Jayne Cortez

Poet

Birthday May 10, 1934

Birth Sign Taurus

Birthplace Arizona

DEATH DATE Dec 28, 2012 (78)

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About

A prominent author and spoken word poet, she was an integral part of the Black Arts Movement. Her poetry publications include Firespitter (1982) and Mouth on Paper (1977).

Before Fame

Her writing was inspired by her childhood in Los Angeles' Watts neighborhood, as well as by the jazz and Latin music that she grew up listening to.

Trivia

She published volumes of poetry, released music albums, and performed culturally and politically significant spoken-word acts.

Family Life

Her first marriage was to jazz saxophonist Ornette Coleman and her second marriage was to sculptor Melvin Edwards.

Associated With

Her art was shaped and influenced by the jazz music of Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie.