orphans

This afternoon Tom Waits was featured in an interview on NPR (National Public Radio).

Most of you have NPR stations in your area, though too many of us aren't aware of them.

When I first moved to Tallahassee, I made a pledge of support to WFSU (the local NPR station).

When they asked the reason for my pledge I told them, "whenever I move to a new town, the first thing I do is find NPR on the radio." They then asked if they could mention my name. I responded, "of course!" The young lady on the air at the time said that I was "her kind of man".

So far in this life I've been a member of WXXI (PBS and NPR) in Rochester NY, PBS and NPR in Syracuse NY, and of course WFSU. I've also lived in Nashville TN, Deland FL and Elmira NY but never found the time to pledge in those localities.

On several occasions I've even made it on the air as a caller to Talk of the Nation and, I believe, Diane Rehm.

Tom Waits' latest CD is a 3-CD set entitled Orphans.

I encourage everyone to listen to any and all Waits music one can locate, particularly the CDs "Rain Dogs", "Mule Variations" and "Alice" (which features a rare instrument called the Stroh violin).

Tom Waits is probably the greatest songwriter in modern America, surpassing both Dylan and Springsteen by leagues. His voice also surpasses both of the aforementioned gentlemen in terms of roughness.

P.S. Rest in peace, Robert Altman. NPR presented interviews today featuring Garrison Keillor and Elliot Gould eulogizing Mr. Altman.