The world lost one of its great people this past week.  Anyone that was even half awake during the 1960’s or 1970’s would have heard of him; Rod McKuen.  Possibly one of the most prolific songwriter/poets of his era, Rod was pure driven genius.

Many years ago I was blessed with the opportunity to spend a weekend in his rambling Beverly Hills mansion.  I met him through one of those friend of a friend’s cousin’s nephew connections and we were invited to come stay for a few days.

I will always remember how gracious and full of humor and life he was.  One night we all sat up drinking bottle after bottle from his wine cellar.  He actually took me down into the cellar to show me his wine collection which, I found out later, he NEVER did.  We hit it off in some offbeat eclectic way and genuinely enjoyed talking to each other.  That connection gave me the privilege of not only seeing his wine cellar and drinking his wine, but to also experience a small piece of Hollywood history and absolute legend.

I had always hoped to make it back up to see him again and, I was told that he asked about me often, but our paths only really crossed that one time.  I saw him again years later in New York at Carnegie Hall but he was overwhelmed signing autographs and welcoming people.  I found out later he had asked where I was but we never actually got a chance to even say hello.

Even though I am sad at his passing, Rod lived an amazing life.  You can Google him and find reams of Biographical information on him right now because of his passing.  His life started out a little bumpy, then he achieved a level of celebrity that few people have known, had another speed bump in the way of depression, but by the time I met him he had pulled out of that and freely talked about how it had affected his life.  I am sad but prefer to think about the twinkle in his eye and the passion he had for his work.

Rest in Peace Rod.  I will leave a rock with your name on it at the peak of the Camino when I go back in March.

Joe Jeter  January 31, 2015

Rod McKuen (Left) and his friend Ed (Right)

Rod & Ed