The Manson Family is back in the news.

Yesterday Squeaky Fromme (whom the New York Times dignifies by referring to her repeatedly as Ms. Fromme or Lynette A Fromme) was released from Federal prison custody for her 1975-attempted assassination of President Jerry Ford. The Squeekster was a member of the (now) legendary Manson Family who carried out the Tate-La Bianca murder of 9 people in Hollywood in 1969.

While Squeaky’s parole has been expected an unexpected and far stranger story about Manson also appeared recently. Manson however will not see the outside of a cell in his lifetime.

Coincidentally sharing Manson’s digs at one of the Hotel California’s location is none other than music producer legend Phil Spector. Spector is cooling his heels for about 19 years for the murder for actress Linda Clarkson. According to Spector’s wife Rachelle, Phil told her in a telephone call that he received a note from prison mate Manson. Manson told Spector he wanted to meet with him to discuss his musical career. Reportedly the note said, “Come over to my house.” 

Manson had always harbored the desire for a musical career. The Family murdered mistakenly murdered Sharon Tate and others who were staying at a home being rented from another record producer Terry Melcher (the husband of actress Doris Day.) Manson sent his “Family” to Melcher’s home to murder Melcher after he had refused to help Manson.

Rachelle Spector reported that Phil told her he was “creeped out.” Spector also told his wife, 'I used to pick up the phone and it was John Lennon of Celine Dion or Tina Turner, and now Charles Manson is trying to get a hold of me."

Endbar – One of the greatest True Crime reads of all time is “Helter Skelter” – The True Story of the Manson Murders by prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi. I also note with some interest that Ms. Fromme was released from the Federal Medical Center Carswell in Forth Worth.