Bob Kaufman

Bob Kaufman, born on April 18, 1925, in New Orleans, Louisiana, was a trailblazing American Beat poet, surrealist, and jazz performance artist. Known as the "Black American Rimbaud," Kaufman's work was deeply improvisational, often performed to the accompaniment of jazz, reflecting his deep connection to the music. He co-founded the influential Beat poetry journal "Beatitude" alongside Allen Ginsberg and others. Kaufman's poems, ranging from explosive to soothing, set him apart from his contemporaries. Beyond his literary contributions, Kaufman's life was marked by its own rhythm and cadence, culminating in a legacy that continues to resonate with those drawn to the raw, unfiltered spirit of the Beat Generation.