(PCM) One of the history’s best selling poets, the Oscar nominated Rod McKuen has sadly passed away at the age of 81.
McKuen died while at a rehabilitation center in Beverly Hills, California where he was being treated for a bout of pneumonia. McKuen had been hospitalized with the illness for several weeks and was unable to digest any foods.
McKuen pretty much stepped out of the limelight back in 1981, however prior to then he had released hundreds of poems, songs and records throughout his career. He was nominated for an Oscar for the song “Jean” from the 1969 film “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie”.
Many people throughout the years were absolutely captivated by McKuen’s work and his material was recorded by various celebrities over the years including Frank Sinatra, Madonna and Dolly Parton to name a few. He, himself, with his incredible signature voice recorded over 200 albums and has released at least 30 books of poetry.
Majority if McKuen’s best known work was released in the late 1960’s and he was able to write in a style that was easily accessible to everyone. During the height of his career he would sometimes write at least one song or poem per day and he had absolutely no literary or musical training.
McKuen made several appearances on The Late Show with Johnny Carson and also formed a production company with Rock Hudson. He was constantly on the road as well until taking a much needed break back in 1981.
Some of his most quoted phrases are “Listen to the warm” and “It doesn’t matter who you love, or how you love, but that you love.” Many of his books are now out of print, however he still continued to churn out new poetry and also did some voice-over work for Disney in his later years.
Our sincere condolences go out to the the family and friends of Rod McKuen during this incredibly difficult time.