23rd & 24th October, 2004
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Rod 4/16/04 Photo by Billy Iz
A Thought for Today
Anyone can change it’s maintaining the
change that separates the men from the boys.
.ASK
ROD
THE NIGHTWATCH
Mr. McKuen, I have no question for you I just had
to say Thanks. I am 52 Years old and have followed your work since my
high school years. You have greatly helped me with your writings and
have made me the sensitive person I am. My life has been blessed with
many years of church teachings but your work has been in my heart as
well. Please forgive my grammar as I have not written anyone for a long
time. After 25 years in the retail industry the company went out of
business, another victim of the Wal-Mart movement. I now am working as
an overnight watchman in a retirement home and am able to make an
occasional difference in some ones life. It is something that I know now
was always missing in my own life. I have shared your works with many
people and always wish you well. I know you must be very busy but felt
compelled to share this with you. Thank You, Denny Miller
Dear Denny, It sounds as if you are not one of those who is better off
now than he was four years ago. Unfortunately there are millions of our
fellow citizens who are in the same overcrowded boat. Still I have great
faith in this country and feel with the help of all of us it will right
itself.
Your faith and the teachings of your church seem to have helped keep you
buoyant and I admire your desire to be of use to others. In the end
'each other' is all we've got but if we know that and take advantage of
it that's just about all we need.
That you took time out of your life to wish me well made a lot of
difference on this autumn day. Good luck on every night watch and every
day of your life. With affection, Rod
REMAINING OPEN
Dear Mr. McKuen, I have never written a "fan
letter" before and it now seems fitting that you would be the recipient
of my first. I have been very fond of your poetry since I was a child.
Too young to have understood much of it's content meaning but alas, I
always understood all too well and was affected by your words more
profoundly than you could imagine. I am much older than I was when I was
introduced to ( and seduced by...) your books, but not much more grown
up it seems. I have turned a few other souls on to you over the years
and have found that the one's that also seem to "get" you the way that I
have, are like kindred spirits to mine. Still lost but continually
looking for something I may never find, your words remain for me, a
beacon. Thank You. You made it o.k. for me to embrace sensuality and to
long for Love. Sincerely, Holly S. Lark-Bales
Dear Holly, Thanks for the kind words. It's an honor to be the subject
of your first "fan mail."
Seduction by poetry . . . hmm. I like the sound and thought of it but I
must admit it has never worked in practical terms for me. Maybe I didn't
really give it my best effort.
I go on searching – not always sure of what – (and I'm glad you do too.)
As a result of remaining open to the possibilities of life, few days go
by when I don't learn a new and important fact or lesson. The day we
stop looking for 'something' ought to be the day we cease breathing.
While I'm at it Holly, thanks for turning others on to my work over the
years. Warmly, Rod
FROM A YOUNG SCREENWRITER
Dear Mr. McKuen, This isn't so much a question -
more a note of appreciation.
I'm 22 and just starting out as a screenwriter over in the UK. My whole
theory is that art, culture - whatever you want to call it - is a
palette. Anyone who creates, if they're talented enough and honest
enough, brings another shade to this.
With 'A Man Alone', I believe you and Mr. Sinatra threatened to bring a
whole other colour to the palette.
Since I discovered an old vinyl copy at a car boot sale - and
subsequently purchased the CD - there's not a month goes by I don't
listen to it. The album means more to me, I would say, than any other in
my collection. Along with the likes of 'Cycles' and 'Watertown', it
confirms Frank Sinatra as so much more than the stereotype. Anyone who
claims to be a fan of Sinatra should be made to sit down and listen to
his late-60's work.
I could go on and on but I know I'll only end up asking you questions
about the album you've answered a thousand times. Just to say again that
'A Man Alone' is an album of which you should be genuinely proud.
Indeed, if I can do a tenth with my art as you did with yours I'll sleep
well.
Glad to read you're happy right now, Mr. McKuen. Take care. Richard
Dear Richard, Thanks for taking the time to write and for the kind
compliments. You are right on the mark with your observation that all of
art is a palette. Art in any form, and the artists who participate in
creating it, are inner dependent. I might add that I have seldom known
an artist adept in one field unable to succeed in a related field if he
or she puts their head and talent to it.
Creating and co-producing A Man Alone was a complete joy from beginning
to end. Frank and I were both proud of the results and I still consider
it near the top of all the various projects I’ve been involved in. As
you probably know I presented Mr. Sinatra with a completely orchestrated
demo of A Man Alone. Those orchestrations still exist and I have
recently been approached to turn the album into an hour-long television
special.
I’m seriously considering it and I’m just sorry that Old Blue Eyes can’t
be involved in the project. Over the years I’ve worked with many
performers and Sinatra is far and away the most professional of the lot.
That takes nothing away from all the other greats I’ve known. FS was at
the top of his game when we went into the studio and he knew every song
and poem completely.
Incidentally in addition to being the most influential popular singer of
all time and an Oscar winning actor, one of Sinatra’s hobbies was
photography. He had several assignments from Life Magazine and other
publications. He photographed me for both the book and LP versions of
Lonesome Cities.
Good luck with your screenwriting Richard and I hope you write and tell
me more about it. My best and thanks again, Rod
CHRISTMAS STUFF
My wife has always been a big fan but only since I
have a computer can I find out if their is any commemorative clothing
still available either in USA or a source in UK. Your reply would be
much appreciated especially if I could get it for Christmas. David
Luxford.
Dear David, Nice hearing from you and thanks for asking about Rod
"Stuff". You'll find a complete listing at the following web site:
www.stanyanhouse.com All my
best, Rod
BOBBIE GENTRY
Hi Rod, I hope you are well. Since you know
everybody (at least it seems that way), can you tell me what Bobbie
Gentry is up to these days? I purchased a used CD she made back in the
60s and have really enjoyed it. Whatever Ms. Gentry is up to these days,
I wish her all the best. You too. Jeff
Dear Jeff, The last time I heard from Bobbie she was living in Pasadena,
happily settled down and still writing. She even invited me to come to
tea. That was several years ago but when I sent her an invitation to the
Carnegie Hall concert a year or so ago it came back with a "Moved No
Forwarding Address" label.
I used the Google search on our website and found dozens of references
to her and even a Bobbie Gentry Message Board but no indication of a
Homepage. You might try sending her a note care of Capitol Records,
Sunset & Vine, Hollywood, CA 90028 and mark the envelope Royalty Dept.
Please Forward. Just a thought.
Sorry I can't be of more help but all my best to you and good luck with
your search. Kindest regards, Rod
WISH LIST
Hey! I'm updating my Christmas Wish list. I was
curious if you have any new items (from the McKuen and Stanyan
catalogue) coming out of the gate in time for the holiday season? Eric.
Dear Eric, Every day I vow to get off my butt & put something together
for Christmas and so far life keeps getting in the way each and every AM
& PM. I had thought the RCA Boxed Set would be out before the holidays
but I haven't heard anything affirmative from Germany. As ever, Rod
BROTHER, FATHER, SON, HUSBAND
On September 16th 2004, my dear brother Frans died
of cancer. Only 41 years old. Left his wife and his 11 years old son
behind. I want to write some words to make them (those who left behind)
feel they're not alone, to strengthen them and to give ém a bit of power
to carry on.
So my question is if you can make/create a little poem/story for them,
to help his wife and son through a very difficult period. They were
married for only 14 years. We all live in Holland, south-east part of
Limburg.
I'm a fan of you since 1971. And still loving you. I'd like you to mail
it first to me so I can translate it for them. Thank you very much.
Love, Elly
Dear Elly, I'm not sure there is anything one could say that would ease
the pain of losing a brother, father, son and husband. Time, not words,
heal the heart.
Let me say this much, our souls belong to God and are only on loan to
us. For whatever reason he chooses his own time to take them back. I
urge all of you to dwell on the gain your lives have had by knowing and
loving this man not the deep sense of loss you are all suffering because
of his passing. Think what a difference he made in all of your lives in
the short time he was here.
My condolences to all of you and a reminder that death is a part of
life. From the time we are born we are all headed in the same direction.
It is important for each of you to grieve, alone and collectively. Grief
too is a natural part of life as is joy. Be joyful that Franz is free
from the terrible suffering and pain that cancer brings.
This time will pass and you will always have the memory of Franz and
that memory will always be worth more than all of the words in the
world. Warmly, Rod
AND FINALLY
Special birthday greetings to Priscilla Blackie. On Monday Eric and
Brenda Yeager wake up to the first day of their seventh year as man and
wife.
Sleep warm and Join me on Monday for another edition of Ask Rod.
RM 10/22/04 6:26PM PDST
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