The Beat Goes On
Original Beat Generation member David Amram was a resident accompanist at coffee house performances with Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg and other famous Beats. In later years, he enjoyed a stellar career as a musician and composer, producing orchestral and chamber music works, operas, and scores for Broadway productions and feature films, including Splendor in The Grass and The Manchurian Candidate. Amram has authored three books, including the memoir Offbeat: Collaborating with Kerouac (Paradigm, 2008).Throughout his long career, Amram has also collaborated with Leonard Bernstein, Langston Hughes, Dizzy Gillespie, Dustin Hoffman, Willie Nelson, Thelonious Monk, and Arthur Miller. During his visit to Washington College, Amram offered a “music/poetry” workshop and an open rehearsal for students.

