Poets

He was a lyricist who co-wrote “White Room” and “Sunshine of Your Love.”

Ellis was the inspiration for the Beatles song, “Paperback Writer.”

He won a National Book Award in 1998 for his collection “This Time.”

He published dozens of books, hosted a radio program, and wrote a newspaper column.

Frank Sinatra, Madonna, Dolly Parton and Chet Baker were among the many artists who recorded his material.

His blues-based, fist-shaking poems, plays and criticism made him a groundbreaking force in American culture.

He gained global recognition as Ireland’s greatest poet since William Butler Yeats.

He became known for the song “People Who Died.”

He helped lay the groundwork for rap with his spoken-word poetry.