“Corn Flakes With John Lennon” by Robert Hilburn

by Beverly Paterson in Reviews

“Corn Flakes With John Lennon” by Robert Hilburn (Rodale)

For more than thirty years, Robert Hilburn was not only the music critic and editor of “The Los Angeles Times,” but his interviews, reviews and artist profiles have also been featured in numerous other publications throughout world. Seduced by music at a very young age, Hilburn was particularly keen on the country and rhythm and blues sounds of the late forties and early fifties. He was a teenager when rock and roll came crashing through the gates, and was immediately drawn to this energetic new form of music. While Hilburn’s taste in music sways heavily towards the mainstream side of the dial, he approaches his subjects with an extra keen eye. He remains objective and his intelligent observations definitely provoke food for thought.

The title of this page turner stems from an interview Hilburn conducted with John Lennon in 1974 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles. John ordered corn flakes (with cream, I may add) from room service, and spoke to Hilburn while “The Johnny Carson Show” beamed from the TV set. John Lennon further appears in the book, as Hilburn spoke with him again during the recording of the “Double Fantasy” album sessions in 1980. Brimming with optimism, John is typically honest and open. When asked what Beatles songs he would include on a “greatest hits package,” he stated, “I’d favor my own tracks, of course,” and goes on to rattle off “I Am The Walrus,” “Strawberry Fields,” “Come Together,” “Revolution,” “In My Life,” “A Hard Day’s Night” and “Help.” The interview was held just a few days before John and his son, Sean, were going to celebrate their shared birthday, and Hilburn was invited to their party. Hilburn knew just what to give John as a gift – a new Elvis photo book by Alfred Wertheimer. After scouring several stores for the book, Hilburn finally scored a copy, but by the time he arrived at the restaurant where John’s party took place, the festivities were over. Hilburn did not want to bother John, so he left the book with the doorman. Two months on, John was shot dead. Hilburn met with Yoko shortly after the tragic incident occurred, but as a friend, not as a reporter. Yoko, however, did talk about John’s murder, saying she hoped people wouldn’t blame New York City (where John was killed, right outside his home) for what happened. “People say there is something wrong with New York, that it’s sick, but John loved New York. He’d be the first one to say it wasn’t New York’s fault. There can be one crank anywhere,” she relayed.

Unlike John Lennon, Hilburn found Paul McCartney to be “guarded” when interviewed. Though personable, Hilburn articulates how Paul seemed concerned about “what other people thought of him” and used his wife, Linda, as a “security blanket.” But Hilburn praises Linda’s easy-going nature, and shows us what a nice guy Paul really is by the way he was treated by him at a gig in Rotterdam in 1989. Hilburn was suffering from the flu and interviewed Paul prior to the concert. They were scheduled to resume the talk after the show, but Paul saw how sick Hilburn was, told him to go home and they could finish the interview in a couple of days. So Hilburn headed home, feeling rather nervous, as he had a tight deadline and wasn’t sure if Paul would call him. Lo and behold, Paul called right when he said he would. Mission accomplished!

A generous portion of “Corn Flakes With John Lennon” is also dedicated to Bob Dylan, U2 and Bruce Springsteen. Hilburn formed close bonds with these artists, but friendship never interfered with his assessments of their music. If a recording or live performance doesn’t tickle Hilburn’s fancy, he is not shy about airing his opinions.  Hilburn’s encounters with Michael Jackson are sad and amusing. Obsessed with his own fame, Michael enjoyed watching , at a distance, how people reacted to him. Viewing coverage of his “Thriller” tour on TV, Michael squealed with excitement upon seeing fans dressed like him. A visit to a bookstore with Michael produced paranoia, as he believed everyone in the shop was looking at him. Testing Hilburn’s allegiances, Michael outright asked him if he preferred Bruce Springsteen over him. Michael tagged Prince a serious rival as well, and was relieved to hear that Hilburn wasn’t exactly blown away by the “Purple Rain” movie. Chapters on rap music and Kurt Cobain of Nirvana are equally compelling. Elton John, PJ Harvey, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, David Bowie, Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen and Jesus and The Mary Chain are but a mere mention of other folks presented in “Corn Flakes With John Lennon.” Here’s a book that contains something for everybody. Entertaining, educational and penned by a writer who truly understands and appreciates music, “Corn Flakes With John Lennon” is a highly rewarding read.