The John Sinclair Radio Show with special guest, New Orleans poet, Don Paul. Photo via Creative Commons.

John Sinclair, poet, music producer and counterculture figure has died. He was 82.

John Sinclair was a prominent figure in American counterculture and music history. Born on October 2, 1941, Sinclair is best known for his activism in the 1960s and 1970s as a leader of the White Panther Party, a revolutionary group associated with the Detroit music scene and the broader counterculture movement. Sinclair was also a key figure in the promotion of rock music and was the manager of the influential band MC5.

In addition to his activism and music management roles, John Sinclair was a poet, writer, and radio broadcaster. He is known for his contributions to the Beat Generation literary movement and his advocacy for marijuana legalization.

Over the years, Sinclair remained active in social and political causes, continuing to speak out on issues related to civil rights, drug policy reform, and the arts.

Sinclair had already accomplished the work of a lifetime when he came to live in New Orleans in the early 1990s. During his time in New Orleans Sinclair left an indelible impression on the city though his work as a journalist, historian, poet, performance artist and radio host. He will be missed.

More details will be available soon.

John Sinclair, poet, music producer and counterculture figure has died. He was 82.