James Simmons (poet) facts for kids
James Stewart Alexander Simmons (1933–2001) was a poet, literary critic, and songwriter from Derry, Northern Ireland. He was known for his honest poetry and for creating an important literary magazine called The Honest Ulsterman. He also wrote and performed funny and thoughtful songs about everyday life.
His Life Story
Simmons was born in Derry in 1933. He grew up in a middle-class family. He went to Campbell College in Belfast for school. Later, he studied English at the University of Leeds in England.
After finishing university, he married Laura Stinson. They moved back to Northern Ireland. He taught at Friends' School Lisburn for five years. Then, he worked for three years at Ahmadu Bello University in Nigeria. During this time, he and Laura had five children: Rachael, Sarah, Adam, Helen, and Penelope.
In 1968, Simmons returned to Northern Ireland. He started teaching at the New University of Ulster in Coleraine. He taught there until he retired in 1984.
In the early 1970s, a time of conflict in Northern Ireland known as 'the Troubles', Simmons started "The Resistance Cabaret." This was a show that mixed songs, poems, and political jokes. He performed it with some of his students. Simmons loved making poetry easy for everyone to understand. He felt very happy performing for audiences who would talk back to him.
Near the end of his teaching career, Simmons and his first wife Laura separated. He later married Imelda Foley, who was the sister of writer Michael Foley. They had one child, Anna. After this marriage ended, he had a son named Ben with his third wife, who was also a poet, Janice Fitzpatrick. Simmons and Fitzpatrick started The Poets' House. This was a special place for poets, first in Islandmagee in County Antrim, and later in Falcarragh in County Donegal.
His Work and Career
When Simmons came back to Northern Ireland, he joined The Belfast Group. This was a group of important poets, including Michael Longley, Seamus Heaney, and Derek Mahon. In 1968, he toured universities in England with his nephew, Michael Stephens.
After his tour, Simmons created The Honest Ulsterman. This became a very important Irish literary magazine for over 35 years. Simmons was the editor for 17 of the first 19 issues. The magazine published early works by many poets, including Paul Muldoon. Members of The Belfast Group often published their poems in The Honest Ulsterman.
Simmons used his own life experiences in his poetry. He wrote about his weaknesses with honesty and humor. He wanted his poetry to be very open and real. He also wrote a book about the famous writer Seán O'Casey.
Throughout his career, Simmons wrote and performed many funny and thoughtful songs. In 1970, he started "The Resistance Cabaret" to share these songs with more people. He performed regularly with his group across Northern Ireland until 1976. Some of his songs are in his poetry collection, West Strand Visions. He recorded three albums of his own songs. He also put some of Yeats' poems to music on a cassette tape.
Since his death, Simmons's work is not as widely known. However, his songs are still enjoyed by audiences of The Resistance Cabaret in Northern Ireland.
Awards He Won
- Eric Gregory Award in 1962
- Cholmondeley Award
See also
- List of Irish poets
