The Wonder of Nimoy

The Music and Poetry of an Inspiring Artiste

by Mike Walsh

"Suffering severe delusions of adequacy, Mr. Spock groped melodies as effortlessly as someone trying to pick up dimes with a catcher's mitt." -- from the Golden Throats 2 liner notes

Many of you probably know Leonard Nimoy as the highly logical and unemotional Mr. Spock from Star Trek. However, you may not know that Leonard Nimoy is a most capable singer and poet in his own right. In fact, Leonard Nimoy's vocal and poetic abilities are two of the best kept secrets in the entertainment industry.

Mr. Nimoy's beautiful renditions of heartfelt ballads like "Gentle on My Mind" and "If I Were a Carpenter" can instantly mellow the most nervous among us. But when Nimoy's vocal chords caress his own subtle poetry, his work instantly becomes hardhitting, insightful, and damn funny too. That's the wonder of Nimoy: if he fails to seduce your heart with one approach, he is forever coming back at you unabashed, enticing you with yet another of his talents. And when it comes to a desire to please, even the most jaded must acknowledge Mr. Nimoy's gift, despite those rare moments when the inscrutable Nimoy ear falters.

Ah, my dear Leonard. The words do not exist which capture your essence. You are every inch a true artiste, a 20th century Renaissance man. May you live forever to create and, especially, to sing. Sing on, dear Leonard, I beseech you, sing on! (Alas, one cannot help but wonder what Mr. Nimoy's genius would've contributed had not his most productive years been wasted as Spock.)

For those who have not had the opportunity to experience the treasure that is Mr. Nimoy's poetry and music, his currently available recordings and publications are listed below. A unique treat awaits you, and I envy you with my entire being. If you're at all like myself, your heart will cry out, "How could I have overlooked this virtuoso until now?"

Nimoy Recordings

• The Green Hills of Earth
• Gentlemen, Be Seated
• Illustrated Man
• Martian Chronicles
• War of the Worlds
• The Two Sides of Leonard Nimoy
• The Way I Feel
• Mr. Spock's Music from Outer Space

Nimoy Publications

• Come Be With Me
• These Words Are For You
• We Are All Children Searching For Love

Nimoy Links:

Bonus link: Capt. James T. Kirk Sing-Along page

Other pieces by Mike Walsh.