The words of Rod McKuen came out of the mouths, and from the hearts, of the most famous artists in the world for over a half century.

Who recorded the songs and poems of Rod McKuen? Everyone from Frank Sinatra to Johnny Cash. To name several more, Barbra Streisand, Perry Como, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Mathsis, Andy Williams, Al Hirt and so many, many more.

His music was recorded by names like the Boston Pops, the London Philharmonic, the Percy Faith Orchestra and, again, many many more.

Rod McKuen was an American Treasure. His words, his music spoke to all audiences, whether it was pop, jazz, rock or country. Great words and music know no boundaries. His songs sounded great from Johnny Cash or Frank Sinatra. It didn't matter.

Perhaps best known as the man who wrote the pop music smash "Seasons In The Sun" for Terry Jacks, it would be awful to limit the knowledge of Rod McKuen to that single song.

Personally, I was introduced to his work in the mid 1970's at the radio station in Winner, S.D. I stumbled upon his album that contained "Love's Been Good To Me" and all these years and decades later, it's still one of my favorite songs. When Johnny Cash recorded it on his Cash album, I was reminded how great (and simple) the message is.

Rod McKuen passed away January 29, 2015 at the age of 81. But what an incredible and beautiful body of work he left for us to enjoy.

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