This month marks the 41st anniversary of Jack Kerouac’s passing.
The King of the Beats
The autumn always reminds me of this angelheaded hipster. It probably has something to do with that typical rite of passage of reading On the Road for the first time in college, in the fall. I remember thinking, page-to-page, “This is the best book I’ve ever read!” and “This is the worst book I’ve ever read!” Quite an introduction!
I’ve always loved this poetic essay by Kerouac. October in the Railroad Earth is something I check in with a few times a year and it never ceases to move me. I especially love this version which features Jack reading and Steve Allen accompanying him on piano. This is the opening track of the 3-disc Jack Kerouac Collection:
For a special treat, check out this Kerouac biography – King of the Beats:
Visit the Sleepless Bookstore and add Kerouac reading On the Road to your iPod!
Joe Nolan <3
