We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Emmett Wheatfall a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Emmett, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
My journey into the world of poetry began with an invitation from a work colleague, who asked me to read a poem she had written for her husband’s birthday. Not knowing anything about poetry, I did recognize her poem was not well-written. So, I asked her if I could edit her poem to improve its composition and readability. She enthusiastically said, yes. I read my version at her husband’s 60th birthday party. They were pleased with my reading of the poem. After that reading, I was smitten by poetry.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Emmett Wheatfall resides in Portland, Oregon, where he has twice been nominated for Oregon
Poet Laureate. His poetry has been published in several books, collections, anthologies, and
One of them, As Clean as a Bone was a 2019 Eric Hoffer Award Finalist and da Vinci Eye award finalist.
Emmett was a featured poet at the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the March on Washington (Portland Event) where he delivered his original poem written for the occasion, Miles to Go Before We Sleep. In addition, he was the keynote speaker at the screening of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech for the Oregon Historical Society’s Oregon Black History Series program, “March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom Fiftieth Anniversary” on August 28, 2013.
Since 2014, Emmett has served on the Nomination Committees for the selection of Oregon Poet Laureate Peter Sears, Elizabeth Woody, Kim Stafford, and Anis Mojgani. The Oregon Poet Laureate fosters the art of poetry, encourages literacy and learning, addresses central issues related to humanities and heritage, and reflects on public life in Oregon. The poet laureate is appointed by the governor of the State of Oregon.
In October of 2017, Emmett gave the keynote address at the Oregon Poetry Association Annual Conference in Portland, Oregon. The title of his keynote address was “Can Poets Change the World?”
In 2020, Corban University in Salem, Oregon filmed a 9-Part documentary about poet Wheatfall. This series was made possible by a generous grant from the Library of America and the National Endowment for the Humanities as part of Lift Every Voice, a year-long national celebration of African American poetry. A Brief History can be viewed at the following YouTube link https://youtu.be/JFZM7Iqwnsg.
Emmett has recorded one non-lyrical (without music) poetry CD titled I Speak and four lyrical poetry (with music) CDs. They are When I Was Young (2010), I Loved You Once (2011), Them Poetry Blues (2013), and Welcome Home (2017). These CDs feature some of Oregon’s most gifted and talented jazz, blues, and gospel musicians and singers. Somebody Told Me (2020) is his first lyrical poetry gospel single. His latest release is What A Friend We Have In Jesus (2022). These releases can be heard and or downloaded from major online music streaming sites such as Amazon Music and Spotify, including a host of other such download sites and YouTube.
Emmett has performed lyrical and spoken word poetry in Portland jazz venues such as Ivories Jazz Lounge and Restaurant, Tony Starlight’s Supper Club and Lounge, Backspace Café (formerly), Portland’s fabulous Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, and many venues in Portland and throughout the State of Oregon. Emmett has had the distinct opportunity to headline at Jimmy Mak’s; the former premier Northwest Jazz club once regarded as one of America’s top 100 Jazz Clubs.
Emmett has performed and recorded with world-class Jazz and blues musicians in the persons of Noah Peterson (Peterson Entertainment LLC), national and international jazz recording artist Darrell Grant, Gordon Lee, Andre St. James, Brandon Woods, and John Thomas; Canadian pianist Gaea Shell, Eldon T. Jones, James (Jim) Blackburn, and Ramsey Embick (former pianist and bandleader for the Pointer Sisters); notwithstanding Portland’s late-great and legendary bass player James Miller. The “Boss of the B-3 Hammond” Mr. Louis Pain, aka “King Louie,” as well as Carlton Jackson, Peter Dammann, Renato Caranto, and Edwin Coleman III; Salem, Oregon great Nathan Olsen, and Portland concert pianist Michael Allen Harrison. Portland vocalists Barbara Harris, including the highly regarded jazz, blues, and gospel artist LaRhonda Steele. Most noteworthy is the late great Grammy-nominated jazz, blues, gospel pianist extraordinaire, Ms. Janice Scroggins.
Website: http://emmettwheatfall.com
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The ability to express myself artistically. I’m gifted with a baritone/bass voice that resonates wonderfully when studio quality is recorded. I perform and record both lyrical poetry (with music) and non-lyrical poetry (without music). This genre is making a comeback. Artists who paved the way using spoken word or recitation of verse to music are late greats like poet Langston Hughes and spoken word artist Gil Scott-Heron to name two.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Society can return to reading published poets. Listen to the musings of spoken word poets. Download from streaming services poetic works the way e-books are used to educate and inform.
I believe poets are secular prophets. Whereas today, our world is so divided, and there exists no individual political or religious leader the masses rally too. Poets have carried and shared the discerning voice poetry, either written or spoken; better said—both.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://emmettwheatfall.com
- Twitter: @emmettwheatfall
- Youtube: Emmett Wheatfall
Image Credits
Tony Sibley