Biography


~From the underground to holy ground poet Billy Lamont will baptize you with words. Words of creation and healing. Words of hope that encourage dignity, uphold life, exorcize demons, seek truth and that will inspire you to live by love.

His is a voice crying out in the wilderness of post modern pop culture. A voice for everyday people that seeks to uplift, as well as entertain the masses on different spiritual, intellectual, emotional and artistic levels.~


BILLY LAMONT BRIEF BIO/ABOUT THE AUTHOR -(updated May 2008)


Internationally acclaimed New York Poet Billy Lamont has performed on MTV and Much Music Television and appeared on major radio stations across the United States. Lamont has also performed at many major rock festivals including touring with Lollapalooza '94, '95, 2003 and Cornerstone Festival 2004 and 2006.

Billy Lamont's new poetry with folk music CD/EP project entitled "Hedge Of Thorns,"  with songwriter/musician Bill Poulos,  was released by KultureShift Music on Easter Sunday.  The "Hedge Of Thorns" EP is being well received and is currently available as a CD or as a digital download through Antiphonic Music Company at www.antiphonic.com.  

Billy Lamont's latest book of poems "strobe light generation" is available from Infinity Publishing at www.buybooksontheweb.com,  borders.com and amazon.com...  Lamont's influential, signature post modern artisrty is at it's best within this book and "strobe light generation"'s message of hope shines brightly in this fast paced age of consumerism, quick fix spirituality, sensationalism in the press and reality television.

In response to the success and impressive sales of his first above ground book of poetry, "The Gallery Of Light," Lamont has given many book signings in shopping malls at such major book stores as Barnes and Noble and Waldenbooks. "The Gallery Of Light" is distributed nationally in the U.S. by  Ingram. and is available internationally by NetstoreUSA.com and Amazon.com.

In 2006 Billy Lamont's poetry with electronic music CD entitled "painkiller" was released by Mannequin Oddio Media and is a collaboration with Heart Of Darkness and Mayfairgrin. The "painkiller" CD is available through Mannequin Oddio Media,   CD Baby and Billy Lamont on My Space.com. 

Lamont's CD/chapbook entitled "billy lamont with the peculiar people" is a benefit for the Father of Christian Rock Larry Norman's Emergency Healthcare Trust Fund. The late Larry Norman produced some recordings for Lamont and was backing him by having him open some of his shows. Norman intended to release a new Poet Billy Lamont CD on his Solid Rock record label but the recordings were never completed when his health failed. "the peculiar people" was available through Flaming Fish Music at ww.flamingfish.com and was on the label/distributors bestseller's list for new releases, dance and experimental electronic music. It is now available through Antiphonic Music Company at  www.antiphonic.com and it's international digital release is by The Orchard at theorchard.com.

Lamont's first CD/EP "Into The 21st Century" is a benefit for Teen Challenge and includes the late Allen Ginsberg reciting from his legendary poem "Howl" on the title track. In Mr. Ginsberg's last years he showed love, respect and encouragement to Lamont's artwork through this appearance. One of Lamont's biggest artistic influences Mike Peters of The Alarm also collaborated on the title track as a special guest. This critically acclaimed CD is distributed by The Orchard at theorchard.com  and available digitally internationally at iTunes, Rhapsody, eMusic and MSN.

Lamont performs spoken word alone or with musical accompaniment. He enjoys performing with various rock bands and also doing recitals of his forty minute performance poem "the gallery of light," which evolved out of his book of the same name, with Christopher "DJ Circuit" Kelly weaving ambient/electronic/world music soundscapes. Lamont has performed the complete/sections of "the gallery of light" in the art gallery area of the Purple Door festival in Pennsylvania in 1999, 2000 and 2004 and at CBGB's 313/Underground Lounge in New York in 1998 and 2004.

Lamont has performed for live audiences of up to 10,000 people. Lamont's first national television performance/interview was on the Joe Franklin Show in 1991. His first nationally syndicated radio interview/performance was on the "Religon And Rock" program recorded at WBAB in 1988, in his hometown of Babylon, New York.

For the last years Lamont has been serving as a Board of Trustees member that oversees the New York area for the justice organization Jubilee USA/2000 /International Movement.  Lamont is also a member of the Board Of Trustees for the Walt Whitman Birthplace Association,,  a New York State Historic Site on Long Island, since November 2005.  

Official website: billylamont.com
Billy Lamont on My Space.com. 



***More detailed/Full Biograhy information below***



What people are saying about Billy Lamont's recently released book of poetry "strobe light generation"


Peter Garrett Cover Blurb for Book

"Billy Lamont’s pithy, ‘now’ poetry is true,  from his heart to ours-  a straight line and a truth that’s good to read.  I wish there was more like it.”

 Peter Garrett is the front man from the rock band Midnight Oil and the President of the Australian Conservation Foundation.


Daniel Berrigan Cover blurb for Book


“Thank you for the delightful book.  You (Billy Lamont) are a rare bird indeed,  and a dazzling one,  bringing together as you do unassailable gifts and a phoenix (out of the culture’s ashes) faith.  I congratulate and thank you.  Blessings on your fine work!”

Daniel Berrigan is a Jesuit Priest,  legendary poet/activist and speaker on social justice issues.


Seydina A. Senghor Cover Blurb for Book

 "I've been an eyewitness of Billy Lamont's warm-hearted dedication to durable peace in the world,  international morality,  global solidarity and global justice.  I have seen Billy Lamont take serious risks to support many good causes including the Jubilee 2000 International Campaign,  a global alliance for the end of the unjust,  immoral and genocidal debt of the nations of the global South.  At the Knitting Factory in 1999,  in New York,  Billy put together a show with Larry Norman and himself for the benefit of Jubilee USA's first National Mobilization on Washington.  Billy Lamont is a true activist.  Whether he is protesting,  serving or encouraging,  his poetry and deeds are songs of hope,  a catalyst for change that reveal a grassroots heart of caring and love for people from the streets of New York to the poor and impoverished of the world."

 Seydina A. Senghor is a Co-Founder of the Jubilee 2000 USA/International Movement.



 Larry Norman Cover Blurb for Book

“Young William the poet walks with grace among the
literary traditions of romanticism, between yearning
idealism and stark urban reality. He brings Heaven
closer to Earth, and beckons men closer to
self revelation. His poetry is both comforting and
disturbing.”

Larry Norman is the Father of Christian Rock.  He is a singer/songwriter that was on Capitol Records with The Beatles,  Founder of The Vineyard Church and Jew For Jesus,  Gospel Hall of Fame Inductee. He was dubbed the most important songwriter since Paul Simon in Billboard Magazine and the top solo artist in his field by Time Magazine.


What people have said about Billy Lamont's previous book of poems "The Gallery Of Light"

MIke Peters Foreward for Book

"There's no truth like the truth you dare to let yourself see.  Billy's poetry lets you see the truth of himself and the truth that surrounds him which is also the truth that surrounds you.  Take a look and you will find love,  hate,  all life in it." 

Mike Peters is a singer/songwriter and frontman for the rock band The Alarm.


Dave Kendall Cover Blurb for Book

"Billy Lamont is in possession of a strange and compelling vision."

Dave Kendall is the Host of MTV's "120 Minutes" show.


Malibu Sue Cover Blurb for Book

"Billy's poetry is... inspirational."

Malibu Sue is DJ for the legendary New York alternative music radio station WLIR and WDRE.


Joe Franklin Cover Blurb for Book

"In the tradition of Jim Morrison,  Bob Dylan,  Patti Smith and Jim Carroll comes Billy Lamont... and I love it!"

Joe Franklin is the Host of New York WOR-TV's nationally syndicated Joe Franklin Show.


Bob Buchmann Cover Blurb for Book 

"As Billy writes,  'Poetry is therapy!'  I thank him for his gift."

Bob Buchmann is the Vice President/DJ for the New York classic rock radio station WBAB.


Scott Albert (Klayton,  Clay Scott) Cover Blurb for Book

"Billy's poetry is intriguing.  He is experimental,  philosophical and spiritual.  His message of hope cannot be ignored."

Scott Albert (Klayton,  Clay Scott) is a recording artist with the innovative electronic band Circle Of Dust and Celldweller.






BILLY LAMONT FULL BIOGRAPHY-(updated July 2004)

From the underground to holy ground poet Billy Lamont will baptize you with words.  Words of creation and healing.  Words of hope that encourage dignity,  uphold life,  exorcize demons,  seek truth and that will inspire you to live by love.

His is a voice crying out in the wilderness of post modern pop culture.  A voice for everyday people that seeks to uplift,  as well as entertain the masses on different spiritual,  intellectual,  emotional and artistic levels.

Internationally acclaimed poet Billy Lamont holds church in the streets,  cafes,  night clubs,  pubs,   at homeless dinners,  art galleries,  the subways of Manhattan,  theaters,  rest homes for the elderly and historical sites.  He grew up in Babylon,  New York and still resides on Long Island.

Lamont's first above ground book of poetry entitled "The Gallery Of Light" has been a huge success.  It was published in 1994 and is distributed nationally by Ingram.

Lamont has performed on MTV,  Much Music Television,  on many major radio stations in the U.S. including WLIR and WBAB in New York,  toured with Lollapalooza in ’94,   ‘95 and 2003,  appeared at Woodstock '94,  Cornerstone 2004 and has done book signings across the U.S. at major book stores such as Barnes & Noble and Waldenbooks located in shopping malls.

Lamont's first CD "Into The 21st Century" was released in 1999 and includes two of his hero's as special guests,  Mike Peters of The Alarm and the late Allen Ginsberg.  Ginsberg recites from his legendary poem "Howl,"  which he gave Lamont the rights to use shortly before his death.  "Into The 21st Century" is a benefit for Teen Challenge whose mission is to help teenagers that have alcohol and drug abuse problems become mentally sound,  emotionally balanced,  physically well and spiritually alive.

Lamont's success is largely due to the passion and sincerity of his live performances.  He performs spoken word alone or with musical accompaniment.  He enjoys performing with various rock bands and also doing recitals of his forty five minute performance poem "The Gallery Of Light,"  which evolved out of his book of the same name,  with DJ Circuit spinning ambient soundscapes.  Lamont has performed "The Gallery Of Light" in the art gallery area at the Purple Door Festival in Pennsylvania in 1999, 2000 and 2004.

In 2000 Lamont recorded with another legend and inspiration,  The Father of Christian Rock Larry Norman.  Norman produced Lamont and was backing him by having him open some of his shows.  Norman intended to release a new Billy Lamont poetry and music CD on his Solid Rock Records label when his health failed.  Norman and Lamont still desire to finish this CD should Norman’s health permit.

Currently Lamont is part of a seven member board overseeing the New York area for  Jubilee USA/Movement International.  Lamont's involvement with  Jubilee Movement International/Jubilee USA grew out of some organizing work and performing he did for Jubilee 2000 in 1999 and 2000 in Manhattan.  Jubilee Movement International/Jubilee USA is an organization that petitions for a debt-free start for impoverished nations so they can have money to pay for food,  water,  healthcare,  education and sanitation instead of paying back loans to the world’s richest nations.  Jubilee 2000 has also become the justice organizations Drop The Debt and  DATA which stands for Debt,  Aid and Trade for Africa. and ONE,  the One Campaign.

Lamont performed some new poetry and music in the activism area "World Of Just BeCauses" for the Northeast dates of the Lollapalooza 2003 rock tour last summer.  

Lamont's new CD/EP/chapbook "billy lamont with the peculiar people" was released on the 4th of July 2004 at his Cornerstone Festival performance with The Alarm as a benefit for Larry Norman's Emergency Healthcare Trust Fund.  It is available through Flaming Fish Music at www.flamingfish.com.  Lamont is also looking forward to his soon to be released new full length book of poems entitled "strobe light generation" in the coming months by a good independent or major book publisher. 

For booking,  rates or more information- Contact:
     The Other Perspective Management
     general:(631) 981-4780
     fax:  (631) 376-0180
     e-mail:  thepoet4u@aol.com
     website:  www.billylamont.com
     mail:  PO Box 284, Northport, NY 11768

 
 


Explanation of
The Gallery Of Light
 

Billy Lamont recites his forty five minute performance poem entitled "The Gallery Of Light" from time to time in art galleries,  cafes,  at rock festivals and underground clubs with DJ Circuit (Christopher Kelly) providing an ambient soundscape.

"The Gallery Of Light" morphed out of Lamont's very succesful book of poems with the same title that was published in 1994.  "The Gallery Of Light" is Lamont's ever changing masterpiece.

"The Gallery Of Light" traces a characters evolution through seven different lights:
neon light (prologue)
strobe light
spotlight
moonlight
candle light
sunlight
ultraviolet light (epilogue)

Lamont lights a candle as he welcomes his audience into the new doorway of each section of his poem.  The visual texture,  which is projected photographic slides, as well as Lamont's spoken delivery and some performance props change with each new light and section of the poem.

Classic rock operas such as  The Who's "Tommy" and "Quadrophenia" and Pink Floyd's "The Wall" all have a common thread in that the plot features the decline of a main character due  to the evils of this world and wrongs done by:  parents,  lovers,  teachers,  preachers and various role models.

In contrast "The Gallery Of Light" features the rise of a main character that starts off emotionally, spiritually and intellectually paralyzed but gets free and healthy,  step by step,  as the story progresses.  Lamont lays in the fetal position portraying the character who screams "my bedroom a jail cell" in the strobe light section but also portrays the same character in the same fetal position as a symbol of new birth as he recites "a spiritual fetus spins in a whilpool of color" in the sunlight section.

"The Gallery Of Light" is intended to meet people where they are at and uplift them,  to be inspirational while being entertaining.  It is written on different levels,  some straight forward some more symbolic,  so the audience of different intelligence and spiritual levels could all receive something positive from the experience.

During the course of "The Gallery Of Light" the main character wrestles with lonliness,  low self-esteem,  love/lust,  God,  drunkeness,  drug addiction,  pride and bigotry.

Lamont said,   "I believe that living by love,  loving and respecting God and all life,  overcomes the downward spiral of the all too common forces of entropy.  This is the spirit/womb this poem is born from."

Lamont and DJ Circuit's vision for "The Gallery Of Light" is to continue to let it grow into the worlds first spoken word rock opera.  They would like to shoot film to be projected during the performance as well as use Circuit's DJ mixes as a type for the music that will be created in the studio for a future CD.  Circuit is also a very talented graphic designer.  Circuit designed Billy Lamont's "Into The 21st Century" CD and will also design "The Gallery Of Light" CD art work.
 
 


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