Emitt Rhodes 2010 interview

[@johnmitchelljr]

I don't know if I can make it through the whole interview. I'm 73 now and remember just the good feelings of the Merry-Go-Round and Mr.Rhodes solo albums. To hear someone beaten down by life in America who is talented and sensitive is almost to much. John Fogerty came back, but he was the exception. Thank you for the interview though heartbreaks and all.

[@brucehartnell1475]

I met him when I did a couple of records at his house with my punk band in 1982. He was the same way back then as he is in this interview. He was only in his early thirties then. I liked him. RIP

[@nomiclas]

I like the way this interview is conducted.I think Emitt is transparent and we all have experienced some of life's pit falls.I really like this guy.He's a straight shooter.Not to mention,I own his original vinyl releases and respect them.

[@richardslewis]

Just bought a "new cd" by him from Amazon. First one in over 40 years. Called Rainbow Ends.

[@rebeccahall556]

This is an incredible interview--raw and unvarnished. My hat is off to Michael Shelley, who handles Rhodes' responses with intelligence and sensitivity. I was reminded, at times, of what I have read about the life of another incredibly talented songwriter--Jackson C. Frank. I wish this were an uncommon story, but it is not. Sadly our country in particular is especially cruel to its artists.

[@shirleypena4133]

Thanks for using my photos of Emitt which were taken about a decade ago in Hawthorne. Such a happy day that was! Despite how he sounds in this interview, I've known Emitt for years and he DOES have a far happier side to him than what is heard here. :D

[@larrycom]

True

[@tylerclarke26]

Emitt had experienced a variety of negative things at a young, impressionable age... if you were in that position, no doubt it'd change your outlook on life. Emitt saw what happened behind closed doors, and took the opportunity to talk about it, because he had nothing to lose. The music industry itself pretty much ended the music career that he worked so hard for. Nothing but respect for the man... rest in peace, Emitt Rhodes. The one and only.

[@kwasquizzle]

This video has been sitting in watch later for a while. Didnt think I would be so emotional listening to it now. RIP

[@kassandjohnbolles3522]

On one hand, I think Emitt is providing a good dose of reality. On the other hand, I give the interviewer kudos for hanging there.

[@richardrifkin6040]

I worked at the Hullabaloo night club when Emitt was drummer with The Palace Guard and he sang a song or two very well. He seemed like a nice kid, well we were all kinda nice kids at that time. He showed more promise with Merry Go Round of course, but it was his first solo album which was something that blew us all away. A true talent was/is Mr. Rhodes. This interview of his can be taken as a negative look at Emitt, but I myself having been in show business continually since Hullabaloo know very well how difficult the entertainment business can be. You do really need what "They" call Rhino Skin to survive and not go mad with depression at times. It is a roller coaster ride and we should realize that Emitt seems to have had a rough go of it. It would be nice to cross paths once again and laugh about it all. Good luck Emitt with all your future work. I remember you as OK.

[@slearwig]

+Richard Rifkin I worked Warner/Reprise Creative Services as a temp in '77, and the manager, Mr. Benson, told me that there were, at that time, over 300 album releases worldwide, all genres. So tough skin is right. And it also gets depressing when family borrows from you with no apparent connection or acknowledgement . And uh. Eddie Shaw as a go-between for ABC Dunhill, connected to Sinatra as The Chairman of Reprise. Mr. Benson was Sinatra's right-hand man. Even the mailroom boy was running with that family. I think Sinatra was everywhere. I even ran into Dennis WIlson at Creative Services. He was talking about the Jimi Hendrix Revival Tour...in '77.

[@alanarakelian5021]

The Merry-Go-Round's "Live" still shines and stands as a power-pop masterpiece some 55 years later.

[@pauldean7119]

Agree

[@bleu8134]

I still have his first album. He was amazing and sooo talented. I loved him. I recorded it onto CD and still enjoy it in my car these days.

[@peterlee4682]

I bought some of hts LPs out of the second hand record bin in the early 70s. I am impressed at his talent and quality of work. He did all the mixing, the backup instruments, etc. Such a great talent.

[@jdcapshew]

This interview is depressing at times but really, he grew up when sexual abuse wasn't discussed, but he saw it, and perhaps experienced it. He's not such a homophobe as much as anti-pederast. He acknowledges his faults, his failures, but he was terribly taken advantage of by thieves at record labels. Ultimately, he sounds like once he gets out and making music again, he'll have a less jaundiced view of life.

[@MIKECNW]

How do you know it wasn't discussed?

[@wrathford]

@@MIKECNW openly discussed, in the media…like today! Hence the stigma…

[@shirleypena4133]

@jdcapshew I knew Emitt for many years and can assure you that at no time did Emitt personally experience any sexual abuse. He was treated like a prince by his family, including both his wives. Emitt had a very happy life growing up, and both of his wives were/are lovely people. Ditto for his three children.

[@AlexRadeffandDonkey]

I really appreciate this interview as I learn more about Emitt. Thanks for sharing and greetings from Toronto !

[@TheLisab56]

A musical genius. A lovely man.

[@lenmiles5150]

I bought Emitt’s first album and several of his albums afterwards. He wrote music that was easy to listen to… great voice, great melodies against great chord sequences and progressions.There were always nice little surprises in his Melodie’s and his vocal. Like Emitt, I was and still am a Beatles fan. I started playing guitar in 1958, so Emitt was like so many of us musicians that grew up during Beatle-mania, but with that very creative spark. The interview isn't what I expected or thought it would be. Someone that wrote such great songs at one time had to have structure in his life to be able to accomplish so many good songs to completion. During the interview he seemed uncertain and unsure as he searched for answers to the interviewers questions. Loved his music and would have loved to meet him and tell him how great his timeless music was and still is. His songwriting ability was so good.

[@professorhamamoto]

Super-talented artist, Emitt Rhodes. HIs work will endure despite the horrible struggles Rhodes had to endure. Not only was I there hearing The Merry-Go-Round on AM radio at the time, but I heard this interview on the Shelley show when it first was released. Keith Olson is another important figure that is yet to be written about fully. Thank you for posting this important interview.

[@teacher694]

I can remember buying Emitt's last album. Then waiting and waiting for the next album that never came. Glad to hear he's still around.

[@garyhillman4993]

He ain’t now I’m afraid

[@djlain]

Props to Michael Shelley for handling this crazy interview with aplomb.

[@job1778]

He obviously had a lot of issues that a lot of people can’t understand, he lived his life the way he did. He had some great tunes. RIP. I think he likes to shock , crazy sense of humor.

[@thewillismon]

Considering that some of Mr Rhodes' ilk don't make it past age 27 and many are dead by 55, he got off pretty good....alive and 60 at the time of this interview, and still kicking 6 years on.

[@deecondon2816]

That interview was one wild ride! RIP, Emitt. Hope you find some peace.

[@toneman335]

The lesson I learned from this interview is that the music business is very tough and all the stars have to be in alignment for you to succeed.

[@sugarjoe50]

Toneman you're absolutely right, l know from personal experience. Talent isn't always a key to success.

[@josephleehooker5256]

Emmitt Rhodes , you are loved by God and my son Benjamin Hylak . You are alright in my book . Ben has been interning at Space X in Hawthorne and called me one night really interested in telling me about you and your music. He really liked both . I've. Been singing and writing music for at least 55 years. I'm 65 and we have a lot in common . God Bless

[@MrWimMichels]

The doc title is The One Man Beatles, and is one of the best and moving doc-film i ever seen in my whole life!!

[@thanks5009]

where do i can see it????? :(

[@toneman335]

Emitt seemed to be an interesting and thoughtful guy.

[@DrNSalmon]

This interview is extremely telling and extremely sad. ER is one of the most talented singer/songwriter/instrumentalists of our time. His solo albums are among the best pop albums ever made. The music industry chewed him up and spit him out. What ABC/Dunhill did to him was a crime, not only against ER but also against all of us who appreciate his artistry. It seems that he might have been a victim of other crimes as well when he was a very young musician. Thanks for the post.

[@rickpickren]

What a wonderful interview! Honest and unPC. Emitt Rhodes. A terrific tunesmith. One of the great debut albums ever. Sad he's gone.

[@hopnews]

For the first part of life, a person saves stuff; writings, photos, music, antiques, cars, etc.. And then the last part of life, you sell, give away, or if you have to, you throw stuff out to save your heirs the trouble. I was fortunate enough to sell my album collection of an era, so that other people would find enjoyment of that music that meant so much to me. One of the joys was listening to the Merry Go Round's first album, and especially the hits. I had forgotten they were an American band until I sorted them out for the record dealer to view and glanced at the liner notes. Part of the reason I thought they were English was Mr. Rhodes' slightly British accent. But then again, all of the villains that television's Lt. Columbo investigated were from the West Coast, and they all had upper crust accents, too. That was such class warfare. The dirty Italian detective with his unwashed raincoat and over-abundant hand gestures surprises everyone by being the smartest, most persistent one in the room. And the sophisticated, clean and well-mannered murderer who personified white collar crime wasn't so smart after all. One of the episodes revolved around an Accutrac turntable, which I own. Anyway, I am glad someone bought all of my albums, and they can enjoy this band, as well as the Amboy Dukes, the Beatles, Stones (3-D cover!), Doors, Hendrix and hundreds more. Thanks to Mr. Rhodes for being part of a group of people who put out the right music at the right time, and kept my ass out of trouble for at least 2 minutes and 59 seconds at a time.

[@ericwarncke]

I feel so bad for Emitt Rhodes. He is really jaded and upset and disappointed and it shows that he still feels angry about what happened 30+ years ago. He is wonderfully talented, but now he owes 30 grand to another record producer who won't allow him to release 3 new songs he recorded. He is still going through rough times.

[@bellinghammond]

i can't reconcile the bitter sour sounding old man with the innocent kid who sang live, you're a lovely woman and come ride, come ride

[@donlombardi]

I cannot disagree with that statement.

[@robertnahum5823]

Messed up guy filled with guilt and unhappiness...was a great artist to be sure.

[@brianhicks4207]

sleepless in harlow uk, not seattle, i found it a very informative interview, was always a fan of emitt, growing up in my teens,( i am now the tender age of 58) i can remember every shop i purchased his lp's in. Very mccartney 'esque' i used think. somewhere in the alladins cave in my humble flat, i think i have copy of the american dream, was he part of that? purchased it in liverpool st. london The first emitt rhodes album with 'down with my face on the floor'(been there) 'Fresh as a daisy,' then the the' mirror 'album, i also recall i had a 'probe' label record sampler with a version of tame the lion, which later appeared on farewell to paradise, very courageous song to release given the times at the time, bet it did not get much airplay! But it was regularly rotated on my small hi-fi at mum and dads. I kinda lost touch after that, few years ago managed to trace some cd re-issues via amazon having gone through my own lengthy personal journey through hell (diagnosed with Bi-Polor affective disorder) many hospital stays for last 22 years now hopefully behind me with negotiated nhs self directed support budget with home visits, overcoming social isolation, from local agency home instead,( they started in the usa) Three years ago, i discovered some new recordings, and enthusiastically, down loaded them on to my apple music player, and i make no apologies for sharing with you emitt, when i was enjoying? a solitary pint at a local pub, i was listening to my i-pod to the track' this wall between us' and had a fairly deep emotional release, so much so that a local, came and asked if i was ok? I said yeah, i have just been listening to an old friend returning I am due to get involved in contributing to a recently opened local community internet radio station HAWK F.M. Little walk, Harlow Essex, may take a bit of time to get my feet under the table, with david bassett manager of local care agency home insteead, and if i get the chance, (if not i will make it happen somehow) my power play will be" this wall between us" God bless in all you do emitt, The best is yet to come! Brian Hicks, Old Harlow Essex CM170HZ

[@stregadisalem732]

Brian Hicks So tired of people comparing him to Paul McCartney.

[@grdnzrnic]

cool beans, loved the impromptu guitar towards the end

[@fendertweed]

Great interview a real talent for sure . Good to hear his own point of view how things occurred after all these years .

[@vazmo14850]

sad to see one of my early idols look and sound like this....so sad...emitt, i have always admired you!

[@cantstopsinging]

Take into account the generation he is from. I don't hear him as being homophobic. He is speaking his mind, take it or leave it. RIP. The music business has alot of underhandedness going on regardless of whether people are straight, gay or whatever.

[@anneteller3128]

I wonder if he was trying to reveal more about Hollywood and the pedophilia that was a very real issue for young boys and teen boys coming into the business, and I'm sure still is. It's just more revealed than it was back then. He may not have been comfortable talking about it totally openly in 2010. Since he was a nice looking teenager at the time he began in the business, chances are very good, like almost 100 percent good, that he was approached by pedophiles. Not even in 2010 was it being revealed as a regular issue in Hollywood and the recording business as it is today. The interviewer kept pressuring him to tell how someone with such great talent, that was even recognized to some extent, came so close to fame, but didn't make it. We know many people now with much less talent who did make it. What happened? The interviewer seems clueless, and he may have been in 2010. He seemed to talk all around pedophilia without truly revealing his own experience with possibly being approached by predators in the business. At one point, he said, "I just liked girls," as if he was trying to explain what happened, without explaining what happened. He used the word "gay" instead which is not the same. Pedophilia is not between consenting adults, it is not being gay, but in this case, his being possibly approached as a teen was between adult(s) and a minor. The law also recognizes when it's between older teens and children. In addition, many pedophiles are married with children, and do not self-identify as gay.

[@paulgentile1024]

Homophobic ?.. he comes across like a guy who's saw and went through a lot of nasty crap.. the music business is quite perverted

[@cantstopsinging]

@@paulgentile1024 Exactly

[@russdowns]

I read an interview very similar to this years ago, and came away from it wondering how someone who wrote such beautiful songs had turned into such a bitter and insensitive person. When I was in Jr. High school Emitt’s eponymous album literally kept me alive. I liked Mirror, and the Farewell album, and really liked The American Dreamer album, but definitely the Emitt Rhodes album helped me get through the trauma of fiscal and emotional changes between 13 and 15. I saw the documentary about him and was again surprised by his misogyny and homophobia. This interview was the first time I ever heard him discuss his parents, and that sort of explained, but not excused some of his perspective. When you grow up in a dysfunctional and violent environment you have to create your own rules, and I think that’s why he had such a harsh view of the world. I remember reading about his contract which was rather standard back then, two albums and four singles a year, and because he was unwilling to compromise and bring in session players, do covers, etc… he couldn’t fulfill his contract. I always admired how the Beatles did fulfill their contract, and then some, by also putting out ep’s, but they had four singers three writers and a backlog of covers. I feel sorry for Emitt and I definitely still think some of his songs were some of the best songs I’ve heard. I feel badly that he was so hurt by life, and was so afraid of dying and died right when he was taking a chance again. I hope these interviews will eventually fade away, and Emitt will be remembered for his amazing talent and beautiful songs.

[@kaivrock]

Let's see; he's diabetic, witnessed the actual rape of his bandmate and his own molestation courtesy of the record industry, he's broke, unacknowleged,, hated by his ex's and own children (their side, not stated here), Oh, I forgot, suffering from depression. His misery and even a bit of his apparent homophobia are, sadly, very understandable.

[@shirleypena4133]

@ Mickey Vidakovich, I know Emitt and his family and have talked at some length with the daughter of the man (now deceased) who Emitt claims was raped. Let me assure you that Emitt's bandmate wasn't raped, Emitt was never raped/molested, Emitt is certainly not hated by his second ex-wife and Emitt's son Ethan told me that Emitt's first ex-wife (Ethan's mom) doesn't hate Emitt either. As far as Emitt's claim that his children "hate" him, I know for a fact that his son Ethan didn't hate Emitt when I knew him. In fact, in the early 2000s Ethan actually came to live with his dad and tried VERY hard to rekindle a close, loving relationship with Emitt. Sadly, Emitt rebuffed Ethan at every turn, and didn't trust him for a minute the entire time that Ethan was there. It finally wore Ethan down and he gave up trying to establish a relationship with Emitt. When Ethan left, Emitt was very relieved. As for Emitt's claim that his father "beat" him, when I first heard Emitt make that claim to another journalist, I was shocked because according to family members of Emitt's, he was the apple of his parents' eye and was treated very kindly by both of them. Emitt's mother was VERY protective and supportive of Emitt, and I dare say that she would have killed anyone who abused her son in any way. According to what one of Emitt's cousins told me, depression runs in Emitt's family on his father's side....as does natural musical ability too. I strongly suspect that Emitt's depression is at least in part due to inherent tendencies. Lastly, in regard to Emitt's "homophobia" and where in the world his obsessive fear and allegations of paedophelia spring from, your guess is as good as mine.

[@dap10639]

RE 334 dRyuwerettseeseedo sf! 5!z4ze the

[@shirleypena4133]

John Brinkman This isn't "my" truth, this is THE TRUTH as told to me by Emitt himself, his own family and what I personally witnessed when I dated him. If you chose to not believe what I have said then it's your choice, period. I have no axe to grind.

[@lincbond442]

@@shirleypena4133 Thank you for your comment. I've been a fan of Emitt's music for about 25 years now. I was very saddened to hear of his passing on July 19, 2020. My condolences to you and to Emitt's family and friends.

[@shirleypena4133]

@@lincbond442 Thank you, Dear. I appreciate your kindness. 💖😊

[@edhalfen7380]

Seem so depressed. Sad to end up that way. But also, very straightforward, but living on just to wait for his last day on earth. Never expected to hear this. Really liked The Merry Go round, especially "Live"...Hope you get better Emitt. Hope you can know Jesus; not for me to decide but I hope you are chosen to choose Him...Ed

[@ParchedPinemarten]

He deserved so much better, it's not fair

[@neilmacpherson58]

It’s such a sad interview. Hard to listen to, in parts. If Emitt had really made it, this interview might have ended his career. He was definitely ruthlessly exploited and his bitterness is understandable, even if it’s hard to accept some of his views. A massive talent wasted by the worst parts of the industry , although the Rainbow Ends album shows the talent remains. I would only hope that happiness and reconciliation occur down the road, though it doesn’t look likely. No one could deny his talent. From Fresh As A Daisy to If I Knew Then is indeed a long way.

[@pauldean7119]

Cheers for ths from Liverpool apprecaited

[@written12]

I read a bunch of the comments below before I actually listened to the interview, and I was seriously cringing in advance. But I didn't find it nearly as depressing or disturbing as some of you did. Well, the gay comments are more than a bit over the top. But he has, for most of the interview, a nice sense of self- deprecating humor. Also, he's got a whimsical sense shot through with cynicism. Yeah, there's bitterness there, too. But here's a guy whose music never got the recogniton it deserved.

[@clambeandip]

I shouldn't judge, but I perceive his estranged situation with his wive(s) and offspring as further indication of a troubled guy.

[@gdholmfirth]

Great interview. Wish I could ask Emitt this question: "How much of your songs sounding so McCartney-ish was intentional, and how much was just you being you?" I have always been a huge Beatles fan, and the fact that so many of Emitt's songs sounded like something McCartney woulda-coulda-shoulda done made me a huge fan of Emitt as well.

[@stregadisalem732]

gdholmfirth He is who he is and wasn’t trying to sound like anyone else. Im so sick of the Paul McCartney comparisons. He doesn’t sound anything like him.

[@julesnominal1804]

@@stregadisalem732 nothing? cmon. lol

[@stregadisalem732]

Jules Nominal It’s an exaggerated comparison.

[@TheDruidKing]

I can hear the Macca similarity but Emitt is his own songwriter. The comparison is amplified by performing all the instruments on a album - which I think Emitt did before Macca. Live Till You Die, Long Time No See, Drawn To You, Mirror - all great.

[@garyhillman4993]

He sounds more than like him in fact he wrote a few wings songs so McCartney sounds like him let’s get it right

[@clambeandip]

This interview pretty much turned my perception of Emitt Rhodes from a brilliant, all but forgotten artist who I've admired into a sad old drunk who I really wouldn't wanna hang with. I still love his music, but his story is unfortunate and tragic.

[@vampyros1]

+glen burtnik "Drunk"? Did he speak to that in this interview?

[@clambeandip]

+vampyros1 I guess my suggestion that he's a drunk wasn't fair. I must've been drawing from the story once told to me by a couple of musicians who made a pilgrimage to meet Rhodes and perceived him to be a drunk.

[@vampyros1]

+glen burtnik Respek. fwiw, I could never possibly contemplate Rhodes as having approached the Todd-Burt-Brian-Paul-John-Laura camp of pop genius, but if I could, and if he were the biggest creep in the world, I'd still want to enjoy his musical gift. Terrific singer, Rhodes.

[@clambeandip]

Update: Emmitt has shown me up. His 2016 album "Rainbow Ends" is as brilliant too as his early discs. Apparently musical brilliance can transcend the handicap of alcohol addiction. I listen to it often, love it. But I still wouldn't wanna hang with him (he probably wouldn't wanna hang with me either)

[@Vince1961]

Yeah, he sounds jaded, miserable, pessimistic, and negative. However, given what he went through in his career, I can understand the pessimism and negativity. His era represented a time when record companies were looking for acts who could be a perceived musical equivalent of The Beatles who they could promise the world to, then screw over to the point of poverty - Badfinger are an excellent example of that. In Badfinger's case, they were ripped off by a ruthless manager, but neither of their labels stood behind the band when it was desperately needed. At the time, the industry wanted to grab a fast buck with little regard for how things ended up for the artist. Likewise, ABC/Dunhill couldn't understand Emitt's process of doing it all himself - so rather than work with him, they destroyed him financially, which led to artistic destruction because he lost his will to continue. Come one, TWO ALBUMS per year? Please! At least his professional destruction didn't lead to suicide, as it did with 2 members of Badfinger. Emitt's "Rainbow Ends" is as brilliant as anything he ever did back in the day. As for the assertions made by glen burtnik assuming Emitt struggles with alcoholism, it doesn't sound to me like he's drunk in this interview, but his bitterness certainly could be due to alcohol abuse. While his gay bashing/homophobia is unbecoming and politically incorrect by today's standards, his experiences as a youth sound eerily like Corey Feldman's accusations against (as of yet) unnamed Hollywood bigshots who prey on young boys working in the industry. Rhodes' deep-rooted hatred of gays seems so profound that one might conclude he needs serious therapy - or, he's simply getting a charge out of coming off like a cynical douchebag. Lastly, when Emitt addresses the death of Michael Jackson by saying "I'm glad he died - he looked like a woman" - he comes off as a miserable old asshole. Emitt's cutting edge artistry doesn't give him the right to assume he's putting forth "cutting edge commentary". Some statements are simply disrespectful under any circumstance, and regardless of his perception of himself, no, he doesn't come off as "cool" or "revolutionary" by saying these hurtful things - just an angry old man with a chip on his shoulder oblivious to the fact that he has become the enemy of his own brilliant art by speaking the way he does. I'm sure he'd say he could care less - but you can be rest assured when he's alone with his own thoughts "he knows".

[@written12]

I did just hear the Michael Jackson comment. Weird and heartless. Michael Shelly, by the way, is a great WFMU Deejay(an eclectic Jersey City station worth checking out). He does a deft job here of getting Emit back on more constructive conversational paths after Rhodes lets fly with his homophobic bits.

[@clambeandip]

Agreed. The interviewer did a very good job.

[@written12]

+glen burtnik I don't know where you live(who knows when any of drop-in out of the ether you tubers live.) , but if you like good tuneful pop and rock, check out Michael Shelly's show on WFMU, Saturday mornings at 11 - eastern time. It's streams over the web.

[@wink853]

+glen burtnik This interview threw me for a loop also. Seems like he's been screwed so much and was emotionally a wrecked person. The new things i've seen with the album coming out soon have turned me around though. I think he suffers depression from the crap he's gone through. Who wouldn't be bitter at what they did to him as his career was starting. No excuse for the bashing he did in this interview but you can understand him being bitter about life in general.

[@markbasore7988]

That was an amazing interview.....

[@rlperry1012]

Would love to see Emitt release some new music.

[@lastrada52]

This what you get when a college radio station does the interview. WFMU is a listener-supported, independent community radio station licensed to East Orange, NJ owned by Upsala College. This is no major metropolitan radio station. If WNEW-FM or WPLJ-FM (NY's best rock stations) were still in business they should've hunted down Emitt & did a researched interview. If not, the station disc jockey themselves: a Vince Scelsa, Dennis Elsas, Pete Fornatale, Pat St. John, Richard Neer, Tony Pigg, Jimmy Fink, Carol Miller, even John Zacherele (who was still alive at this time but over 80) etc...they would've done a fine job. They would know the original Emitt Rhodes. Is this interview bad? No. But it's more along the line of two guys talking in a cafe. One who is much older and a little cantankerous. (Considering what happened to his career I would be too). I think Emitt got frustrated recounting a lot of BS with this radio guy. This is why many get the questions BEFORE they do the interview. Asking blind personal questions, trying to go into detail about diabetes is not cool either. Too personal. In the question of how Emitt signed a contract for 2 records per year -- where was Emitt's manager or lawyer? They decide. When that guy Eddie suggested to Rhodes just sign the contract to get the deal I would've applied the brakes. No follow up questions on that issue Michael? I'm surprised after the first LP on Dunhill that A&M (Jerry Moss, Herb Alpert) and A&M producer Larry Marks (who worked with Lee Michaels), didn't come back to renegotiate with Emitt to get him back. Dylan left Columbia Records for Asylum Records & did only one record. Then Columbia came back to Dylan. Emitt could've renegotiated with A&M if he had the right people in place. Dunhill was just an ABC corporate label -- never cared about keeping great artists or developing them. They lost Ray Charles, Teddy Randazzo, Brian Hyland, The Four Tops, Dusty Springfield among others. Emitt would've done far better on Warner Brothers at this time. They were patient. A good manager would've known this. A Colonel Tom Parker, or Albert Grossman-type, could've gotten Rhodes out of his contract.

[@sugarjoe50]

John LaStrada you know of what you speak. I grew up outside NYC, listened to the DJs you mentioned. Yes, Emitt got screwed by the industry. (RIP Emitt).

[@Mrzeee999]

RIP MY FRIEND😇

[@crosscatch]

I've heard him say he wasn't going for Macca's sound but that his voice is similar naturally.

[@namesameasu]

The psychological abuse this guy experienced as a youth, and others he knew shaded his entire life and comes out throughout this interview. He just wanted the objective order and expected results of the scientific method to be applied to life. In a normal world, someone with his talent would've been a big star.

[@paulgentile1024]

This is the normal world... That's the catastrophe

[@sirfrancisdrake4285]

Merry Go Round was great .

[@garyhillman4993]

It’s amazing how much his songs sound like Beatles and wings. I’d guess he must of been a ghost writer for McCartney cos the songs are 100% wings sounding It turns out Lennon n McCartney didn’t write all the songs there noted for !! I’d put my mortgage on it this man has wrote many songs for McCartney

[@haroldbailey9011]

Hurts to hear him not give The Beach Boys praise

[@lincbond442]

Emitt would have been a great science professor. He probably would have been a much happier person just doing research at some university and then doing lectures on his findings.

[@milestrotter6844]

Then we would never have his undeniably phenomenal music to listen to.

[@shirleypena4133]

@lincbond442 To be perfectly honest, Emitt hated school and-as I recall-was at best only average. If I remember correctly, Emitt didn't even finish high school. I've known people who were hired to do research at universities and elsewhere, and it's HARD work; requiring much patience and focus which were two things that Emitt had little of when he was older. In addition, Emitt was never that comfortable performing before crowds, much less had he been required to stand and do lectures where you are apt to encounter people who disagree and argue with you.

[@ericwarncke]

7 minutes in...this is the most honest and horrific interview I have ever heard.

[@coachster1]

The three songs Emitt talked about are available on a podcast called 'The Time Machine' on an interview with Dan Mayer, who was a co-writer of the songs. I pulled them off the podcast, and I'd put them up here, but Emitt wouldn't get any money, and the DJ of The Time Machine talks over the into and ending of the songs.

[@StanKindly]

41:35 Those aren't true diminished chords - he's playing standard chords with - (technically speaking) "diminished" 7th's and 3rd's, but more commonly called "minor 7th's and 3rd's"... nothing special there. Listen to George Harrison's Isn't It A Pity or Apple Scruffs etc etc.. to hear true diminished chords masterfully used!

[@Mrzeee999]

I LIKE THE GUY THOUGH.......................

[@edenb7860]

I wish i knew him.

[@dmacnic]

Wow, cool interview. Emitt is something else. lol. It's a shame that his musical creativity was killed by the industry lowlifes and leaches that he had to deal with. I'm always amazed that Tommy James was able to produce and put out such good songs with the bullshit that he dealt with.

[@emmettmccleary4946]

jesus, what a bitter guy. i feel for him, sort of, but this is exhausting and saddening to listen to

[@funkadelphiarecords]

You would sound like this if you were surrounded by a bunch of perverted pedophile child molesters in the music business too.

[@mishafox1854]

somewhere around53:00 sounds like Emitt popped out a fart before he mentions Einstein which for me only adds to the wonder of this interview. I think it's great he's taking an interest in science which is the real truth of life. He was wronged as a young man and I hope he has found a way to make his peace with it. Seems like he was born at the wrong time and began making good music whilst vultures hovered...

[@MIKECNW]

How was he born at the wrong time.

[@stregadisalem732]

When it comes to the music industry: the vultures are still there, hovering.

[@stregadisalem732]

The fart adds to the wonder of the interview?! 🤣

[@TheContingencyPlan]

Science is bullshit.

[@you166mhz]

what a copout ... you had him wanting more - about his outlook and then you called it off ... this thing could have lasted 1-2-3 hrs long easily ...

[@popgun5247]

What a sad and bitter man. Beaten down by the industry and the lack of fame he so deserved. That said, I am surprised at just how unlikable he is. He's glad Michael Jackson died because he looked like a woman? What? If he were famous he'd never live that comment down. A bit homophobic too.

[@leesagrrl]

I agree. I'm a HUGE fan of his Work. All of it... and its really hard to listen to him puke-up his Bigotry and insipid bullshit. Damn. The guy is obsessed with Gay. I am so disappointed.

[@normanmacfarlane3049]

Diabetes, depression and Fresh As A Daisy . . . I suffer from diabetes and depression and i can tell from the way Emmett is talking he is pretty far along Trying to control your blood sugar is like riding a bucking bronco on a surfboard on the the biggest wave ever . Not being able to control your blood sugar adds to the depression and so the cycle goes. My heart goes out to Emmitt. Brilliant musician fucked over by lesser beings and burdened by these two dreadful ailments.

[@lincbond442]

Thanks for your insight.

[@shirleypena4133]

@Vincent S & Norman Macfarlane A major reason that Emitt suffered from both ailments is because he CHOSE to do a poor job of controlling them. Emitt's diet was dreadful for someone with diabetes, and he chose to not avail himself of professional counseling or physician- prescribed drug therapy. He also refused to exercise and lose weight. Instead, he chose to 'self medicate' and it only made matters worse. HERE is an example: his physician put him on an anti-depressant which worked very well and gave Emitt no negative side effects whatsoever. However, Emitt took himself off the medication because (and I quote) "I realized I was SMILING; walking around actually smiling for no reason I could think of! I can't think of any REASON I should feel happy, so I'm going off the medication!" That was exactly what he told me, and that's exactly what he did. Please know that MANY people reached out to actively lend a helping hand to Emitt throughout his life, myself being one of them. In the interviews that Emitt gave in his later years, he often gives the listener the impression that he was a helpless victim from childhood to his later years. The truth is that Emitt had a very happy childhood with parents who were wonderful, loving, protective and supportive of him to their dying days. He married two wonderful women who did their very best to be loving and supportive wives and mothers, had children by those two marriages who loved their father dearly, and Emitt had friends who bent over backwards to help him in every conceivable way, right up to Emitt's final days. In summary, Emitt lived the life HE CHOSE to live. Emitt chose to leave the highly supportive A&M Records (where he was given FREE studio time and UNLIMITED time to release each new LP) for a record deal with ABC Dunhill. When Emitt signed his contract with ABC Dunhill, he was well aware that the company expected him to release a new LP every six months (which at that time was STANDARD for most recording artists) and he was also aware that if he was having any difficulty with staying on schedule to do so, the company were happy and willing to bring in professionals to help him in every way possible. He was also aware that he was expected to TOUR to help promote each new release. Result: Emitt chose to not stay in communication with the record label, to not bring in anyone to help him finish composing or playing any instruments, to not avail himself of the label's recording studios, and did precious little touring to promote his new releases. Yes, his label finally did sue him, when Emitt was very late in delivering his two follow-up LPs. However, the label eventually DROPPED THEIR LAWSUIT after Emitt finally fulfilled his contractual obligations. Lastly, when Emitt failed once again to fulfill his contract to complete what eventually became his final LP-and subsequently was facing another lawsuit-I personally notified his closest friend: Chris Price. Mr. Price bent backwards, forwards and every way imaginable to 'rescue' Emitt from his dilemma, and invested his HARD work, MANY hours and plenty of dosh to make sure that Emitt was able to finish recording his final LP. Believe me when I tell you that Chris Price was a WONDERFUL, true blue friend to Emitt, to his dying day. In summary, Emitt had many, many more friends than he ever had "lesser beings" giving him reason to be bitter. He lived his life the way he wanted to live it, and he left this world having GENUINE friends. He left this world assured he was loved for BOTH his artistry as well as the man he was. If you ask me, that's a DAMN GOOD way to end one's days.

[@daveoman1]

Sheesh, what a grouch. I can't help but think of Badfinger. Two of those guys offed themselves. Maybe sounding Beatlesque is a curse.

[@powerpopaholic876]

"Gay", in the context in which Emmit speaks about a song, meant "lame" or "wimpy", I.e. a flawed or weak version of something. At 48:00, he talks about being 14 y.o. and not doing anything about someone else being molested, which clearly messed up that guy's life. It's a lifelong regret.

[@RealEstateMonica]

Please visit St Augustine Fl Emitt

[@markjamesmeli2520]

Poor guy.

[@youguessedit995]

tf

[@ponyrodgers]

You'd sound bitter too if you had been sexually abused and taken advantage of when you were young. The people leaving these "oh my god he's so bitter" comments lack compassion and understanding

[@misterknightowlandco]

People dont understand just how evil, subversive and flat out satanic the entertainment industry is. These people are groomed. Its disgusting.

[@MIKECNW]

Some of these interviews are so annoying. Like anyone cares if he owns a cellphone or even uses the internet.

[@bobdudeface570]

The interviewer is very one dimensional. Everything just goes right over his head. It's like the guy wants an interview but is too lazy to research the scene and has to be spoon fed everything. Yes, gayness rubs people the wrong way and you know what? It's A O.K. for someone to dislike the practice. Buy the way, some people say it like it really is and I appreciate that.

[@skickroll2891]

Emitt tells it like it is. The sexual abuse of Emitt Rhodes is what's termed as 'Pedophilia'. His abusers were gay. Deal with it!

[@Mrzeee999]

A CHILD PRODIGY IN THE LEAST....................

[@jeffjcool1600]

pretty bitter