Rapper, actor, painter and author Danny Simmons is a man of many talents. Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, Simmons made a name for himself in the arts community with his prolific output and commitment to social justice.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the highlights of Danny Simmons’ career thus far.
by David Stone
Danny Simmons is the co-founder of Def Poetry Jam. It was a hip-hop poetry performance series that was created in partnership with HBO.
Even with all his other work, he may be best known for it. Eventually, the show, created with his brother Russell, won them a Tony Award after migrating to Broadway.
The series ran for six seasons and featured some of the most popular and influential poets of the time, including Maya Angelou, Saul Williams, and Nikki Giovanni.
In addition to showcasing the work of established poets, Def Poetry Jam also gave rise to a new generation of spoken word artists, many of whom have gone on to achieve success in the music and entertainment industries.
He remains an important figure in the world of poetry, and his impact can still be felt today.
But There’s So Much More
In recent years, Simmons has been focused on his painting career. He opened the Corridor Gallery in Brooklyn in 2007, which showcases his vibrant and colorful abstract artwork.
His work has been featured in international exhibitions and is in the permanent collections of several museums, including the Studio Museum in Harlem and the Brooklyn Museum.
Simmons is also an active philanthropist. He is the founder of Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, which provides access to the arts for underserved youth. He is also a board member of Revolve Impact, an organization that invests in social entrepreneurs around the world.
Summing Up Danny Simmons
Danny Simmons is a true renaissance man.
From his days as a pioneering rapper to his current work as a painter and philanthropist, he has always been driven by a need to create and make a change in the world.
[…] See also: Who Is Danny Simmons, New York City Rennaisance Man? […]