RIP: Jim Carroll (1949-2009)

Poet and punk rocker Jim Carrol passed away at his home in Manhattan Friday from a heart attack. He was 60.

Part of the same New York Scene that produced Patti Smith and Andy Warhol, Carrol was a poet who bridged the gap between Beat and punk rock poetry. He became a fast-rising sensation when he published his first book of poetry, Organic Trains, at the age of 17. This attention, as well as that garnered by later publication, leads to his working for Andy Warhol, writing dialogue for his films.

It wasn’t until 1978, with the publication of The Basketball Diaries(Compare Prises), that Carrol really gained national exposure. Based on his personal diaries, The Basketball Diaries detailed Carrol’s early life, graphically detailing his addiction to heroin at an early age.

1980 saw Carrol’s rise in the punk scene with the release of his album Catholic Boy (Compare Prises), and it’s single "People Who Died,” still considered a punk rock classic.

In 1995, The Basketball Diaries was made into a feature film starring Leonardo DiCaprio (Compare Prises), which once again saw Carroll’s music and writing elevated into prominence.

In the ensuing years, Carroll had produced more poetry, performed spoken word, and was at work on his first fiction novel.

It will probably be many years before the full extent of Carroll’s influence is felt. As a poet, he embraced what the Beat culture had handed him, giving it an even more outlaw flair. Many of his Beat poet predecessors lauded his work, realizing his was the poetic voice of what was to come.

Hopefully a new generation of poets and musicians has been taking notes and inspirations, and we can look forward to his legacy for years to come.

We’d like to extend our condolences to his friends, family and all who knew him.

As a tribute to Carrol’s memory, we invite you to watch this live performance of “People Who Died”