Tuli

Tuli Kupferberg, born Naphtali Kupferberg on September 28, 1923, in New York City, was a pioneering American poet, author, cartoonist, publisher, and musician, best remembered as a co-founder of the avant-garde rock band The Fugs. Raised in a Yiddish-speaking household, Kupferberg graduated cum laude from Brooklyn College in 1944. His creative journey began with the launch of Birth, a poetry magazine he founded in 1958, which quickly became a hub for Beat poets like Allen Ginsberg.

In 1964, Kupferberg joined forces with Ed Sanders to form The Fugs, a band that was revolutionary in its blend of rock music with satirical, political, and sexual themes. The Fugs’ bold approach challenged traditional norms and brought a fresh perspective to the music scene.

Outside of music, Kupferberg’s countercultural spirit shone through his literary works, including 1001 Ways to Beat the Draft and 1001 Ways to Live Without Working. He also sold political cartoons in the streets of Greenwich Village and created thought-provoking homemade videos, such as “I Am an Artist For Art’s Sake,” which captured his creative philosophy.

Kupferberg’s eclectic body of work and activism left a lasting mark on the American counterculture movement. He passed away on July 12, 2010, at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire artists and activists today.