California-born writer, singer, and troubadour Rodney Marvin McKuen, simply known as “Rod” to millions of fans, died of pneumonia January 29 at a rehabilitation center in Beverly Hills, California. He was 81 years old.
McKuen was a popular poet and singer in the 1960s and 1970s selling millions of albums and books. His more than 30 books became instant best sellers. Some of the 1,500 songs he wrote were featured in movies and recorded by a varied collection of famous artists. He won a Grammy Award in 1969 for one of his recordings and was nominated for an Academy Award for a song he wrote that was featured in a hit movie.
Being a best-selling poet, he once said, targeted him for ridicule by many critics. “The most unforgivable sin in the world is to be a best-selling poet,” he explained. Though receiving much acclaim early in his career, as his success grew, so it seems did some critics’ vilification.
But to me, he was a blessing. During high school and college, his work was a source of comfort and inspiration as I tried to find my way in the world. Through his words, simple though they may be, he seemed to understand my hurts and fears and failings and struggles. My introspection mirrored his. My search for meaning in life, for my place, for love and understanding, seemed the same as his. There were many times when I felt alone, and from his words, I drew comfort.
Rest in peace, old friend. Critics come and go and fade into obscurity, but your words live on in the hearts of many. The fact that you were responsible for bringing a new generation to love poetry should be enough to satisfy any critic.
Hi, Les.
I’m not a fan of Rod McKuen, but I am of Frank Sinatra. I thought you would be interested in this article by Mark Steyn about how Sinatra came to record an album of McKuen songs and poetry: http://www.steynonline.com/6788/love-been-good-to-me
I cannot understand the vilification of Rod McKuen in life and death, he meant so much to so many, as a Loner I always found his words and music a comfort it was as though he was talking to me. If it had not been for Rod I doubt I would have kept journals to this day. I am so sad that his “Foundation” wish will not be forthcoming, it is as though he is being swept under the carpets, not for his fans though.
Dear Les
I hope it is alright to refer to you as above. Received your email but have no email address for you, I would enjoy keeping in touch with you, would you be kind enough to let me have your email address so I can do so. Kind regards, Anna.
people are out of touch with their feelings, and when someone like Rod surfaces those feelings, they attack
Reblogged this on Anna Cottage and commented:
So good to hear a good review on Rod McKuen. Walt Whitman was someone in life that was vilified and it took his death for him to be recognised for his work. It’s time that Rod McKuen received the praise he so deserved. He was a “Friend” to so many and an inspiration for us. A lovely blog.
Amen to all of that! I made a scrapbook in high school illustrating so many of his poems. My favorite song of his was “I’ll Catch the Sun…” It was like it poured right out of my heart… Great post!