Uploaded January 2020 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
Track 2 of 18 from Rod McKuen's early album Lonely Summer.
It was recorded in 1955. There is dispute over what year it was released. In Rod's own words:
"1953...was the year I entered the United States Army. I received my discharge in early 1955 and later that year came to Hollywood where I recorded “Lonely Summer.” It was released the same year."
According to Barry Alfonso, author of "Voice of the Warm":
"According to Rod, his first LP was Lonely Summer, recorded before Lazy Afternoon...It may have remained in the can for a year or two--several sources give early 1958 as its release date."
Billboard reports the albums release date as "Spring '58."
Track 2 of 18 from Rod McKuen's early album Lonely Summer.
It was recorded in 1955. There is dispute over what year it was released. In Rod's own words:
"1953...was the year I entered the United States Army. I received my discharge in early 1955 and later that year came to Hollywood where I recorded “Lonely Summer.” It was released the same year."
According to Barry Alfonso, author of "Voice of the Warm":
"According to Rod, his first LP was Lonely Summer, recorded before Lazy Afternoon...It may have remained in the can for a year or two--several sources give early 1958 as its release date."
Billboard reports the albums release date as "Spring '58."



![Rod McKuen Performs Jean Live on the BBC - 1971 [The Rod McKuen Show]
Rod hosted his own television special The Rod McKuen Show on the BBC in 1971. This is his live performance of Jean. Rod McKuen Performs Jean Live on the BBC - 1971 [The Rod McKuen Show]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/A8kN-DIKD0Q/mqdefault.jpg)


![[14/18] Rod McKuen - My Ship [Lonely Summer rec. 1955]
Track 14 of 18 from Rod McKuens early album Lonely Summer.
It was recorded in 1955. There is dispute over what year it was released. In Rods own words:
1953...was the year I entered the United States Army. I received my discharge in early 1955 and later that year came to Hollywood where I recorded “Lonely Summer.” It was released the same year.
According to Barry Alfonso, author of Voice of the Warm:
According to Rod, his first LP was Lonely Summer, recorded before Lazy Afternoon...It may have remained in the can for a year or two several sources give early 1958 as its release date.
Billboard reports the albums release date as Spring 58. [14/18] Rod McKuen - My Ship [Lonely Summer rec. 1955]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/AXdyzV0hOwI/mqdefault.jpg)



![[13/15] Pushing The Clouds Away | Narrated by Rod McKuen | 1967
Track 13 of 15 from the 1967 album, Through European Windows by Rod McKuen.
Album arranged by Anita Kerr. Produced by Neely Plumb. [13/15] Pushing The Clouds Away | Narrated by Rod McKuen | 1967](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/C-PqukYpmnM/mqdefault.jpg)