The world has lost Rod McKuen, and the loss sure hits home. What a talent in that man. His song Jean is one of my favorites, and out of the blue it plays in my head every now and then. It evokes the gut wrenching pain and lyrical nostalgia that accompanies missing my beloved husband. The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, with the title song Jean, was the first movie my husband and I saw together. It was at the drive-in on a beautiful late summer’s night. The drive-in became one of our favorite places to go. We loved everything about it, including the commercial showing the treats to be had at the concession stand. The commercial featured a stick figurey creature we called “the little man.” We loved the little man. On that first date, the Prime of Miss Jean Brodie packed a powerful emotional punch. Even now, Rod McKuen’s song Jean symbolizes the movie and the tragic end of the heroine. For me, the song also symbolizes a deep and never ending love. I gravitate toward writing romances because I believe in the truth of them. The song Jean takes me back to a time when we are “young and alive” and “all the leaves have gone green.” RIP Rod McKuen.
Cheers & Happy Reading,
Flossie Benton Rogers, Conjuring the Magic with Paranormal Fantasy Romance
Feeling so sad he is gone. His voice and songs were familiar to me too. He was an author too. His lyrics, songs will live on bringing people pleasure, comfort, joy. Your post is, in fact, for me real food for-though. For the people left behind Rod McKuen’s passing away means loss and regrets. Perhaps for him it’s not. I am a strong believer in past lives, in the fact that only the “coat”is left here and the soul will come back again if it needs a new stage for its evolution. And speaking of famous people who are no longer here: Colleen McCullough, 77, neuroscientist and author of the bestselling book “The Thorn Birds, died on Jan. 29, 2015 too.
RIP Rod and Coleen
Yes, such lovely imagery and melodies. With someone of such sparkling talents, it’s interesting to wonder about his next life, isn’t it? I was sad about Colleen McCullough too. I loved her books and the miniseries made from the Thorn Birds. Richard Chamberlain and Rachel Ward were spot on.
I remember the hearing the song Jean, but never knew who sang it. I also remember seeing the movie The Pride of Miss Jean Brodie when I was young, but can’t recall the story. I just remember the title and a lot of people talking about it at the time. I’m sure Rod’s passing brings nostalgic memories, and although some bring a sadness, such sweetness is there, too.
And, Carmen, I hadn’t realized Colleen McCullough passed away. I read The Thorn Birds “back in the day” and also remember the mini-series with Richard Chamberlain in the lead. As you said, RIP, Rod and Colleen.
He sang it in the movie, Mae, but Oliver later made the big hit out of it. I like both versions, but Rod’s has a special feeling to it. That movie quite stood out in its time, and Maggie Smith made such a great Jean.