Worlds of Music 2: Blog

Celebrating the Life and Work of Joy Harjo 

Joy Harjo, a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, is a distinguished poet, musician, playwright, and author. Born on May 9, 1951, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Harjo has made an indelible mark on American literature and culture. 

Harjo’s journey in the arts began with her love for painting, which she later transitioned into poetry and music. She attended the Institute of American Indian Arts and earned her MFA in creative writing from the University of Iowa. Her first collection of poems, “The Last Song,” was published in 1975, marking the start of a prolific career. 

In 2019, Harjo became the first Native American to be appointed as the United States Poet Laureate, a position she held for three terms. During her tenure, she launched the “Living Nations, Living Words” project, which maps the U.S. with Native Nations poets and their works. 

Harjo’s poetry is celebrated for its powerful blend of Native American heritage, personal history, and universal themes. Her notable works include “An American Sunrise,” “Conflict Resolution for Holy Beings,” and her memoir "Crazy Brave". She has also released several music albums, showcasing her talents as a saxophonist and vocalist. 

Throughout her career, Harjo has received numerous accolades, including the 2023 Bollingen Prize for American Poetry and the 2024 Frost Medal from the Poetry Society of America. Her contributions to literature and the arts have earned her a place in the National Women’s Hall of Fame and the Native American Hall of Fame. 

Joy Harjo’s work continues to inspire and resonate, offering a profound exploration of identity, resilience, and the human spirit. 

References 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joy_Harjo 

https://www.joyharjo.com/ 

Images by Shawn Miller