Artist page
William Burroughs was an American novelist, short story writer, essayist, painter, and spoken word performer, born on February 5, 1914, in St. Louis, Missouri, and passed away on August 2, 1997, in Lawrence, Kansas. He gained prominence as a leading figure of the 1950s Beat movement, alongside notable peers like Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg. His significant works, including 'The Naked Lunch', 'The Soft Machine', 'The Ticket That Exploded', and 'Nova Express', showcased the innovative "cut-up" technique, which he developed with fellow writer Brion Gysin. Burroughs' experimental approach and advocacy for drug use made him a key figure in the 1960s counter-culture. He coined the term "heavy metal," which later became associated with a musical genre, and inspired names for various musical acts, such as "Soft Machine" and "Steely Dan." His first album, "Call Me Burroughs," featured readings from his works and was released in France before appearing in the U.S. on the avant-garde label ESP. He also released "Ali's Smile," his only other 1960s recording. In 1978, Burroughs was honored at the Entermedia Theater during "The Nova Convention," which brought together a diverse group of artists and counterculture figures. This event was documented in an album that included contributions from various notable personalities. In the
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