Author, activist and jazz enthusiast Askia Touré discussed the influence of jazz on literature and music during the 1960s and 1970s in a rare interview published in the recently released issue of “Brilliant Corners.” The journal is a unique blend of literature about jazz compiled by Sascha Feinstein, Ph.D., professor of English and creative writing at Lycoming College.
The publication includes excerpts of Touré’s writings and explores the formation of his love for the arts during his youth and young adult life. His experiences and growing national acclaim as a poet brought him into some of the most coveted artistic circles in New York and the south to mix with the likes of Langston Hughes, John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins and Sonia Sanchez.
Touré is the author of several books of poetry, including “JuJu: Magic Songs for the Black Nation,” and a biography of Samory Touré. He has earned several awards including the American Book Award, the Stephen E. Henderson Poetry Award, the Gwendolyn Brooks Lifetime Achievement Award and the PEN Oakland Lifetime Achievement Award.
Other highlights of the Summer 2016 issue of “Brilliant Corners” are poems by the multi-talented visual artist Lauren Camp, Lycoming alumnus Stephen Cramer ’97, and award-winning Nathaniel Mackey.
Founded in 1996, the journal is edited by Feinstein and published biannually. A subscription costs $12 a year ($18 for international orders). Send check or money to Brilliant Corners, Lycoming College, 700 College Place, Williamsport, PA 17701. More information can be found at www.lycoming.edu/BrilliantCorners. Learn more about jazz in America by following Brilliant Corners on Facebook.
Published at Lycoming College, “Brilliant Corners” is funded in part by Lycoming College, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Pennsylvania Council of the Arts and private endowments.