Michael Horovitz was a British writer proud to be associated with Beat, but last summer the pulse of a long and fruitful life was sadly stilled. R&BG remembers a words and music wizard
So nice to hear from you, Vanessa. How are you doing? Have you continued to work in your very individual way? I'm sure you have. You will see all the links connected to Michael and his legacy at the bottom of this particular story. I'm sure you will spotted them. Do contact me personally, if you wish to. It would be interesting to know how your own performance art might have been inspired by the Beat novelists and poets. Or I suspect European influences loomed more largely...
Like Ginsberg Michael was a great mentor, a gentle soul and a very caring person. When I sent him a copy of my first poetry collection in 1975 he responded with a long letter (typed on green paper I recall) the critiqued the poems in a way that helped me advance. In 1980 he charged me with getting poet Gregory Corso from a lunchtime party at the Chelsea Arts Club to an evening party at Jay and Fran Landsman's in Islington. Corso was crazy at the best of times and even crazier when drunk and so it took me the full half day to transport him from A to B.
Yes, that was Michael Horovitz – an assiduous supporter of poets specifically and people more generally. In fact, I was often staggered by his reserves in this respect, particularly when he entered his latter days. And a great story, Steve, regarding Corso!
A fine an moving tribute to Michael Horovitz. I enjoyed very much reading the narrative of your connection with him, and your reminder of the values that he embraced, especially that of breaking down the stultifying barriers erected by the artistic establishment and the mixing of voices. Bravo!
Dear Simon, I've just come across this great tribute, thank you. I also love Steve's and Marc's comments. All heartfelt and just the thing!
Poet, Visual Artist, Musician, Editor, Publisher, Writer, Thinker, Bringer ...
Michael believer in the Arts, and power of the Arts. Visionary. A believer in the existence of Love.
His loss is purest love imbuing my remaining days.
So nice to hear from you, Vanessa. How are you doing? Have you continued to work in your very individual way? I'm sure you have. You will see all the links connected to Michael and his legacy at the bottom of this particular story. I'm sure you will spotted them. Do contact me personally, if you wish to. It would be interesting to know how your own performance art might have been inspired by the Beat novelists and poets. Or I suspect European influences loomed more largely...
Simon, thank you. Will check your other articles. Your outpouring to dignify and preserve the Arts, and Artists, is so greatly appreciated !
Will email you. Not sure I've got your email address. This is mine: drop me a line to get yours please: v.vie111@gmail.com
Like Ginsberg Michael was a great mentor, a gentle soul and a very caring person. When I sent him a copy of my first poetry collection in 1975 he responded with a long letter (typed on green paper I recall) the critiqued the poems in a way that helped me advance. In 1980 he charged me with getting poet Gregory Corso from a lunchtime party at the Chelsea Arts Club to an evening party at Jay and Fran Landsman's in Islington. Corso was crazy at the best of times and even crazier when drunk and so it took me the full half day to transport him from A to B.
Yes, that was Michael Horovitz – an assiduous supporter of poets specifically and people more generally. In fact, I was often staggered by his reserves in this respect, particularly when he entered his latter days. And a great story, Steve, regarding Corso!
A fine an moving tribute to Michael Horovitz. I enjoyed very much reading the narrative of your connection with him, and your reminder of the values that he embraced, especially that of breaking down the stultifying barriers erected by the artistic establishment and the mixing of voices. Bravo!
Thank you, Marc. I know Michael would have chimed with you and your similarly sensitive and industrious approach to art and life…