Rod McKuen Interview on "Connie Martinson Talks Books" (1986)

This interview dates back to 1986. I found it on the Claremont Colleges Digital Library Website. All rights are retained by The Drucker Institute. I do not own this video. It is intended to be shown here for educational and informative purposes only.
Rod McKuen discusses his book, "Intervals." He begins by explaining that the book is a collection of his newest poetry. He explains that the poems are an exploration of his life and his thoughts on love, family, and his career. In this interview he reads aloud several of the poems in his collection. McKuen goes on to share his feelings concerning the loss of a friend to AIDS and how this led him to struggle with coming to terms with mortality. He also discusses how central music is to both his life and his work. McKuen names the Russian romantic composers as having the strongest influence on him. He ends by sharing his thoughts on the importance of speaking out against injustice and social ills. He stresses the need to stand up for those who are unable to stand up for themselves.
"Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use."

[@rodmckuenfan]

I didn't know you were a private investigator! That's fascinating! I'm still collecting a bunch of McKuen LPs. Picked up a few more today.

[@rodmckuenfan]

Also- if you haven't read Rod's book, 'Finding My Father,' it's a must. It's all about the investigation that took place in the 70s. It's the closest thing he's ever written to an autobiography. Very recommended.

[@lesleyathol4401]

would love to find a copy of Rod s book.. seems pretty unavailable

[@rodmckuenfan]

And I think he made a few media appearances in later years to spread awareness about his journey of finding his father, the depression he experienced in the '80s, and child abuse.

[@urdivine]

First of all, I've never even heard of Connie. She is a very good interviewer. I'm a little confused. I remember at least once, and I believe twice, during the 80's - 90's that Rod went on media campaigns to try and locate his father. He was not able to find him. Yet, in this interview, he tells Connie that he found his father in 1976. Can anyone clear this up for me? Thanks for posting this. I loved every minute of it.

[@rodmckuenfan]

That's interesting! I guess Rod's search for his father turned a lot of people onto his career in the 70s.

[@noochinator]

Connie Martinson rocks, her interview with Quentin Crisp is timelessly great!

[@urdivine]

Wow. I could have swarn he was still trying to find his father in TV interviews I saw in the 80's. I was a private investigator at the time and had thoughts then of contacting him to help him. Man, I really misunderstood that one. I guess he must have just been talking about his search of his father ....of which he already completed. I didn't see him at all in the 70's that I remember. I do remember being obsessed with trying to get every LP I could of his during that time.

[@rodmckuenfan]

Hey! So, I've read his book 'Finding My Father,' and his whole campaign of finding him took place around 1974-1976. Apparently there was a whole tv special about it, which I would love to track down. Did you see that by any chance? Also- maybe the media things you read or saw in the 80s and 90s were follow ups on the investigation. He found out who his father was in 1976, but I believe he continued finding things out about him over the years.

[@sibtayshaheed8846]

his voice was so sherry like even when i hear the meown of his cat my laptop speaker lies

[@joealanouf]

do you think his face was burned at some point ? I notice he shaved his beard here at this time.

[@lanceash]

He had cystic acne scars.