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Rod & Sunny: Photo by Bob Gentry
8/5/1999
A Thought for Today
Don't insist on meddling in the affairs of others. They can usually manage without your help or
interference. On the other hand, offer a helping hand when you know it is wanted and can make a difference.
Today's letters are all over the map, just the way I like them.
THE MORNING FLIGHT PLAN
Dear Mr. McKuen -Since I found your website early this year, I've written you from time to time to bitch about politics or religion or such, like the email I sent a week or so ago comparing Clinton to Nixon.
How petty of me.
My younger daughter (18 now) has taken to reading some of your books out of my collection. I'm glad she's warmed to your poetry. Some of it is timeless. It could have been written a thousand years ago, or a thousand years in the future. I probably own 2000 books, not counting old textbooks. Your old books are among the few that I've gone back to over the years when I want to put things into perspective. Now they help my daughter put things into perspective. Thank you for touching my daughter's soul, and for helping her to discover not only of what's inside of her own self but what's inside other people as well. She has always been a sensitive girl, loving and generous to a fault, and I have sometimes been insensitive, as dad's can often be.
Maybe she can put me into perspective sometimes.
I hit on Flight Plan every morning, in between MSNBC and Dilbert. Like coffee, it gets my day going. Thanks. Alan Nicholson
Dear Alan, I didn't find your recent letter concerning Clinton and Nixon petty at all. Proof of that is that I spent a lot of time trying to answer it as best I could. It's hard to be a poet and not at the same time be a political animal.
Politics are a part of my life and should concern the lives of all Americans.
Twelve days from now we elect a new president. Whoever we choose will affect all of our lives, not just for the next four years, but
conceivably for decades. It's no secret that I'm solidly behind Al Gore, because I believe his vision and that the policies a Gore-Lieberman ticket have promised to put into place seem to me to be the best and
fairest for all the people of this nation.
What the Clinton-Gore team has been able to accomplish in the last eight years, despite a
contentious congress, speaks for itself. A vendetta against Bill Clinton that started long before he was elected and will continue after his term as president ends didn't even stop the Clinton-Gore team from working harder than any chief executives in memory to advance the causes they believed in.
Twice we took a chance on electing a team that included one of the members on the current ticket and the nation is better for it.
All that said, you might think differently and again I don't feel venting your political
opinion in a letter to me to be the least bit petty. That's your privilege, and anyway, you write interesting letters that have a point of
view.
I like knowing you start your day with the flight plan, since I usually finish mine by writing it. We like some of the same things; Dilbert is always on the mark and I
prefer MSNBC to the alternative morning froth.
Thanks for the nice words about my work which are much appreciated. As a father you must have done something very right to have a
sensitive eighteen year old daughter interested in poetry. That it includes mine is a compliment that delights me. Thanks Alan, Warmly Rod.
A NEW FAN
Greetings:-) I
don't know if Rod will personally get to read this, but if so, just wanted to tell you that browsed over your site and find your
poetry both moving, down to earth and passionate. Although I was born in 1960,to be
honest I never heard of you, but recently a friend recommended your
poetry, so i decided to search the web. You are a poet, and i am a published free-lance writer, so I do understand your love of writing, expressing and creating. Again ,just wanted to say thanks for letting me know the man behind the words.
Melanie.
Dear Melanie, Finding a new fan is always a major event. Writers write because they feel they have something to say and the wider the audience the better. Thanks for the note and good luck with your own writing. Cheers, Rod
REDISCOVERED
Dear Rod, What can I say? Thank you so much for your heart and your life. I've just recently re-discovered your indescribable verses and poetry. I doubt the existence of anything you've written that fails to touch the deepest part of the very best that lies within.
Can you direct me to an itinerary if you're still making public
appearances? Thanks very much, and God bless...Mike
Dear Mike, When there are appearances or concert dates they'll be announced here first and now that you've written in, your E-mail address has gone on a mailing list and you'll be informed of all upcoming tours.
Thanks for the thoughtful note, Mike. Warmly, Rod
Mr. McKuen, I would just like to tell you that you are one of my 2 favorite poets! (The other being Nikki Giovanni in case you were wondering.)
Always LOVE your beautifully subtle phrasing and Listen to the Warm is one of my favorite collections ever; I feel odd sending this to you because I want you to know the full worth of you words to me; I hope knowing that they are truly appreciated and felt expresses this well enough.This is exciting! From a silly little kid from Texas, Jenny White
Dear Silly Little Kid (Jenny), Thanks for caring and for placing me in such great company. Nikki is one of my favorite poets too. During the 1960's our paths crossed several times but I haven't seen
her for some time.
To anyone unfamiliar with Nikki Giovanni's fine poetry I highly recommend it. Thanks again for thinking of me, Jenny. Luv, Rod
THANKS
Every day I get letters saying "Thank You" for the web site. Usually they are short and seek no
acknowledgment. Many are from those discovering this site and my work for the first time and others arrive from friends and fans who lost track of me over the years. Because I've kept such a low profile the last dozen years or so I even get communications from folks amazed to find out I'm still alive. Ouch.
I feel odd about not saying 'thanks' to those who've taken the time to write, so now and again I like to publish a general thank you note and a list of names to go with it.
So here's a special thanks to Brice E., Joel Lalonde, Martin Rubin, Lynn Martin, Rose Towery, Pamela Futch, Jayleen, Martha, Charlotte
Hollenback, Frances Huffine, Wilbur Conrad, Samuel Bertoni,
A VIETNAM VET
Dear Rod, I remember so well, the first book I ever read of yours....it was Listen to the Warm. Since then I have collected as many of your books as I could find. Being raised very poor, I could never afford new books but I scoured every used book store and used record shop for either your books or records.
In 1968, I had a friend of someone I dated who was in VietNam. I wrote him over the year he was there and often sent him poems written by you. Impressed as he was with your work, it inspired him to also write poetry. One of them was titled, Brady Street and You. He finally came home, I introduced him to my sister. To make a long story short, they eventually did divorce but just recently I got word about him from someone. He built a log cabin type home on Lake
Michigan. Currently, he is an author of children's books, writes poetry and whittles some fine things out of wood.
My point is that, you were a main inspiration of this then young man. You helped him make it through the war with your marvelous words. You have heard from me before, and I imagine you will again. You have been so much a part of my world...in many ways. Thank
you. (My usual salutation) Listen to the warm, CC
Dear CC, Thanks for writing. All of us need a pick up now and then and that's exactly what your letter did for me. Love, Rod
A RED ROSE
It seems strange to be writing this message, however you have been a great part of my life since my University days in Edinburgh '69-74 when I discovered, or rather grew to appreciate, your wonderful poetry. I remember one concert I attended - in the "nose-bleed" section which
I had to leave early in order to make curfew in our University dorm!! As
much as I was in love with you and your words, I could not afford to lose my residence!
My next incredible concert was when I lived in London and I remember leaving a red rose on your seat during intermission, - one I am sure among many. I was so reminded today due to the funeral of Pierre Trudeau, our former Prime Minister of my adopted country of Canada. He
was known for his custom of wearing such a flower in his lapel and for his
generosity of spirit.
My question was triggered by the memory of the rose. Are you ever so overwhelmed by an outpouring of love and respect during a concert
or public appearance, that you wish the people who so admire you would not encroach in such a personal way? I hate to admit that it has been many years since I purchased a volume of
your work but today I wished to thank you for the memories of those years. Bless you. Alisa Campbell.
Dear Alisa, I am continuously overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity
of my fans. Of course it can become embarrassing, but to consider it any kind of
encroachment on my personal life, would show an ingratitude that I hope I never become capable of.
I'm proud of having a pretty intelligent audience and most of them seem capable of drawing the line between admiration and adoration. Adoration scares me because I don't want to be a role model for anyone or have to fight off obsession. Admiration is the most sincere compliment and this artist is very appreciative of every admiring fan he's had down through the years.
Affectionately, Rod
WHEN I WAS NINE
Dear Rod, My name is Tina Drew, I am 32 years old now. I last saw you and spoke to you when I was 9. You were performing live in
Sheffield. I am so thrilled to discover your web site and know that you are still out there Always Tina.
Dear Tina, Considering all the letters I get every day from Great Britain, I firmly believe that if some
enterprising British entrepreneur booked a tour for me in England, we'd sell out every concert
immediately. I'm really impatient to come back to England and perform. When I do, don't forget to come back and say hello again.
Affectionately, Rod
THE DAYS DWINDLE DOWN
Dear Rod, well... the days are dwindling down to a precious
few...September's gone...November beckons...then hopefully the 'golden days' of December awaiting on the horizon. My hope is that we get at least a few 'golden rays', as the weather down here has been decidedly grey.
Speaking of November, let me take this opportunity to wish you well for your up-coming performances. I do wish you well, I hope all goes to plan, and brings you the satisfaction of a 'job' (a love) well done. Just a pity (for us in Oz) that it is all happening up there and not down here.
Did I read somewhere in the flight plans that you will not be performing down under? Can't tell you how disappointing that makes me feel, if indeed that is the case. I thought you were going to make it down here this year, then I read it would be next year, now, no year! Disappointing, to say the
least!! What's new!?
Dear Shirley, The nights are really starting to get chilly here. Mid-autumn
in the USA is very much like mid-spring in Australia. In California we are still having warm days and there are plenty of green tomatoes on the vines outside (third crop this year.) Up the coast from me and inland, Ann, my friend and fellow tomato freak, has ripe ones.
Next month when I leave for New York I'd probably be well advised to pack my long johns.
Not long ago I mentioned that since my fall 2001 concert schedule hasn't been firmed up yet, I didn't know if I'd be booked into a certain city. That too was interpreted that I wouldn't be playing
there. There's a world of difference between not knowing when an appearance
will take place and not wanting to make it happen.
I can't imagine not playing Australia again any more than I'd entertain the thought of no more concerts in Europe. It's
merely a question of time and timing. Because no dates have been set doesn't mean that if a suitable booking organization can be found in Oz, I won't be coming back.
Hope your grey days are few Shirley and with summer just around the corner, I'm sure they will be.
Affectionately, Rod
FEEDBACK: HEY BOSS
Hi Rod, So, you desperately need an assistant, huh ? Well...I'm a desperate assistant. You say you're not easy to work for since you keep very much to yourself. We'll get along just fine because I won't even show up for work most days and when I do I'll be out in the greenhouse or
rummaging through boxes. And I'll save you money because you'll be able to fire your poolman. Such a deal ! When do I start ? Ann
Dear Ann, Thanks a bunch but I think I'll pass. You seem over qualified. One desperate, non functional packrat in this house is probably
sufficient. Still desperate, Rod
SONGS OUR MUMMY TAUGHT US
hello dor-----any plans to release this very tough to find lp on cd in th near future? thanks for your consideration! charles
Dear Charles, no plans for the entire album to be released any time soon. But every now and then various companies license bits and pieces of it. Cheers, Rod
SOMETHING BEYOND
Dear Rod -- SOMETHING BEYOND has always been one of my very favorite albums -- often I wished it was on CD so I could listen to it straight through. I am wondering what you had in mind when you composed this piece.
I know that when things are created and flung out to the world they are left open to the interpretation of each person who enjoys it -- and I have my own interpretation! -- but what was it you were writing about -- what is the story behind it?
Quite by accident I discovered that this piece of music recapped every single emotion I had gone through in my day -- timidity, strength, love, even anger -- and then it eases back to the love and gentleness by the time it gets to the vocal finale. After a day at work, it was my stress reliever, my 'attitude adjustment.
Incidentally -- I cannot tell you how much you have taught me over the years. Thank you so much for these pages, for the love that comes through them, and for just -- being. Smokey, Clearwater, Florida
Dear Smokey, I like your interpretation of "Something Beyond," which is certainly one of my
lesser known albums, but one very close to my heart that seems to have developed a cult following over the years.
You are right in thinking that music should be left to each listeners interpretation so I'll plead The Fifth on this one and just say that I believe the title says it all.
"Something Beyond" and an earlier recording of my Zodiac Suite "Written in the Stars", will be released on a single CD in the coming year. With affection, Rod
JEFF HEFNER
What ever happened to the scholarships established at East Henderson High school in 1973 or 74 on behalf of Jeff Hefner? best wishes, Carolyn Ashodian
Dear Carol, Alas when I stopped performing and the funding was no longer available, I had to end all the various
scholarships I had set up.
Incidentally, if you'd like to read more about Jeff, punch in his full name in the search engine at the
bottom of this page. Warmly, Rod
LOOKING BACK AT THIRTY
Hi there...I have a question and I hope that my memory serves me well...when I was five I had one of your records (this was 25 years ago)....at least I think it was yours...and there was a
song ...Looking Back at 30...something like that....and I was wondering first if it was yours, second which record it was from, and third how can I buy a copy...I appreciate any help in this matter...thanks...Cherie Seibold
Dear Cherie, "Looking Back at Thirty" is one of a series of 'birthday songs' I've written over the years which include "Forty Without Fear," "People on their Birthdays and "Happy Birthday to Me."
According to my trusty "Hagan McKuen Works" file it can be found on the LP's "Cycles" and "Rod McKuen Sings His Own," plus several songbooks. Both albums are available through Stanyan By Mail. Thanks for asking, Rod
CARNEGIE HALL CD
Dear Rod, The liner notes in the Carnegie Hall Concert CD indicated that the complete concert would be released at a later date. Are there still plans to release this? I really love this album. I saw you in concert at the Sydney Town Hall in 1971 and we would really love to see you back here in Australia. Very best wishes, Kelvin Jones
Dear Kevin, Originally The Complete Carnegie Hall Concert was set to come out on LaserLight, but since I'm no longer with that
label it's been delayed. The Album will be out though and not just with the missing tracks from the LP but additional songs from the concert that there wasn't room enough for on the original double LP. I hope to announce a
label soon.
Awhile back Johann Grobbelaar made a very interesting point to the effect "Why worry about The Complete Carnegie Hall when there are so many other McKuen albums not yet available on CD?" Lots of these albums are now in the works so "The Complete Carnegie Hall" makes more sense now. Many thanks, Kelvin. Warmly, Rod
Tomorrow it's time again for Pass It Along and trust me, there's something for everyone. Sleep warm.
RM 10/25/2000 Previously unpublished.
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