Philly musician Elliott Bey on Marvin X's Notes

Elliott Bey, Philadelphia musician and student of Marvin X, describes his teacher's Notes of Artistic Freedom Fighter Marvin X as a dose of, "Literary fentanyl, opioid and heroin combined! It will kill the pain of oppression and inspire the oppressed to seek liberation, personal and national. Marvin X takes no prisoners, leaves no crops standing in the manner of David. Marvin X is solid, he don't bend!" 

Some time ago, Elliott Bey instructed people on how to read Marvin's work. "Read it like you go to a buffet, i.e., read a little then let his words digest in your brain. Then go back for more. If you read too much at one time it can be overwhelming and may lead to overdose."


Elliot Bey, Philadelphia keyboard genius and associate of Marvin X, performed with Marvin, members of the Sun Ra Arkestra and Rufus Harley on a classic recording at Philly's Warm Daddies, Marvin X calls 37 Minutes of Jazz History. Bey performs with Marvin X coast to coast, e.g., Penn University Poetry Session produced by Maurice Henderson; the Germantown WMCA with Marvin, Sonia Sanchez and the Sun Ra Arkestra. On the West Coast, Bey accompanied Marvin's production of the Kings and Queens of Black Consciousness, also the San Francisco Theatre Festival at Yerba Buena Center.

Poet/Essayist/Educator/Activist Marvin X after his lecture/discussion in Davey D's Hip Hop class at
San Francisco State University, Marvin X's alma mater. He was a founding member of the Black Students Union.
photo Davey D