Paul Blackburn (1926-1971) was an American poet, translator, and professor, best known for his innovative and experimental approach to poetry. A key figure in the Black Mountain poetry movement and the New York School, Blackburn championed a conversational, spontaneous style often incorporating colloquial language and jazz rhythms. He was a prolific translator, bringing the works of Provençal troubadours and Spanish poets to English-speaking audiences. Despite his relatively short life, Blackburn left a significant legacy through his poetry, translations, and his influence on subsequent generations of poets.
