Rod McKuen "Jean" on The Ed Sullivan Show

[@rkmklz7562]

How did this guy wrote beautiful songs like this?....this gives me chills... just the way it sounds.... never again we will have talent like this!!!...i am greatful I was alive doing the time these songs were playing on the radio and heard then everyday!!!...

[@JolienCeusters]

Wonderful ,gives me chils

[@richardlott2888]

My mother who was everything to me...bonnie

[@michaeltuz608]

In my opinion this is a prime example of the worth exceeding the sum total of the parts. The song is an okay melody with pretty basic lyrics, and McKuen is only a barely passable singer. Yet there is an earnestness in the intent, and in Rod's performance, which resulted in one of the all-time great love songs. A masterpiece which defies all odds. Thanks for posting!

[@June_Magoo]

I disagree with your criticism of the song. This is a wonderfully written song sung by the writer. Not everything has to be Emerson Lake & Palmer or Beethoven music which of course I also love. I dont neccesarily agree any of it is simple and even if it was that doesn't make it bad. And sure; he's not Freddy mercury, but he's more like Bob Dylan or Johnny Cash (who had him on his show and sang a duet with him). His voice sounds beautiful honest and human to me.

[@garyfarthing1879]

McKuen wrote it. Then sang it with his own intent. Am part Scots too and know the culture, and a wee bit rough about the edges. Met a fellow who went to high school with him, Rod was an orphan. This song just as poignant as Yeats's "The Golden Apples of the Sun". Same meanings, same sensitivities, different sensibilities. And that makes art.@@June_Magoo

[@chrysrobert5026]

McKuen lost the timbre because of all his clubs singing in the 50s.

[@jfjoubertquebec]

Soldiers who want to be heroes...

[@hnc52]

I like Rod's version better than Oliver's hit version.

[@Jameswilliamson405]

Met got a signed photo after a show

[@shyman99]

Rod had the misfortune of his song from the movie, "The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie", being released in the same year as "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head" from Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid. Therefore, the 1969 Academy Award for Best Original Song went to Burt Bacharach/Hal David instead of himself. Should have been a tie as Rod deserved it as much.

[@py.5831]

I agree! But at least this song won the GGs

[@vulgarninja9]

Aaron Freeman is a genius.

[@davidjamgochian]

Hot Rod

[@michaelterry1000]

He was only in his 30s here.

[@iVenge]

Yet he looks as if he’s in his 50s.

[@michellelekas211]

NO WAY!!!???

[@truthtriumphant]

He quit school at eleven and ran away from home. He had already been on his own at thirty-six for twenty-five years. I think that’s why he looks and acts beyond his years here.

[@michaelterry1000]

@@truthtriumphant I remember singing this tune on the playground at school. I finally saw the film last year (The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie). The most shocking thing about that film is that the heroine of the story was a fan of Mussolini)

[@truthtriumphant]

@@michaelterry1000 It’s a catchy tune. I have never seen the movie. How did you find it?

[@michellelekas211]

Is he high?

[@jadezee6316]

and here is the guy who fooled everyone....who thought he was a poet of any stature...

[@June_Magoo]

Why do people like you hate on him so much? Not everything has to be overcomplex insane high literary shit. His stuff is often simple from the heart and romantic. What is the big issue? He has written some of the most beautiful poetry I've ever read and a bunch of his albums that I've heard are simply wonderful. Listen to the Warm is a masterpiece. Best poetry album I've ever heard hands down. How come so many ppl hate on him?? What did he do that was so bad besides being the most popular selling poet? Again, there's a place for stuff like his work. Not everything has to be Shakespeare level. I still think he expressed some conditions of the heart that no one has ever expressed.

[@60Cascade]

@@June_Magoo He's not hating on him. He's saying no one knew he was a poet of the stature he was.

[@iamhere3442]

@@June_Magoohis songs speak of the experiences of many people. I first heard his songs in the early 70’s. I related to them then,and…..now.😇

[@uniquehandel]

Lol. Absolute shite

[@user-cq5pu1cj8e]

You know absolutely nothing Buddy.