Q and A With Jay - The Plan

Did you run the tracks and lyrics past any church leaders, and if so, who, and what did they say?

Paul Dunn was the General Authority looking after us at that time for the church. He was very aware of the project. To my knowledge, there were several other authorities who loved it as well.

Did you sing lead in any of the songs? Also, on the song "The Movie Man," does it mean we will all be judged in front of the world, everyone will know all our good and bad doings and thoughts?

I believe I sang lead on the song "One Way Ticket to Anywhere."

The words "everyone will know" (on The Movie Man) refers to those (in my opinion) who have been offended, and not yet resolved. As far as the judgment day is concerned, I am told that everything we do will be recorded somehow, and we will all be accountable for our behaviors that haven't been cleared up. I believe our actions are the result of our thoughts, and words, in my opinion, be looked at it that way.

Being judged is a very personal thing, not a public display. Christ is our example, our light, and our judge. He is the only one capable of making a judgment on us. I'm sure it will be done in a very loving, kind, and just way. In perspective, it seems to me, that we will actually judge ourselves. It will probably be depending on how close to the light we can feel comfortable with.

Have you ever seen, or been around someone who is just basically pure and good? Don't they just seem to glow? You just want to be around them. Well, if our hearts are right (and we are told in the scriptures: "We will be judged by the desires of our hearts."), we will want to be "even as He is." I believe those who want to be in His presence, will, but, it will have to be earned. "Faith without works is dead," (as the Bible tells us. Also see Revelations 20:12; and Romans 8:16-18). Please see: Revelation:20:12; Alma 12:14-15; D&C 58:42; Alma 11: 42-43, and D&C: 101:78.

Have there been any thoughts to revisit the album in the form of a putting together a rock opera on DVD?

We have discussed this several times. We performed a couple of the songs on the London DVD, but that is as far as it has gone. Who knows, with the recent re-release of The Plan, it may happen someday.

What have other artists, your contemporaries, ever said to the family about this particular piece of work?

I know Paul McCartney has heard it. He made a very positive statement regarding our family and this project, but I can't recall now where it is. There are reviews out there made by other artists when it was first released, but that was a long time ago. Ha!

How involved were you with the writing of the lyrics and music?

For most of the songs, I would sit on the drums just playing different beats, and Merrill would start the bass lines. Then Wayne, would join in. But, Alan was the real muscle behind it, with the melody and the lyrics (which came later).

Does it surprise you that The Plan has stood the "test of time," and how does it make you feel when you know that so many people are still talking about the album as if it just came out yesterday?

Thank you. It's actually hard to believe, but it tells me it was inspired. I am just glad, and thankful, that I was a small part of it!

What sort of timeframe were the songs written over - a few months, or several years...and were there several songs that were written, but never made it onto the album?

I think (but not certain) Alan had been writing The Plan a couple of years prior to the recording. The project took a good year to record, and yes, there are songs that were written, but never recorded. By the way, I just found out that The Plan will soon be released on iTunes.

Do you think this album was before its time? I sure do. Christian rock stations (on radio) seem to be everywhere these days, so how do you think the album would do if it were brand new today?

I don't know? Let's call a few and find out!

What is the meaning of the song, “Its Alright.”

It's a song we each have a different interpretation for. It actually means different things to different people. It was written to bring a positive view on things. Life is positive, despite all the craziness. The Spirit is positive, and we should do our best to turn lemons into lemonade!

My personal take on the song is, "Life is so short, eat dessert first!" When I was a kid, I used to have quite a few fears. I would go to mother a lot. She would listen with sympathy or empathy and then say, " Look at it this way..." Then, she would proceed to give me some advice, an affirmation, or a positive angle or view on the challenge or problem. She would sometimes end with the words, "It's going to be alright."

If you had to give a talk in Stake Conference and pick one of the songs as a basis for the talk, which one would you pick and what would be the key points of your message?

I think the song "Before the Beginning," would be it. I find that so many people have no idea why they are here on earth. If you know the why, and the purpose or reason we go through all of this stuff, it makes life so much easier, clearer, and better!

You said a few weeks ago in another topic that "Let Me In" is your favorite song. Could you please tell us why?

Because it was so cleverly written! It can be perceived as a love song, or it can be taken as a beautiful song with the important message of our Savior's love for each of us.

How did you feel when the original manuscript was destroyed by fire - do you feel with hindsight that it was some form of "divine intervention?"

I think just the opposite. I think there was an adversarial block, that tried (but failed) to discourage my brothers in writing this great project.

I like 'The Plan' and understand most of the message behind it - I heard there was a book written explaining it further. If that is true, what is it called and is is still available?

I believe Merrill put out a book or some information that gives a little background about the songs on the album. I have not seen it, but I've heard it's available.

Could you tell us more about the cover for The Plan album, as well as the back and inside artwork?

Alan was the genius behind both the songs, and the art work. The hand holding the ball of clay, was my father's hand. It represented God's great work and Glory, with creating worlds and perfecting His children. Kolob, is a name used in the scriptures that names the World in which He lives. The stages of life (inside) are the phases mankind goes through on earth. All designed and crafted by God, to help us develop and become more like Him.

Would you want to change anything about, or perhaps now add, extra songs in to The Plan?

We wanted to write a "Plan Part 2," but I'm not sure that will happen. Just getting all of us together for the 50 years celebrations is challenging enough. Seriously, the only thing I would change is to add some more harmonies, but that album is as "cool" today (as my kids would say) as it was back in the 70s. I personally believe my three older brothers were greatly inspired!

My teenage son heard The Plan and swiped my CD. It has helped him grow his testimony in a way that I wouldn't have imagined. I shouldn't be surprised, since it strengthened mine tremendously. Assuming your boys have listened to it, how has The Plan affected them?

That's a great question! It's been awhile since they have heard it, but I remember Jason saying, "It effected me deeply, and gave me chills...in a good way!"