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Bingo GazingoAmerican poet
Date of Birth: 02.06.1924
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Bingo Gazingo: The Eccentric New Yorker Poet
- Breakthrough with WFMU
- "Stream of Consciousness" Poetry
- Collaborations and Performances
- WFMU Recordings
- Death and Legacy
Bingo Gazingo: The Eccentric New Yorker Poet
Early Life and CareerMurray Wax was born in Queens on June 2, 1924. A dedicated postal worker by day, Wax spent much of his life as an unknown poet. Despite his lack of recognition, he continued to write prolifically.
Breakthrough with WFMU
In the early 1990s, Wax's poetry found an audience on the non-commercial radio station WFMU. His album, "Bingo Gazingo," became the only WFMU release to feature a single artist. Recorded with impromptu accompaniment from station DJs, the album showcased Wax's bizarre and often vulgar rhymes, with titles like "Up Your Jurassic Park" and "I Love You So Fucking Much I Can't Shit."
"Stream of Consciousness" Poetry
Wax's poetry was known for its "stream of consciousness" style, characterized by playful rhymes, absurdist humor, and a liberal use of profanity. His odes to Madonna, Tupac Shakur, and Beavis and Butthead became cult favorites.
Collaborations and Performances
Wax often collaborated with the performer known as "My Robot Friend," who accompanied him during live readings. Together, they performed at the Outsider Music Festival in New York and toured Europe. In 2004, Wax appeared in the documentary "Kiss Loves You," sharing his insights on the triumphs and absurdities of being a KISS fan.
WFMU Recordings
In 2003, Wax recorded several tracks for GRANDGOOD in Centerport, Long Island. DJ Mat Young of Bully Records remixed some of these recordings, but neither the originals nor the remixes have been released.
Death and Legacy
Tragically, Wax was killed on January 1, 2010, when he was struck by a taxi on his way to a performance at the Bowery Poetry Club, where he had been a regular Monday night reader for many years. Wax died at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy of eccentric and unforgettable poetry.
