"As the years went by, we drifted apart
When I heard that he was gone
I felt a shadow cross my heart..." (Neil Peart/Rush)

A shadow has crossed my heart today, indeed.

Jim's book "Basketball Diaries" and the album, "Catholic Boy," had such a tremendous impact on my life.

Back in the day, I carried the book everywhere I went and refused to be without a copy of "Catholic Boy," either on vinyl, in hand on cassette or later, CD.

"People Who Died," may be the anthem that he is most remembered for, but it is the remainder of his songs where his poetry and flair for human characters with flaws, quirks, desirable and not-so desirable traits really shined.

A quick listen to "Three Sisters" is proof enough...this man painted a picture in this song...a movie that played in your mind as he drew you into his vision. Miranda who loved Raymond Chandler, Anita the Jungle Cheetah or Cleo (Sally) who was a Leo...I couldn't help but fall in love with all three...and this from a song.

In my opinion, Jim's best song was, "City Drops Into The Night," which is up there lyrically with Dylan. Another picture painted with words as only Jim could paint.

Here is just a sample of what I am referring to...

"'Cause when the city drops into the night
Before the darkness there's one moment of light
When everything seems clear
The other side, it seems so near
What seemed wrong?
I think it's gonna be just about right
Before the city drops, the city drops
Into the night..." (Jim Carroll)

I cannot tell you just how much this song encouraged me to stay out of trouble in NYC during the 80s, or indeed, and at the same time just how much this song encouraged me, like a moth to flame, to venture into the city from my apartment in New Jersey to find the trouble one could only find by searching Jim's NYC.

That was the brilliant contradiction of this most underated artist.

The list goes on and on...each song, each story, each memory...one more amazing, dramatic and magical than the next.

If you are reading this and you are unfamiliar with his work (poetry or music), please seek it out and discover his genius.

Jim...you are missed and you will never be forgotten.

~Love, hope, strength,

RGLT

http://www.rollingstone.com/ro...-carroll-dead-at-60/