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.

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