Marcus Amaker takes daily naps. He’s a dad, husband, Charleston’s first Poet Laureate, an opera librettist, and an Academy of American Poets fellow. In 2024, he was inducted into the S.C. Literary Hall of Fame and included on a list of favorite poets in America by Literary Hub and WildSam. He’s published ten books, released 43 albums of electronic music and three albums with a two-time Grammy Award winner. He’s also the graphic designer of the national bluegrass music journal, No Depression. His poetry has been recognized by The Lexington Philharmonic,  The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, The Washington Post, PBS Newshour, NPR, Button Poetry, American Poets Magazine, The Kennedy Center, and more. His re-written version of My Country Tis of Thee was used by the Washington National Opera for President Biden’s inauguration in 2021. His work is on two GRAMMY®-nominated albums, and he is a member of BMI and the Recording Academy.

News & updates

SC Literary Hall of Fame!

I recently received some incredible news: I’ve been inducted into the South Carolina Literary Hall of Fame by the South Carolina Academy of Authors. What an honor, especially since I’ve done all of this as a self-published poet. More info

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New spoken word album

My intention with this recording was to focus on the words, and the silence that rests between them. The only instrument here is my voice. I usually dress my poems up with jazz or electronic music. earth poems has a different intention. listen now