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A Thought for Today
Go forward, straight ahead. There are no
limits on your life but those barricades you build yourself.
Dear Ken,
I was making a mixed tape for a woman my husband works
with whose name happens to be EDWARD
HABIB. My husband had told her about Rod McKuen and him having a brother by the same name....and the subsequent "My Brother Edward" song.
Esther asked if she could hear it; so...I made her a mixed tape of favourites from my many CD's.
He gave it to the lady yesterday and she is at least 80.
He said "this is Rod McKuen music; my wife and I enjoy it and I hope you do too...it's
1960's music!!!"
She was delighted and couldn't thank him enough.
While making it, I decided to copy one for me to listen in the car on the long drive to his concert from Ontario Canada to Chicago U.S.A.
My two daughters, Elizabeth (16) and Maggie (13) heard it. The eldest one is coming with me and can't wait.
They are stuck on one song, singing it over and over; especially the 13 year old who usually likes "N'Sync" and "Backstreet Boys".
I fondly remember Petula Clark in the movie "Goodbye Mr. Chips" and many of her songs in the 60's; but I get a particular kick out of listening to my teenager sing "Baby It's Cold
Outside".. including Rod's cute "thanks" whispered at the end when she finally agrees to stay.
It just goes to show that even in 2001 Rod appeals to a vast age
difference .. from 13 to 80!!! I love that!
Warm wishes from blustery Canada,
Taney Mahmoudi
Hey, Taney,
what a great choice and you're SO right about Rod's music appealing to a
number of generations. It takes real talent to achieve this, something our
man has in buckets. Do you think our grandchildren or great-grandchildren will be listening to
Eminem? I don't think so!
Until I heard
the McKuen/Clark version of this song, my favorite was by Nina &
Frederick. Very funny it was too, as they reversed the roles and it was a
rather prim and proper Englishman trying to leave.
And doesn't
Petula have just the most wonderful voice? I saw her live at the Durban
City Hall when she toured here in the '70's and it was an unforgettable
experience. She was surprisingly funny; I remember her telling a story
involving Mr. Chips, butter and "The Last Tango in Paris" (the
controversial movie which was grabbing world headlines at the time) which
had me rolling on the floor. Don't think I'll repeat it here, though!
Enjoy
listening to the tape on your trip, Taney, but most of all enjoy Rod's
concert! I bet Coral's a lighter shade of green right now.
If you have a
favorite McKuen song or poem you'd like to share with the rest of us, drop
me a line at ken@mckuen.com and I'll
make sure it gets an airing right here one Wednesday.
-
Ken, Johannesburg, March 7
Details of Rod's upcoming concerts
and appearances can be obtained via the link below:
Rod
McKuen Concerts & Appearances
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