Lee Meitzen Grue | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 8, 1934
Plaquemine, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Died | April 3, 2021 (aged 87)
New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Education |
University of New Orleans (
BA) Warren Wilson College ( MFA) |
| Occupation(s) | Poet, novelist |
| Years active | 1972–2021 |
| Spouse | Ronald David Grue (married 1963–2000) |
| Children | 3 |
Lee Meitzen Grue (February 8, 1934 – April 3, 2021) [1] [2] was an American poet and educator. She was the founder and director of the New Orleans Poetry Forum, and has been referred to as that city's unofficial poet laureate. [3] She was editor of the literary journal The New Laurel Review.
Early life
She was born in Plaquemine, Louisiana [1] [4] and lived most of her life in New Orleans. At a young age, Grue fell in love with books and poetry, particularly The Golden Treasury by Louis Untermeyer, which featured female poets. [5] Inspired by the poetry, Grue decided to become a poet herself. [5] She graduated from Sophie B. Wright High School in 1951. [1] She received a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of New Orleans in 1963 and a Master of Fine Arts from Warren Wilson College in 1982. [5]
Career
In the early 1960s, Grue began reading her poetry at The Quorum Club, the first non-segregated coffee house in the South. [4] During her time at the club, she met Eluard Burt, who she collaborated with over many years, including on the CD of jazz poetry titled Live! on Frenchmen Street. [6] Ms. Grue founded the New Orleans Poetry Forum in 1972, where she was director until 1990. [5] For many years she promoted poetry readings at her home, establishing there the Backyard Poetry Theater. [7] Starting in 1982, she edited the international independent literary journal, The New Laurel Review [7] which is still published today. [8]
Grue was a visiting writer at Tulane University from 1993 to 1998. [9] Following Hurricane Katrina, she began teaching fiction and poetry at the Alvar Branch of the New Orleans Public Library. [7]
Grue was co-owner of BJ's Lounge in the Bywater neighborhood of New Orleans with her son, Teal Grue. The bar regularly hosts readings by local poets. [10] [11]
Personal life
Lee Meitzen married Ronald David Grue on October 28, 1963, and they were divorced on September 5, 2000. [9] The couple had three children: Celeste, Ian, and Teal. [1]
Grue died on April 3, 2021, at her home in the Bywater neighborhood of New Orleans. She is survived by her children and four grandchildren. [1]
Awards and honors
- Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award (2018) [12]
- Poetry and Short Story Award from the Deep South Writer Association (1994) [12]
- Short Story Award (second place) from Deep South Writer's Conference (1989) [13]
- Syndicated Fiction Award from PEN (1984) [12]
Fellowships
- Visiting scholar, Newcomb Center for Research on Women (2003– ) [9]
- Ledig House (1998) [5] [12]
- Virginia Center of Creative Arts (1986, 1988, 1991) [12]
- Senior Fellow, [14] National Education Association (1984–85) [12]
Works
- Mending for Memory: Sewing in Louisiana (edited by Lee Meitzen Grue and Susan Tucker, 2017) [15]
- Blood at the Root: A Novel (2015) [16]
- Downtown (2011) [17]
- Three Poets in New Orleans (in collaboration with Biljana D. Obradović and Patricia A. Ward, 2000) [18]
- Live!: On Frenchman Street (sound recording with Eluard Burt, as the New Orleans Jazz and Poetry Ensemble, 2000) [19]
- Goodbye Silver, Silver Cloud (1994) [20]
- In the Sweet Balance of the Flesh (1990) [21]
- French Quarter Poems (1979) [22]
- Trains and Other Intrusions: A Chapbook of Poetry (1974) [23]
Notable poems
- "In the Garden" (04 Sep 2012) [8]
- "Snug Harbor" (04 Oct 2011) [8]
- "The Old Ice House on Chartres Street" (2 May 2011) [8]
- "The Catahoula Hound Visits the Dream of Jean Pierre" (10 Jan 2011) [8]
References
- ^ a b c d e Pope, John (April 4, 2021). "Grue, poet, editor and fixture in N.O. writing scene, dies at 87". The New Orleans Advocate. p. 2B. Retrieved October 15, 2021.
- ^ Stanton, John (April 9, 2021). "The life and legacy of Lee Meitzen Grue". Gambit. New Orleans, Louisiana. Retrieved October 15, 2021.
- ^ Buncombe, Andrew (August 25, 2015). "Hurricane Katrina's legacy 10 years on - a whiter, more gentrified New Orleans; Black and poor people lose out - and new white residents 'complain about the music'". The Independent. London, England.
- ^ a b "Lee Meitzen Grue". Octavia Books. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
- ^ a b c d e "Lee Meitzen Grue". Who's Who of Professional Women. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
- ^ "Lee Meitzen Grue Tribute". Black Academy Press, Inc. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
- ^ a b c "Grue, Lee Meitzger 1995-013". Newcomb Archives. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
- ^ a b c d e "About Lee Grue". Louisiana Poetry Project. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
- ^ a b c "(Ann) Lee Grue". Who's Who of American Women (25th, 2006–2007 ed.). Marquis Who's Who. 2005.
- ^ Stanton, John (April 9, 2020). "The Bars of New Orleans Are Closed. They're Still Getting the City Through This". Slate Magazine. Retrieved May 1, 2020.
- ^ Alsup, Allison (April 20, 2016). "In a storied town, New Orleans bars create new literary links with readings, events and classes". NOLA.com. Retrieved May 1, 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f "Lee Meitzen Grue". Who's Who Lifetime Achievement. December 28, 2018. Retrieved September 1, 2020.
- ^ Goldsmith, Sarah Sue (October 15, 1989). "Cat show to feature Educated Cat author". The Advocate. Baton Rouge, Louisiana. p. 11-MAG.
- ^ Guillaud, Betty (May 5, 1992). "JazzFest Action and Actors Move to Storyville". The Times-Picayune. New Orleans, Louisiana. p. Living section, E3.
- ^ Grue, Lee Meitzen; Tucker, Susan, eds. (2017). Mending for Memory: Sewing in Louisiana: Essays, Stories, and Poems. New Orleans, Louisiana: New Laurel Review Press. ISBN 9780692811467. OCLC 986241518.
- ^ Grue, Lee Meitzen (2015). Blood at the Root: A Novel. Austin, Texas: Alamo Bay Press. ISBN 9780990863236. OCLC 908649458.
- ^ Grue, Lee Meitzen (2011). Downtown. New Orleans, Louisiana: Trembling Pillow Press. ISBN 9780979070242. OCLC 754714433.
- ^ Grue, Lee Meitzen; Obradovic, Biljana D.; Ward, Patricia A (2000). Three Poets in New Orleans: Lee Meitzen Grue, Biljana D. Obradovic, Patricia A. Ward. Xavier Review Press occasional publication, no. 10. New Orleans, Louisiana: Xavier Review Press. ISBN 9781883275099. OCLC 43383561.
- ^ Lee Meitzen Grue and Eluard Burt (2000). Live!: On Frenchman Street (CD). New Orleans, Louisiana: Big Easy Cyber Studio. OCLC 71781558. LMG7872.
- ^ Grue, Lee Meitzen (1994). Goodbye, Silver, Silver Cloud. Austin, Texas: Plain View Press. ISBN 9780911051728. OCLC 30465121.
- ^ Grue, Lee Meitzen (1990). In the Sweet Balance of the Flesh. Austin, Texas: Plain View Press. ISBN 9780911051551. OCLC 23672044.
- ^ Grue, Lee Meitzen (1979). French Quarter Poems. Long Measure Press. OCLC 4883972.
- ^ Grue, Lee Meitzen (1974). Trains and Other Intrusions: A Chapbook of Poetry (Limited ed.). New Orleans, Louisiana: N.O. Poetry Forum. OCLC 10070498.
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
- 1934 births
- 2021 deaths
- 20th-century American poets
- 21st-century American poets
- 21st-century American novelists
- American women poets
- American women novelists
- Poets from Louisiana
- Novelists from Louisiana
- Writers from New Orleans
- People from Plaquemine, Louisiana
- University of New Orleans alumni
- Warren Wilson College alumni
- 20th-century American women writers
- 21st-century American women writers
Lee Meitzen Grue | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 8, 1934
Plaquemine, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Died | April 3, 2021 (aged 87)
New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Education |
University of New Orleans (
BA) Warren Wilson College ( MFA) |
| Occupation(s) | Poet, novelist |
| Years active | 1972–2021 |
| Spouse | Ronald David Grue (married 1963–2000) |
| Children | 3 |
Lee Meitzen Grue (February 8, 1934 – April 3, 2021) [1] [2] was an American poet and educator. She was the founder and director of the New Orleans Poetry Forum, and has been referred to as that city's unofficial poet laureate. [3] She was editor of the literary journal The New Laurel Review.
Early life
She was born in Plaquemine, Louisiana [1] [4] and lived most of her life in New Orleans. At a young age, Grue fell in love with books and poetry, particularly The Golden Treasury by Louis Untermeyer, which featured female poets. [5] Inspired by the poetry, Grue decided to become a poet herself. [5] She graduated from Sophie B. Wright High School in 1951. [1] She received a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of New Orleans in 1963 and a Master of Fine Arts from Warren Wilson College in 1982. [5]
Career
In the early 1960s, Grue began reading her poetry at The Quorum Club, the first non-segregated coffee house in the South. [4] During her time at the club, she met Eluard Burt, who she collaborated with over many years, including on the CD of jazz poetry titled Live! on Frenchmen Street. [6] Ms. Grue founded the New Orleans Poetry Forum in 1972, where she was director until 1990. [5] For many years she promoted poetry readings at her home, establishing there the Backyard Poetry Theater. [7] Starting in 1982, she edited the international independent literary journal, The New Laurel Review [7] which is still published today. [8]
Grue was a visiting writer at Tulane University from 1993 to 1998. [9] Following Hurricane Katrina, she began teaching fiction and poetry at the Alvar Branch of the New Orleans Public Library. [7]
Grue was co-owner of BJ's Lounge in the Bywater neighborhood of New Orleans with her son, Teal Grue. The bar regularly hosts readings by local poets. [10] [11]
Personal life
Lee Meitzen married Ronald David Grue on October 28, 1963, and they were divorced on September 5, 2000. [9] The couple had three children: Celeste, Ian, and Teal. [1]
Grue died on April 3, 2021, at her home in the Bywater neighborhood of New Orleans. She is survived by her children and four grandchildren. [1]
Awards and honors
- Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award (2018) [12]
- Poetry and Short Story Award from the Deep South Writer Association (1994) [12]
- Short Story Award (second place) from Deep South Writer's Conference (1989) [13]
- Syndicated Fiction Award from PEN (1984) [12]
Fellowships
- Visiting scholar, Newcomb Center for Research on Women (2003– ) [9]
- Ledig House (1998) [5] [12]
- Virginia Center of Creative Arts (1986, 1988, 1991) [12]
- Senior Fellow, [14] National Education Association (1984–85) [12]
Works
- Mending for Memory: Sewing in Louisiana (edited by Lee Meitzen Grue and Susan Tucker, 2017) [15]
- Blood at the Root: A Novel (2015) [16]
- Downtown (2011) [17]
- Three Poets in New Orleans (in collaboration with Biljana D. Obradović and Patricia A. Ward, 2000) [18]
- Live!: On Frenchman Street (sound recording with Eluard Burt, as the New Orleans Jazz and Poetry Ensemble, 2000) [19]
- Goodbye Silver, Silver Cloud (1994) [20]
- In the Sweet Balance of the Flesh (1990) [21]
- French Quarter Poems (1979) [22]
- Trains and Other Intrusions: A Chapbook of Poetry (1974) [23]
Notable poems
- "In the Garden" (04 Sep 2012) [8]
- "Snug Harbor" (04 Oct 2011) [8]
- "The Old Ice House on Chartres Street" (2 May 2011) [8]
- "The Catahoula Hound Visits the Dream of Jean Pierre" (10 Jan 2011) [8]
References
- ^ a b c d e Pope, John (April 4, 2021). "Grue, poet, editor and fixture in N.O. writing scene, dies at 87". The New Orleans Advocate. p. 2B. Retrieved October 15, 2021.
- ^ Stanton, John (April 9, 2021). "The life and legacy of Lee Meitzen Grue". Gambit. New Orleans, Louisiana. Retrieved October 15, 2021.
- ^ Buncombe, Andrew (August 25, 2015). "Hurricane Katrina's legacy 10 years on - a whiter, more gentrified New Orleans; Black and poor people lose out - and new white residents 'complain about the music'". The Independent. London, England.
- ^ a b "Lee Meitzen Grue". Octavia Books. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
- ^ a b c d e "Lee Meitzen Grue". Who's Who of Professional Women. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
- ^ "Lee Meitzen Grue Tribute". Black Academy Press, Inc. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
- ^ a b c "Grue, Lee Meitzger 1995-013". Newcomb Archives. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
- ^ a b c d e "About Lee Grue". Louisiana Poetry Project. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
- ^ a b c "(Ann) Lee Grue". Who's Who of American Women (25th, 2006–2007 ed.). Marquis Who's Who. 2005.
- ^ Stanton, John (April 9, 2020). "The Bars of New Orleans Are Closed. They're Still Getting the City Through This". Slate Magazine. Retrieved May 1, 2020.
- ^ Alsup, Allison (April 20, 2016). "In a storied town, New Orleans bars create new literary links with readings, events and classes". NOLA.com. Retrieved May 1, 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f "Lee Meitzen Grue". Who's Who Lifetime Achievement. December 28, 2018. Retrieved September 1, 2020.
- ^ Goldsmith, Sarah Sue (October 15, 1989). "Cat show to feature Educated Cat author". The Advocate. Baton Rouge, Louisiana. p. 11-MAG.
- ^ Guillaud, Betty (May 5, 1992). "JazzFest Action and Actors Move to Storyville". The Times-Picayune. New Orleans, Louisiana. p. Living section, E3.
- ^ Grue, Lee Meitzen; Tucker, Susan, eds. (2017). Mending for Memory: Sewing in Louisiana: Essays, Stories, and Poems. New Orleans, Louisiana: New Laurel Review Press. ISBN 9780692811467. OCLC 986241518.
- ^ Grue, Lee Meitzen (2015). Blood at the Root: A Novel. Austin, Texas: Alamo Bay Press. ISBN 9780990863236. OCLC 908649458.
- ^ Grue, Lee Meitzen (2011). Downtown. New Orleans, Louisiana: Trembling Pillow Press. ISBN 9780979070242. OCLC 754714433.
- ^ Grue, Lee Meitzen; Obradovic, Biljana D.; Ward, Patricia A (2000). Three Poets in New Orleans: Lee Meitzen Grue, Biljana D. Obradovic, Patricia A. Ward. Xavier Review Press occasional publication, no. 10. New Orleans, Louisiana: Xavier Review Press. ISBN 9781883275099. OCLC 43383561.
- ^ Lee Meitzen Grue and Eluard Burt (2000). Live!: On Frenchman Street (CD). New Orleans, Louisiana: Big Easy Cyber Studio. OCLC 71781558. LMG7872.
- ^ Grue, Lee Meitzen (1994). Goodbye, Silver, Silver Cloud. Austin, Texas: Plain View Press. ISBN 9780911051728. OCLC 30465121.
- ^ Grue, Lee Meitzen (1990). In the Sweet Balance of the Flesh. Austin, Texas: Plain View Press. ISBN 9780911051551. OCLC 23672044.
- ^ Grue, Lee Meitzen (1979). French Quarter Poems. Long Measure Press. OCLC 4883972.
- ^ Grue, Lee Meitzen (1974). Trains and Other Intrusions: A Chapbook of Poetry (Limited ed.). New Orleans, Louisiana: N.O. Poetry Forum. OCLC 10070498.
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
- 1934 births
- 2021 deaths
- 20th-century American poets
- 21st-century American poets
- 21st-century American novelists
- American women poets
- American women novelists
- Poets from Louisiana
- Novelists from Louisiana
- Writers from New Orleans
- People from Plaquemine, Louisiana
- University of New Orleans alumni
- Warren Wilson College alumni
- 20th-century American women writers
- 21st-century American women writers