Here's the story of how one of the Bay Area’s brightest literary stars became the reigning “goddess” of Oakland’s first public library....

Back in the day, poetry was a lot like the hip hop industry is today—and I’m not just making that comparison because poets and rappers both kick rhymes. If you’re skeptical that the lives of California poets in the 1870s were just a wild as rap stars, listen to this episode about the life of the Bay Area’s first literary “It Girl.” 

Aleta George, the author of “Ina Coolbrith: The Bittersweet Song of California’s First Poet Laureate,” shares incredible stories of Ina’s connection with the early Mormon church, her rise to fame alongside the Bay Area’s first bohemians (including Mark Twain!), her impact on Oakland, and much, much more.

Oakland's first "celebrity" librarian

FSFSF is a co-production of KALW and Rooftop Comedy.

Comedy from Alice Wetterlund & Andy Peters

Comedy from Andy Haynes & Andy Kindler

Comedy from Guy Branum & Arden Myrin

Radio edited version of 99pi story. Check out the full episode here: http://99percentinvisible.org/episode/miss-manhattan/

99% Invisible: Miss Manhattan

Comedy from Nico Santos & Eliza Skinner

Jazz vocalist Valerie Troutt tells a coming-of-age story in her new album "The Oakland Girl."

Valerie Troutt grew up in The Town, where the community recognized her talent when she was a kid. Members of her church would buy her tickets to concerts and musicals to expose her to all types of music. That support, plus having encouraging parents (her mom took her to the night club Sweet Jimmie’s!), influenced Valerie.

"The 'Oakland Girl' is someone who gives birth. Someone who is a holder of space and really has a vision for life."

Valerie’s jazz and gospel vocals have been heard all around the Bay Area. 

She wrote second album, The Oakland Girl wrote 20 years ago while living in New York City. But the themes of growth and love still resonate today. Her album is available on Bandcamp.

This interview was produced by Jenee Darden and Precious J. Green and mixed by Gabe Grabin.

Singer Valerie Troutt Opens Her Musical Diary In Her New Album 'The Oakland Girl'

KALW is local public radio from the San Francisco Bay Area. Tune into 91.7FM or find some of KALW's fine programming here, from shows like our nightly newsmagazine Crosscurrents. And check out the sounds from special projects like Audiograph, which is out to capture the sonic signature of the Bay Area. 

Singer Valerie Troutt Opens Her Musical Diary In Her New Album 'The Oakland Girl'

KALW 91.7 FM Bay Area

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