Dec 7, 2004: William Shatner Poetry Album Reissued
by Best Classic Bands Staff
It’s pretty common for entertainers that excel in one realm to try their hand in another. In many cases, they’re good at both (David Bowie) or simply very successful at it (1960’s TV heartthrob Bobby Sherman’s string of hit singles). When they’re two for two… Ka-ching! (See Justin Timberlake and Jennifer Lopez.)
But there are times when someone in the know should speak up and shout “Bad idea!” before the project gets too far.
Such was the case when William Shatner, who was starring as Captain Kirk on TV’s Star Trek, recorded The Transformed Man for Decca Records, a spoken word album in 1968 of poetry set to hip music of the day including “Mr. Tambourine Man” and “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds.”
On this day in 2004, Geffen Records reissued the album, long out-of-print. Two years later, one magazine ranked it the 45th worst album ever! “Sadly,” it’s no longer available.
(The Star Trek TV series premiered on September 8, 1966.)
Listen to the sample clip from the William Shatner poetry album; we dare you to try and finish it!
In 2020, Shatner released a Blues album at age 89, with such guests as Richie Blackmore, Steve Cropper, and others. His recordings are available here.
Shatner’s was born March 22, 1931, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. In 2021, at age 90, he became the oldest to fly in space when he did so aboard a capsule from Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin company. The flight lasted just over 10 minutes. “What you have given me is the most profound experience,” he told Bezos.
1 Comment so far
Jump into a conversationHonestly, I love Shatner! How can you not? The man goes for it, tries new/different things, and keeps going. I admire that in anyone because most of us lack the guts or the conviction to even try. As long as he’s enjoying himself and can continue to amaze and shock us, I salute Mr. Shatner! And to his detractors I have to say, let’s check into your life…I’d be willing to bet it’d be a royal yawn!!! Rock on, Mr. Shatner, sir, rock on!