Monday, September 14, 2009

Jim Carroll 08/01/49-09/11/09


photo by Eric Thompson

Proto-punk poet, musician, and writer Jim Carroll passed away on 09/11/09. His influence on the counterculture music and literary arts was widespread and profound. He was among the legends, cavorting and collaborating with names like William Burroughs, Patti Smith, Allen Ginsburg, Andy Warhol, Robert Mapplethorpe, Bob Dylan, Lou Reed and the Velvet Underground, Blue Oyster Cult, Sonic Youth, and many many more - some of the greatest artists of their times. Jim was in fitting company. He is best known for his song, "People Who Died", as well as for being portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio in his biographical Hollywood film, "The Basketball Diaries".

"There will always be a poem
I will climb on top of it and come
In and out of time,
Cocking my head to the side slightly,
As I finish shaking, melting then
Into its body, its soft skin."
--Jim Carroll, "Poem"
from Void of Course (1998)

No comments: