I (a Brit) do find the US a fascinating place. Where else would you find people going to business school then becoming poets or music writers? It’s an astonishingly diverse country.
I was the University Photographer at Stanford for 26 years, I photographed almost every commencement during that time. People would ask me what was the best commencement address I ever saw, Steve Jobs? Bill and Melinda? Ken Burns? Oprah? I would say, hands down, Dana Gioia.
Thanks so much, Ted, for sharing this story about your brother Dana. (And it's so great to hear about such a great and supportive relationship between brothers. You are both lucky men for it.) I look forward to hearing more about you and Dana in the future.
Truth be told, I became aware of Dana long before I became aware of The Honest Broker (which I'm very grateful I did). Years ago, I read Dana's excellent book, "Can Poetry Matter?"
Here's what Google Books says about it:
"In 1991, Dana Gioia's provocative essay "Can Poetry Matter?" was published in the Atlantic Monthly, and received more public response than any other piece in the magazine's history. In his book, Gioia more fully addressed the question: Is there a place for poetry to be part of modern American mainstream culture? Ten years later, the debate is as lively and heated as ever. Graywolf is pleased to re-issue this highly acclaimed collection in a handsome new edition, which includes a new Introduction by distinguished critic and poet, Dana Gioia."
I HIGHLY recommend this book to all readers of The Honest Broker. Especially if you're not currently a fan of the art form, it will likely open (as it did for me) important doors in your mind. Check it out.
Thank you for sharing your memories of Dana and introducing us to his work. I particularly am struck with how this brilliant, accomplished big brother never overshadowed his younger brother, but rather nurtured and encouraged him.
I discovered him through his amazing video on Wallace Stevens. Great stuff! You're one lucky son of a gun - or, brother of a gun - to have grown up with him
Love the poems, Ted, and all the best to you and your brother. What a pair! As for "Too Bad," when I was a kid at school, I sent my father a telegram: "No mon. No fun. Your son." He replied, "So sad. Too bad. Your Dad." PG
The Gioia family is truly remarkable. Dana’s Conversation with Tyler is so great that I’ve listened to it multiple times. Dana’s YouTube channel is also great, with his analyses of poetry and creativity. And Ted’s kids are highly accomplished too. Really a testament to your parents, Ted.
That convo with Cowen is where I first discovered your fascinating brother. That other convo with Cowen is how I discovered you! Grateful on both fronts.
Feb 11, 2023·edited Feb 12, 2023Liked by Ted Gioia
I've long been a fan of Dana Gioia's poetry and how he's trod the same path as other great poets/professionals/businessmen like Wallace Stevens and William Carlos Williams. In addition to enjoying his poetry (and his crucial Atlantic article, "Can Poetry Matter?"), I'm grateful that when I first saw the name "Ted Gioia," I thought, "I'll check this guy out -- maybe he's related to Dana, in which case, I'll bet he's worth reading!" I was right.
I (a Brit) do find the US a fascinating place. Where else would you find people going to business school then becoming poets or music writers? It’s an astonishingly diverse country.
Thank you for sharing this. Hot Summer Night is a wonderful poem, particularly the third verse which I just thought was beautiful.
I was the University Photographer at Stanford for 26 years, I photographed almost every commencement during that time. People would ask me what was the best commencement address I ever saw, Steve Jobs? Bill and Melinda? Ken Burns? Oprah? I would say, hands down, Dana Gioia.
It must have been fun growing up with a brother like Dana. Now I want to hear HIS stories about YOU!
Fascinating family. Thanks for sharing more of your life. Great to have a big brother like that. Such an inspiration.
I was pretty excited when I saw the title of the post. I knew there was a 50/50 chance...
Thanks so much, Ted, for sharing this story about your brother Dana. (And it's so great to hear about such a great and supportive relationship between brothers. You are both lucky men for it.) I look forward to hearing more about you and Dana in the future.
Truth be told, I became aware of Dana long before I became aware of The Honest Broker (which I'm very grateful I did). Years ago, I read Dana's excellent book, "Can Poetry Matter?"
Here's what Google Books says about it:
"In 1991, Dana Gioia's provocative essay "Can Poetry Matter?" was published in the Atlantic Monthly, and received more public response than any other piece in the magazine's history. In his book, Gioia more fully addressed the question: Is there a place for poetry to be part of modern American mainstream culture? Ten years later, the debate is as lively and heated as ever. Graywolf is pleased to re-issue this highly acclaimed collection in a handsome new edition, which includes a new Introduction by distinguished critic and poet, Dana Gioia."
I HIGHLY recommend this book to all readers of The Honest Broker. Especially if you're not currently a fan of the art form, it will likely open (as it did for me) important doors in your mind. Check it out.
Thank you for sharing your memories of Dana and introducing us to his work. I particularly am struck with how this brilliant, accomplished big brother never overshadowed his younger brother, but rather nurtured and encouraged him.
"They never say later. They only say now.
Let’s live in the flesh and not on a screen.
Let’s dress like people who want to be seen."
Love this!
I discovered him through his amazing video on Wallace Stevens. Great stuff! You're one lucky son of a gun - or, brother of a gun - to have grown up with him
Love the poems, Ted, and all the best to you and your brother. What a pair! As for "Too Bad," when I was a kid at school, I sent my father a telegram: "No mon. No fun. Your son." He replied, "So sad. Too bad. Your Dad." PG
The Gioia family is truly remarkable. Dana’s Conversation with Tyler is so great that I’ve listened to it multiple times. Dana’s YouTube channel is also great, with his analyses of poetry and creativity. And Ted’s kids are highly accomplished too. Really a testament to your parents, Ted.
That convo with Cowen is where I first discovered your fascinating brother. That other convo with Cowen is how I discovered you! Grateful on both fronts.
Dana Gioia- too many vowels to not succeed in life and the arts
I've long been a fan of Dana Gioia's poetry and how he's trod the same path as other great poets/professionals/businessmen like Wallace Stevens and William Carlos Williams. In addition to enjoying his poetry (and his crucial Atlantic article, "Can Poetry Matter?"), I'm grateful that when I first saw the name "Ted Gioia," I thought, "I'll check this guy out -- maybe he's related to Dana, in which case, I'll bet he's worth reading!" I was right.
Bellow? Cheever? And to me most wondrous of all, you got to go to a HOROWITZ recital? What I'd give...