Gregory Corso

Date of Birth: March 26, 1930

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: January 17, 2001

Biography

Gregory Nunzio Corso was an American poet, born on March 26, 1930, in New York City. He is best known as a central figure of the Beat Generation, a literary movement that emerged in the 1950s and was characterized by its rejection of traditional values and exploration of American culture and politics. Corso’s tumultuous early life, which included time spent in orphanages, foster homes, and reform schools, significantly influenced his poetry and worldview. At the age of 18, Corso met Allen Ginsberg while in New York, leading to his introduction to the Beat circle, which included Jack Kerouac, William S. Burroughs, and others. His first book of poetry, “The Vestal Lady on Brattle,” was published in 1955, quickly followed by “Gasoline” in 1958. His works often explored themes of love, death, and existential angst, characterized by a unique blend of surrealism, romanticism, and candid realism. Corso’s influence extended beyond his poetry; he was a vibrant personality known for his bohemian lifestyle and passionate, spontaneous readings. Despite his struggles with substance abuse and the law, he maintained a prolific output throughout his life. Gregory Corso passed away on January 17, 2001, in Robbinsdale, Minnesota.

5 Interesting Facts about Gregory Corso

1. Gregory Corso spent his early years in an orphanage before being adopted by foster parents.

2. He was imprisoned as a teenager, and it was during his incarceration that he began to seriously write poetry.

3. Corso’s poem “Bomb” is famously shaped like a mushroom cloud, reflecting his views on nuclear warfare.

4. He was deeply influenced by the works of Percy Bysshe Shelley, often considering him a spiritual mentor.

5. Corso appeared in several films and documentaries about the Beat Generation, contributing to his lasting legacy in both literary and popular culture.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Gregory Corso

1. “The judge’s voice was firm and hostile. Only my voice was left for me to use.”

2. “My poetry is born between the street and the rooftop.”

3. “I feel I am of them – honestly, I do not see one poet living who dedicates his life to poetry as I do.”

4. “The other day, I was in a bookstore and a guy came up to me and said, ‘Hey, you’re Gregory Corso!’ I said, ‘Yeah.’ He said, ‘I thought you were dead.’”

5. “I am a poet because I am a romantic, and I am a romantic because I am a poet.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Gregory Corso’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but he was not known for accumulating significant wealth. His value lay in his cultural and literary contributions rather than financial success.

Children

Gregory Corso had several children, including Miranda Corso and Max Corso. Not much detailed information is available about his family life, as he tended to keep his personal relationships private.