Today we’d like to introduce you to Harold Outley.
Harold, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Originally from Detroit, Michigan, I began writing at age 19 as a way to escape mentally from the environment he was surrounded in. After performing in front of a crowd for the first time at age 25, and performed horribly, I didn’t get on stage for two years. During that time I worked on my stage presence/performing skills; afterwards, I’ve embraced that aspect of it ever since. My style of poetry is that of a storyteller, taking the listener on a journey while creating a visual in the process. While considering this a gift and understanding that this gift should not be taken for granted and meant to be shared and I am and will always continue to be thankful for those who take the time to listen.
I moved to Atlanta in 2008 and after getting adjusted, I immediately started looking for open mic events, eventually finding out about Apache Cafe. Since that time I’ve performed at numerous events around the city and been a featured Poet at several events as well.
In 2017, I became a Radio Personality while given the honor of joining IBNX Radio Network as a co-host on a weekly segment called He and She Speaks. In March of 2017, I created Free Your Mind Fridays, an open mic showcase for poets and singers. From being a cast member in For Colored Girls stage play to now being the co-host on Industreets With Tina B and Mr.Outley on Status Network and was recently named ATL’s Hottest Spoken Word Artist for 2018 as well. Finally, In January of this year, I began recording my debut project entitled Words Spoken By Mr. Outley Vol 1, which will be released this year. I am also the creator/director and host of a monthly 1-hour show Free Your Mind Friday Live. It’s an 1-hour live show (Similar format to Def Poetry Jam) highlighting Spoken Word Artists throughout the Atlanta Metro area that is also shown on Status Network/Global Vision TV. Please stay tuned because there is so much more coming as I strive to use every avenue to share his gift to the world.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has definitely not been a rough road, to say the least. Growing up in Dexter\Davison area on the west side of Detroit presented a number of challenges in itself. Raised in a single parent home during that era the odds were already stacked. Despite the numerous mistakes made over the years, including a felony drug charge right after turning 21 that haunted me for years, I made the decision to turn my life around and writing helped channel much of the negative energy that I carried for so long. I’ve been fortunate enough to mentor young boys and encourage them to use writing in the same way as I did.
Please tell us about Harold Outley.
I am a Spoken Word Artist/Event Host/Media Personality and will be making my acting debut as well this year. I am most known for being a Poet but that is starting to change. I am the most proud of my perseverance. I could have quite a long time ago, been a statistic, but having the drive to keep going and not only excel in my passion but also in my career in Information Technology. I believe what sets me apart from others is the very thing that kept me off the stage for those two years, my stage presence/ performing ability. It’s one thing to just recite some words, but to connect with the audience while performing, creating that visual, and everyone is looking and listening to me and not their cell phones is PRICELESS!
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t believe in luck, coincidence, or happenstance. Every single thing that occurs in life does so by design in my opinion and that’s how I live and view life as a whole.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 678-542-0201
- Email: haroldeoutley@yahoo.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/mroutley75
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/MrOutley75
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/MrOutley75
Image Credit:
TLBPhotography and Curtis Jenkins Photography
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