Today we’d like to introduce you to Abyss Graham.
Abyss, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I lost three major pillars in my life. Grandmother, Aunt and my Mother in a tragic car wreck where they sustained injuries that led to their demise. So depressed and honorably discharged from the military I couldn’t afford professional help so I started journaling and that lead me to an Open Mic which led me to an opportunity to open up the ‘Baduizm’ Album release party in Jacksonville FL.
After realizing there was something about being able to express yourself in front of strangers with original work was alluring. I linked with a group called the Positive 3rd’ headed by mentors and comrades Al Letson and Marlon Livers so hearing About Goodie Mob and Outkast in the late ’90s .ATL was the natural order of progression. So upon moving I attended a comedy show at the Florida Theater with the likes of Zooman, Earthquake, Sommore and Bo P. My homie Charles Wesco said he knew the Promoter that was running the show Jide Teribe of Madd Funny Entertainment.
So studying the comedians, I developed timing crowd control and a sense of confidence I was working out in front of sold out civic centers and Coliseums… I met Joe Torry and he told me “Never give the people anything they can give back to you” translation make sure your work is dope on any given day. FFWD I was working at GE capital and I was contacted by Walter T Mudu about my availability to film HBO Def Poetry Season 1. YES I’m available! A week later 9/11 The show was postponed until the following month. FFWD We won a Peabody Award for the 1st Season of Def Poetry and I’ve been running ever since!
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 hasn’t been a smooth road. Although the professional career took off a little later for me. I was 27 years of age before I was taking it serious. I’ve been to clubs where no one wanted to hear poetry and was able to change the temperature in the room and for that reason I knew I wanted to be the thermostat and not the thermometer. I survived the era where most people didn’t expect the Poet to be paid at a Poetry Show. I looked at this like my talent is my poetry God-Given so it will make room. I should be paid for my craft. Dealing with Janky Promoters will give you savvy dealing with the shenanigans of the entertainment business. Getting paid has always been a challenge because quality is subjective! So this is why I traveled so much so see what was in the water to realize I have more than a chance!
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
A Bright Young Soul Searching aka A.B.Y.S.S. 22 years in the Poetry Industry and counting.
Peabody Award-winning POET/Musician/EMCEE. Has performed at The Jimmy Carter Library and Museum 3x, Performed for Bill Clinton at SCLC Ribbon Cutting Ceremony The National Archives w/Lin Manuel Miranda (Washington DC) Kuumba Award Winner (Arts Xchange) Creative Loafing’s Spoken Word Artist of the Year (2013), the 1st Poet on 106th and Park. (AJ & Free)The ONLY Poet on a CD with PRINCE (RS2 Rhonda Smith) the Gospel Choice Awards (12th Annual) I appeared on HBO Def Poetry 3x, 2nd Season of BETJ Lyric Cafe, Motivational Speaker. I’ve worked as a teaching artist at the Alliance Theater. I’ve worked as an independent contractor with the Boys and Girls Club Of America. I’ve volunteered for numerous career days ranging from Elementary, Middle and High School Grade classes. I’ve toured extensively through the College Circuit NACA and APCA Agencies.
I’m currently fulfilling a residency with Sofar Sounds. I’ve Hosted and curated Poetry Events at the Historical Apache Cafe circa 2001. I was casted for a recurring role on the first scripted BET sitcom called The Somebodies. I starred in an Award-Winning Documentary called “Divided Time” which showcased me performing this craft called Poetry. I served seven years on the Atlanta Community Food Bank as Board Member under the guidance of Bill Bolling. I performed for the Amending America Program at the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum commemorating the 225th Year celebration of the Bill Of Rights. I highlighted the Freedom Of Speech portion with my performance. I have performed my Black History Program “Amplified Melanin’ at the Jimmy Carter Library the last two years. Last and definitely not least I also starred in a documentary on PBS called “Talking Black In America” which featured Poets, Linguists, English Professors and Historians speaking about the origins of our language. What separates me the others is I treat my Best like it’s my Average There is always room to grow! If I’m the smartest person in the room I’m leaving!
What were you like growing up?
Outgoing, I played the trumpet. I was 4’8″ and 85 lbs when I graduated but I had a very big spirit I was into entrepreneurship in 1978 I was selling penny candy to my friends because it went up to 3 cents down the street and I would take the hit just so our prices didn’t go up! I was a leader and team player!
Contact Info:
- Phone: 16785776776
- Email: coachabyss@gmail.com
- Instagram: @Teamabyss
- Facebook: abyss2
- Twitter: @therealabyss
Image Credit:
@jenatessa @slapapoet are the photogs
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