Post #629143 by OnyaBirri on Sun, Mar 18, 2012 8:01 AM

This is fascinating. I only knew Ahbez because of "Nature Boy" and "Eden's Island."

I have a couple of questions and comments:

First, it is worth noting that arrangement on Nat King Cole's "Nature Boy" is by none other than Les Baxter, although Frank Devol gets label credit as the conductor.

At first glance, I might have thought the bearded person pictured with Brian Wilson was Mike Love, only Eden Ahbez has more hair. :wink:

I'm glad to hear there is a compilation of his various songs/singles in the works. (Eden Ahbez, that is, not Mike Love).

While I'm not a huge fan of biopics, Eden Ahbez would be a great subject.

It's amazing that there have been countless people who have tried to "make it" in show biz, yet here was this guy who enjoyed a certain level of success and seemed to avoid all of the trappings and folly associated with fame and new-found wealth. Has anyone ever estimated the amount of money Ahbez made from "Nature Boy" and what he did with the earnings at the song's height of popularity?

You mention his estate, and that it won't allow certain recordings to be issued. Ahbez apparently has no surviving family members, based on my understanding of what I read. Did he actually leave behind a will, and does anyone know what the terms were?

If my last two questions come off as intrusive, that is not my intention. I just find Ahbez to be such a fascinating character.

Thanks for the blog!

[ Edited by: OnyaBirri 2012-03-18 08:08 ]

[ Edited by: OnyaBirri 2012-03-18 12:09 ]