Decoder Ring: The Most Famous Poet No One Remembers
Rod McKeun sold multiple millions of poetry books in the 60s and 70s. He released dozens of albums, was a regular on late night, and was even nominated for an Oscar. So, how did the most salable poet in American history simply disappear? On today\u2019s episode, Slate writer Dan Kois went searching for Rod McKuen, a famous poet who isn\u2019t so famous anymore. We\u2019ll hear from Stephanie Burt, Mike Chasar and Barry Alfonso, author of Rod\u2019s biography A Voice of the Warm. Along the way, Dan meets Andy Zax, a guy who, like him, was bewildered by this forgotten star\u2014until he became an accidental fan, and then somehow the only person keeping Rod McKuen\u2019s flame alive.\nThis episode of Decoder Ring was written by Dan Kois and edited by Willa Paskin. It was produced by Willa Paskin and Katie Shepherd. Derek John is Sr. Supervising Producer of Narrative Podcasts. Merritt Jacob is our Technical Director.\nIf you have any cultural mysteries you want us to decode, email us at DecoderRing@slate.com. If you love the show and want to support us, consider joining Slate Plus. With Slate Plus you get ad-free podcasts, bonus episodes, and total access to all of Slate\u2019s journalism.\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices