We asked our poets why they chose the artists they chose. They had a lot to say about that.

Here are some of their answers:

‘Bread, Drugs, and Rock & Roll’ by Dawn Levitt

When I first learned about the “Lost at 27” project, I immediately knew Kurt Cobain would be the subject of my poem because I already had a half-written poem about the intersection of our lives and deaths.  Kurt and I had many things in common – both born in 1967, divorced parents, dropped out in our senior years, homeless as teenagers, artistic, and overly sensitive to life in general. We also both played guitar left-handed although we wrote right-handed. His songs were his expression of pain just as my poems were for me.  Even our attempts at leaving this life had parallels, although I went first with Jack Daniels and sleeping pills while he chose champagne and Rohypnol a year later.  The synchronicity ends there.  I’m still alive because I accepted help.  Intervention and support save lives.  If you need help, dial 988 for the Suicide Hotline.

‘Enigma in Amazing Greatness’ by Sandra Fortier

My rebellious nature as a late teen especially attracted me to Jimi Hendrix’s music.  It mesmerized me as he experimented with different methods of playing and genres. I greatly admired him for his pioneering spirit which persevered despite negative public opinion and pigeonholing.   As an icon, he symbolized unrest in America during the late ’60’s and 1970’s with the Viet Nam War, civil rights,  and social justice. I deeply regret his death at such a young age.   Thus, in my own way,  writing a poem for the 27 Club book preserved his memory and that aspect of our history.

‘Southern Comfort’ by Gabby Gilliam

I have always loved Janis Joplin's voice. The husky richness of it helped make "Me and Bobby McGee" my go-to karaoke choice. I think I got a copy of Pearl through Columbia House as one of my CDs for a dollar (for those of you who remember mail-order CDs!). I'd crank my windows down and the volume up as I commuted between home and college, nearly shouting along with her. I listened to that CD until it was so scratched that the CD player in my car wouldn't play it anymore. I didn't find out until adulthood that she was also a favorite of my dad's. There are a few pictures of Janis where she resembles my mom, and I've always wondered if that influenced my dad's attraction to her music. I've listened to a few tracks of Janis live at her shows, and most of what I included in my poem comes from listening to her banter with the crowd and the knowledge of her struggle with addiction that eventually lead to her early death. 

‘Down in the Delta’ by Davion Moore

Robert Johnson was an immense talent who had a sense of mystery around him and his career. He is a member of the "27 Club" but the cause of his death is unknown. It is said his death certificate had information like the date and location but not the cause. Then, there is the legend at the crossroads and how he "sold his soul" for mastery of the guitar but even that story was tied to another blues musician named Tommy Johnson before it was tied to Robert. There was a belief that there were no pictures of him until a few were found later. There is so much mystery around him, but he made an impact on blues and music in general. Years after his death, he is considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time, he is a part of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and had a commemorative stamp at one point. His life and career is so fascinating, that I felt it was a good way to honor him but also explore his story. 

‘Ragtime Blues on 27th Street’ by Kelly Taylor

I chose to write about the composer Louie Chauvin because I immediately felt a connection between when he left school at age thirteen to join the Alabama Jubilee and when you listen to the song “Heliotrope bouquet.” I could hear his adventure in the sounds of the medley.  I was enthralled by this connection.