A Rosie by Any Name

I read with interest the letter from Paul Drew, former program director for CKLW in Detroit, regarding Neil Diamond’s “Cracklin’ Rosie” being named after music director Rosalie Trombley (Letters, March 15).

I interviewed Diamond in 1971, and he recounted the story behind “Cracklin’ Rosie”--a story well known within the industry and to anyone who listens to the lyrics. The song was written about wine, a sparkling rose that is called cracklin’ rose by Canadians familiar with the brand.

During the time Drew refers to, I was the music director at KHJ-FM. Never once did I hear that “Cracklin’ Rosie” was written about Trombley.

If it was, it’s the only secret ever kept by the music industry.

JAN WALNER

Hollywood