Marcus AmakerMarcus Amaker takes daily naps. He's a dad, husband, Charleston's first Poet Laureate, an opera librettist, and an Academy of American Poets fellow. In 2024, he was inducted into the S.C. Literary Hall of Fame and included on a list of favorite poetsin America by Literary Hub and WildSam. He's published ten books, released 44 albums of electronic music, and three albums with a two-time GRAMMY(R) Award winner. He's also the graphic designer of the national bluegrass music journal, No Depression. His work has been recognized by The Lexington Philharmonic, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, The Washington Post, The Gaillard Center, PBS Newshour, NPR, Button Poetry, Spoleto, American Poets Magazine, The Kennedy Center, and more. His re-written version of "My Country, 'Tis of Thee" was used by the Washington National Opera for President Biden's inauguration in 2021. His work is on two GRAMMY(R)-nominated albums, and he is a member of BMI and the Recording Academy. His original opera, The Weight of Light, debuted in Chicago in 2024. In 2025, MacArthur Fellow "Genius Grant" winner, GRAMMY(R) winner, and Pulitzer Prize winner Rhiannon Giddens sang Marcus' words on the album Songs in Flight by his friend and collaborator, celebrated composer Shawn Okpebholo. Read More Read Less