Previous Page, Mendelson Joe, with self-portrait, 2020 Continued from Page 39.


Most of his letters took the form of letters-to-the-editor as well as unsolicited letters of encouragement, condemnation, compliments and criticism to various members of the media and politicians and entertainers who had come to Mendelson Joe’s attention through various news media. When something pleased or irritated him, he was quick


to send out postcards and letters wielding either bouquets or brickbats, depending on the circumstance. Joe maintained he was exercising his democratic rights by doing so. “In the process of writing songs and letters to the editor,


I learned how to write,” he wrote in his end-of-life statement. “I was driven to write because I believe I exist as a vessel for free speech and that free speech was often published by newspapers.” Robert Priest was befriended by Joe after receiving one


such letter. “When I was in my early 30’s I had been on the cover of NOW Magazine and I guess he liked what I said,” recalled the long-time friend and poet. “He sent me a complimentary postcard and he had also heard my EP. It was a very warm postcard that got my attention. Afterwards, he helped my career quite a bit.” Although Joe often didn’t have a lot of money himself,


he would barter his portraits to help others. “At the time I didn’t have promotional photos of me,” Priest recalled. “He traded art to get me studio time to do some recording. For awhile he was a mentor, loving my poetry and encouraging and loving my songs and my guitar playing – that made him really unique. But even in my case, it wasn’t always complimentary. If he didn’t like something he bluntly told you.” “I loved him as a unique earthling,” said Priest. “We’re


not all one thing and he certainly was damn true to himself. A lovely guy and I’m going to miss him, I tell you.”


PAGE 48


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