. Remind me
to have Dwight send you a few of my favorites like "Christmas Music for Guardian
Angels," "Noël at the Monastery," "Bah! Humbug," "Christmas
with Friends & Lovers" and "The Hollywood Angels" album. Later this
week I'll be in the studio mastering the Video & DVD of "Christmas in New
England." It won't be out in time for Christmas this year, but it's nice to be
working on it during 'the season.'
I'm cooking again for Christmas. I like doing it myself, that way I'm in charge of the
leftovers. Had the last of Edward's Famous Mashed Potatoes yesterday (by adding an egg
& some parsley} as potato pancakes. Love, Rod
FOR MY SON
Dear Rod, Glad to see
you are well and happy. It is always informative to drop by your pages and see how many
people you have touched with your work and kindness. I will always appreciate your
kindness and advice in London in the spring of 1971; time goes by so quickly.
There is a poem of yours that has always been important to me but I have been unable to
locate it and could use your help. I think the name is Watching Children Grow
I would appreciate you printing this poem in one of your Flight Plans. As you see I don't
know it word for word, our Irish Setter chewed on your books so they are a bit hard to
read. This poem has always stayed in my mind as we watched our children grow
into unique individuals. During our youngest college orientation this fall it really
struck home for us that as they have grown to stand apart they are even closer. We know we
are truly blessed.
You are in my prayers for your continued happiness and a life filled with love and
friendships. Thank you for your help in the search for the poem. Sincerely, Eileen O'Brien
White
Dear Eileen, It's always nice to hear from you. Your letter came in a while back, sorry
I'm just getting around to answering it.
The poem is entitled "For My Son" and was first published in "Lonesome
Cities" in 1968. Here it is.
For My Son
Watching children grow
Is like threatening the ivy
to climb the garden wall.
You wait for it to happen
you hurry it along with love.
But still you're disappointed
at giving someone life enough
to walk off on their own
and not be carried in your arms.
You never turn your back - not once,
and yet one day they've grown apart
or taller.
It's all the
same.
Polly put the kettle on we'll all have tea.
Giving love to children
has made us older overnight.
Thanks for asking, Eileen. Hope you and your grown (boy, does that word denote time
passing) children are in good spirits and looking forward to the coming holidays. Love
from your old friend Rod
AM I A FAN OF ITALIAN OPERA?
Dear Rod, Gee, you made
"Sunset Blvd." sound so exciting, will it come to Cleveland do you know?? Or is
it limited? I would love to see Petula Clark in that role. I don't get out to many
performances, but do not plan to miss Andrea Boccelli here next month. Are you a fan of
Italian Opera? Much Love, Randi
Dear Randi, The German and French Operas are always entertaining and many of them contain
intelligent and glorious music, but for sheer beauty nothing approaches Verdi and Puccini.
Where romantic opera is concerned, Italy rules.
I don't have much in the way of dates for Petula in "Sunset Blvd." past April of
2000. I'd be very surprised if the producers skipped Ohio, unless the show played there
earlier this year. I'll find out and let you know. Even if you have to go out of your way
a bit to find it, Pet in "Sunset Blvd." is an event not to be missed.
As for Boccelli; talk about a voice made for recording! Many critics have complained about
his seemingly 'wooden' personality in person. If he starts to seem that way when you go to
see him, try closing your eyes. Affectionately, Rod
UK VISIT
Dear Rod, I saw you
perform in Belfast 197?,and Croydon 198? and have waited endlessly for you to return to
the UK. I currently live in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England.
Last year I happened upon a fairly recent CD, with some French material, and it was
marvelous. I have written to you through music addresses but without reply, and was a
member of your fan club, based in Holland, I think. Through Internet contacts you say you
plan to tour, but nothing specific. I read each weekly gig paper to see that you are
finally back in the UK, doing what you are here to do. Rod, now is the time. Please let me
know where your nearest performance to me is. Regards, Geoff Wilson
Dear Geoff, still no dates for a UK concert, but as of now you're on the mailing list so
you'll be advised when I know something more. I've played Croyden several times and even
premiered my Piano Concerto there with the Royal Philharmonic.
The first time I played Belfast was quite an experience. Marshal law had been declared
because of recent bombings but we filled the theatre to capacity anyway. I'll never forget
the electricity as the entire audience joined me in singing "Soldiers Who Want To Be
Hero's" and "The Things Men Do."
Hope to see you in or around Yorkshire soon, Geoff. Meanwhile, pray for an English
promoter who'll welcome the idea. Cheers, Rod
VOICE OF THE SEA
I have always enjoyed
your poetry so very much, and the music of Anita Kerr. who was the voice on the sea?
Sandra Stinson
Dear Sandra, the beautiful voice on "The Sea" belongs to the late actor-singer
Jesse Pearson. Other than his work with the San Sebastian Strings Jesse is best known for
playing the title role in the film version of "Bye, Bye Birdie."
See you tomorrow with more letters and answers. Sleep warm tonight.
- RM 12/5/99 Previously unpublished |
