Lew Welch

Lewis Barrett Welch Jr. (August 16, 1926 – c. May 23, 1971) was an American poet associated with the Beat generation literary movement.

After college, Welch moved to New York City, where he worked writing copy in the advertising industry.

Wanting to get back to poetry, Welch applied for a transfer to Montgomery Ward's Oakland headquarters.

In 1960, poet Lenore Kandel met Welch and Snyder, who introduced her to many people in the Beat movement.

[11] He acted as the stepfather to her son Hugh Anthony Cregg III, better known by his stage-name Huey Lewis.

[11] On May 23, 1971, Welch walked out of poet Gary Snyder's house in the mountains of California, leaving behind a suicide note.