Billy Collins

Date of Birth: March 22, 1941

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Biography

William James “Billy” Collins, born on March 22, 1941, in New York City, is a renowned American poet known for his witty and conversational style. He grew up in Queens and attended Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains before earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of the Holy Cross in 1963. He later received his Master of Arts and Ph.D. in Romantic Poetry from the University of California, Riverside. Collins’ poetry often explores everyday life, imbuing the ordinary with a sense of wonder and humor. Collins served as the United States Poet Laureate from 2001 to 2003 and was the New York State Poet Laureate from 2004 to 2006. His work has been featured in numerous literary journals and anthologies, and he has published several collections of poetry, including “Questions About Angels,” “The Art of Drowning,” and “Sailing Alone Around the Room.” Collins is also a distinguished professor at Lehman College of the City University of New York.

5 Interesting Facts about Billy Collins

1. Billy Collins’ poetry is known for its accessible language and humor, which has garnered a broad readership.

2. He has been awarded fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Guggenheim Foundation.

3. Collins’ poem “The Names,” written in memory of the victims of the September 11 attacks, was read before a special joint session of Congress in 2002.

4. He is a passionate advocate for poetry in education and has worked to make poetry more accessible to students through various programs.

5. Collins has been described by the New York Times as “the most popular poet in America.”