Clark Coolidge, born on February 26, 1939, in Providence, Rhode Island, is an American poet and drummer. He attended Classical High School in Providence and briefly studied at Brown University, where his father founded the music department, before dropping out and moving to Los Angeles. In the early 1960s, Coolidge relocated to New York City, where he formed connections with notable poets such as Ted Berrigan and Bernadette Mayer and shared an apartment with Aram Saroyan. His poetic work was featured in multiple issues of 0 to 9 magazine. In 1967, Coolidge moved to San Francisco and joined David Meltzer's band, The Serpent Power, as a drummer. In 1969, he produced 17 one-hour experimental audio pieces for KPFA radio, showcasing his interest in the sonic properties of language. Throughout his career, Coolidge has been associated with the Language School and has drawn influences from various subjects including jazz, geology, caves, and film. His work often reflects these diverse interests, creating a unique correspondence within his poetry.
