'"All The News That's Fit To Print".'

I think it was Phil who paraphrased the 'motto' of the New York Times as "All the News That Fits, We Print."

Phil hanged himself. I knew him as well as you get to know someone by working gigs/concerts with them. Did that during the McCarthy Campaign. He was a character. Very intense, very committed to the United States and very depressed over the direction he saw the country taking. Phil's sister, Sonny, is a lovely gal. I haven't spoken with her in decades, but she knows he was misunderstood. My mother called me to tell me the news and circumstance of his death. I was saddened but not really surprised.

He was a dynamic stage performer and great writer. His wit and ability to compose topical songs--man, few have ever beat him at that. Of course he wrote more than that, but I think he will be remembered for hard-hitting songs like "Small Circle of Friends" and "Draft Dodger Rag". Here's to you, Phil. Hope you found the peace that escaped you on Earth.