Al Arkin was a songwriter too. At a young age, (early Fifties) he wrote a song called "The Klan" which was in Sing Out! He was also a member of the famed Second City troup from Chicago which spawned the likes of Mike Nichols and Elaine May, Shelley Berman, Barbara Harris, Paul Sand, etc. etc. etc. He did a marvelous spoof on an immigrant Hispanic being interviewed by a social worker. He arranged most of the music for the Tarriers. His son Adam is following in the thespian footsteps. He is also a jazz player and jams with Larry Coryell (I think). We used to go to jazz jam sessions together.

We went to Los Angeles City College together in the early Fifties.

Alan's father, Dave Arkin was a singer/songwriter also. He was one of the songwriters that adapted the revised Unitarian hymnal used today by rewriting verses to old hymns.

Al is one of the most talented guys I've ever known.

Frank Hamilton