Poet. A high school drop out born in Corinth, Mississippi, and raised in Kentucky, he overcame an addiction to drugs and eight years in prison to become one of America’s most esteemed African-American poets. In 1960, the Korean War army veteran was arrested and convicted of armed robbery. While in the Indiana State Prison he began writing poetry and in 1968 his first volume of verse, “Poems from Prison” was published. After his release from prison, he became a guest poet at several universities. His book “Belly and Other Poems” gained a Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award nomination. In 1986, much of his works were compiled into the award winning book “The Essential Etheridge Knight”. His life was claimed by lung cancer.
Poet. A high school drop out born in Corinth, Mississippi, and raised in Kentucky, he overcame an addiction to drugs and eight years in prison to become one of America’s most esteemed African-American poets. In 1960, the Korean War army veteran was arrested and convicted of armed robbery. While in the Indiana State Prison he began writing poetry and in 1968 his first volume of verse, “Poems from Prison” was published. After his release from prison, he became a guest poet at several universities. His book “Belly and Other Poems” gained a Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award nomination. In 1986, much of his works were compiled into the award winning book “The Essential Etheridge Knight”. His life was claimed by lung cancer.
Bio by: Bigwoo
Inscription
POET SON FATHER BROTHER
WE FREE SINGERS BE
Advertisement
