John Sinclair

(October 2, 1941 in Flint, Michigan - April 2, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan)
American poet, musician, author, White Panther Party activist, and manager of the MC5.

Sinclair lived in Detroit from 1964 to 1968, and from 1975 to 1991. In early 1969, he was put to prison on a 10-year sentence, for possession of two joints of marijuana. The severity of his sentence sparked high-profile protests, by figures such as John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Stevie Wonder, Bob Seger, Phil Ochs and Abbie Hoffman. Lennon wrote the song “John Sinclair” for him (released in the album), and after a public protest concert in December 1971, Sinclair was released from prison.

In 1982, he started writing poetry again, and wanting to set the new poems to music, he formed “The Blues Scholars”, a loose group of musicians from around the Detroit area. He released 8 albums with this group, among collaborations with other musicians as well.

He was married to Leni Sinclair.