Ian Stephens (1955 – March 22, 1996) was a Canadian poet, journalist and musician from Montreal, Quebec, best known as one of the major Canadian voices in the spoken word movement of the 1990s.[1] Most of his work focused on his experiences living with AIDS.[2]
Stephens studied at Bishop's University and Concordia University.[3]
In 1984, Stephens released a 45 RPM single with band Disappointed a Few People, titled Fuck With Christ, on Les Disques Noirs, followed in 1986 by album Dead in Love, on Psyche Industry Records.[4] The group disbanded in 1988.
In 1992, Stephens released a spoken word CD, Wining Dining Drilling, which featured his poetry with a punk rock-influenced musical backing.[5] The album included tracks such as "Coroner Wants a Kiss," "Loser w/ a Hard-On," "Sex is Dog," "Queer in Amerika", "I Started to Get Sick in New York" and "The AIDS Guy". He published a book of poetry, Diary of a Trademark, in 1994;[2] the following year, he released an album of the same title, featuring his recitations of many of the pieces in the book.[2] The title track was later included on Word Up, a compilation of spoken word poetry.[2]
Stephens was also a regular writer for the Montreal Mirror, contributing book reviews and a 1994 cover story, "A Weary State of Grace", on living with AIDS.[2] He had begun writing a novel, although it was not completed before his death.[3]
He died in 1996 of AIDS-related lymphoma.[3]
References
- ^ "AIDS poet cherishes each moment: Ian Stephens reads Thursday at Sneaky Dee's". Toronto Star, March 21, 1995.
- ^ a b c d e Lejtenyi, Patrick. "In Memoriam: Five Mirror cover subjects who have since passed on". Montreal Mirror, October 20, 2005.
- ^ a b c "Ian Stephens, poet and singer, dies". Montreal Gazette, March 24, 1996.
- ^ "Two shows entertain, enlighten". Montreal Gazette, September 17, 1986.
- ^ "Ian Stephens: writer first, singer second; Serious songs contain even more serious messages, including a cry against AIDS". Montreal Gazette, November 11, 1993.