As a teacher, you may already know that Tennessee has served as the birthplace of many great poets. From Walt Whitman to Emily Dickinson, these artists have created unforgettable works that live on in our collective memory today.
But did you also know that there are so many other famous and influential Tennessean poets who not only crafted beautiful lyricism but whose individual stories deserve more attention?
In this blog post, we will look at some of the top 18 poets from Tennessee––the ones who left their mark in both literary and cultural history! We’ll explore each poet’s influences and achievements, giving insight into how they shaped what it is today to be an esteemed poet from The Volunteer State.
Related: For more, check out our article on Famous Poets From New York here.
1. James Agee (1909–1955)
James Agee, an influential American poet, was born in Knoxville, Tennessee in 1909. He is best known for his Pulitzer Prize-winning autobiographical novel, “A Death in the Family”, however, his poetry is equally compelling. One of his most renowned poems is “Knoxville: Summer of 1915”.
Agee’s poetry often reflected on his personal experiences and observations of life, with a unique sensitivity to the human condition. His work is characterized by its introspective nature and powerful emotional resonance.
2. Randall Jarrell (1914–1965)
Born in Nashville, Tennessee in 1914, Randall Jarrell was a prominent poet and literary critic. His poem “The Death of the Ball Turret Gunner” is one of his most famous works, encapsulating the horrors of World War II.
Jarrell was known for his war-themed poetry, drawing inspiration from his time serving in the United States Army Air Forces. His poetry is characterized by its stark imagery and profound exploration of war’s dehumanizing effects.
Related: For more, check out our article on Famous Poets From Montana here.
3. Will Allen Dromgoole (1860–1934)
Will Allen Dromgoole, a prolific writer and poet, was born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee in 1860. Her most famous poem, “The Bridge Builder”, has been widely quoted for its inspirational message.
Dromgoole found inspiration in the natural beauty of her home state, often incorporating themes of nature and spirituality into her work. She favored writing narrative poetry, skillfully weaving stories that resonated with her readers.
4. Saeed Jones
Saeed Jones is a contemporary American poet who hails from Memphis, Tennessee. His debut collection “Prelude to Bruise” has garnered widespread acclaim. Jones draws heavily from his experiences as a black gay man in America, using his poetry as a platform to explore themes of identity, race, and sexuality.
His poetry is marked by its lyrical intensity and poignant exploration of personal and societal struggles.
Related: For more, check out our article on Famous Poets From Ohio here.
5. Clara Moyse Tadlock (1840–1926)
Clara Moyse Tadlock, born in 1840, was a respected poet from Tennessee. One of her notable poems is “The Old Homestead”.
Tadlock drew inspiration from her surroundings and personal experiences, often reflecting on the themes of home, family, and nostalgia. She favored writing traditional verse, imbuing her work with a sense of warmth and familiarity.
6. Melissa Morphew
Melissa Morphew is a contemporary poet from Tennessee. Her poetry collection “Basho’s Phonebook” has received positive reviews.
Morphew’s poetry often explores love, loss, and longing themes, drawn from her personal experiences and reflections. She is known for her free verse poetry, filled with rich imagery and emotional depth.
7. Lucy Virginia French (1825–1881)
Lucy Virginia French, born in 1825, was a prominent poet and novelist from Tennessee. Her poem “The Forest Rose” is among her most popular works.
French found inspiration in the everyday happenings of life, often incorporating themes of nature, love, and societal norms into her poetry. Her work is characterized by its narrative style and thoughtful exploration of the human experience.
8. Marilou Awiakta
Marilou Awiakta is a celebrated Cherokee poet from Tennessee. Her “Selu: Seeking the Corn-Mother’s Wisdom” acclaimed collection intertwines poetry and prose to explore her native heritage.
Awiakta draws inspiration from her Cherokee roots, using her poetry to express themes of identity, culture, and the interconnectedness of all living things. Her work is marked by its unique blend of storytelling and poetic expression.
9. Dixon Lanier Merritt (1879–1972)
Dixon Lanier Merritt, born in 1879, was a well-known poet, humorist, and newspaper editor from Tennessee. His poem “The Pelican” is one of his most memorable works, widely recognized for its humorous tone.
Merritt found inspiration in nature and everyday life, often incorporating humor and wit into his poetry. Its light-hearted tone and engaging storytelling characterizes his work.
10. Elma Stuckey (1907–1988)
Elma Johnson Stuckey was an African American poet born in 1907. Her poetry chronicled the lives of Black people from the era of slavery up to the late 20th century, offering a poignant exploration of Black history and experiences.
One of her notable works is the collection “The Big Gate”, published in 1985. Drawing inspiration from her own life and the broader African American experience, Stuckey’s poetry is marked by its profound engagement with historical and contemporary racial issues.
11. Diann Blakely (1957–2014)
Diann Blakely, born in 1957, was a respected American poet. Her poetry often explored themes of love, loss, and longing, drawing from her personal experiences and observations of the human condition.
Blakely’s work is characterized by its lyrical intensity and emotional depth, making her an influential voice in contemporary American poetry.
12. Andrew Glaze (1920–2016)
Andrew Glaze, born in 1920, was a renowned American poet. His poetry often reflected on his personal experiences and observations of life, with a unique sensitivity to the human condition.
Glaze’s work is characterized by its introspective nature and powerful emotional resonance. He drew inspiration from various aspects of life, including nature, relationships, and societal issues, making his body of work a rich tapestry of human experiences.
13. T. J. Jarrett
T.J. Jarrett is a contemporary American poet known for her compelling exploration of identity, race, and the human experience. Her poetry often draws from her personal experiences as a black woman in America, offering a unique perspective on societal issues and personal struggles.
Jarrett’s work is marked by its lyrical intensity and poignant exploration of personal and societal struggles.
14. Jesse Ely Wills (Died in 1977)
Jesse Ely Wills was an American poet whose work often reflected his observations of life and the human condition.
He drew inspiration from his personal experiences, with his poetry featuring a unique blend of introspection and emotional resonance. Wills’ work is characterized by its powerful exploration of various facets of human experiences, making him an influential voice in American poetry.
15. Jim Chandler (1941–2017)
Born in 1941, Jim Chandler was an American poet known for his thoughtful exploration of love, loss, and longing themes. His poetry often drew from his personal experiences, offering a unique perspective on life and the human condition.
Chandler’s work is characterized by its emotional depth and lyrical intensity, making him a respected figure in American poetry.
16. Nancy K. Pearson
Nancy K. Pearson is a contemporary American poet known for her compelling exploration of personal and societal issues. Her poetry often reflects her personal experiences, with a unique focus on themes such as identity, relationships, and the human condition.
Pearson’s work is marked by its emotional depth and introspective nature, making her an influential voice in contemporary American poetry.
17. Evie Shockley
Evie Shockley is a contemporary American poet known for her engaging exploration of themes such as race, identity, and the human experience. Her poetry often draws from her personal experiences as a black woman in America, offering a unique perspective on societal issues and personal struggles.
Shockley’s work is marked by its lyrical intensity and poignant exploration of personal and societal struggles, making her a respected figure in contemporary American poetry.
18. Donald Davidson (1893–1968)
Donald Davidson, born in 1893, was a renowned American poet and literary critic. His poetry often reflected on his observations of life and the human condition, offering a unique perspective on various aspects of life.
Davidson’s work is characterized by its introspective nature and powerful emotional resonance, making him an influential voice in American poetry.
In conclusion, Tennessee has truly been a fertile ground for the birth and growth of remarkable poets. These artists have graced us with their exquisite lyricism and their powerful narratives—stories that echo the human condition, cloaked in evocative words and emotions.
Each of them, in their unique way, has contributed to the rich tapestry of American literature and culture. Whether you’re a teacher looking to inspire your students or an avid reader seeking to delve deeper into the world of poetry, these 18 poets from Tennessee offer a wealth of wisdom, beauty, and inspiration.
Remember, just as these poets have left their indelible marks on history, so too can we all learn, grow, and create something enduring and meaningful through the power of words. So why not pick up a pen—or a book—and see where the journey takes you? After all, as many of these poets would attest, it’s not just about the destination, but the journey itself.
