Leadbelly: Poems - Tyehimba Jess

n nIt is exhilarating to be invited into a world so large and muscular, so rooted in history, a world where so much is at stake.--Brigit Pegeen Kelly, National Poetry Series judgen nA biography in poems, leadbelly examines the life and times of the legendary blues musician from a variety of intimate perspectives and using a range of innovative poetic forms. A collage of song, culture, and circumstance, alive and speaking.n nTyehimba Jess' numerous awards include fellowships from the NEA and the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown. A native of Detroit, he is a proud alumnus of the Chicago Green Mill Slam teams and Cave Canem.

His first nonfiction book is African American Pride: Celebrating our Achievements, Contributions, and Enduring Legacy (Citadel Press, 2003).n