Owen Dodson was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1914. He received an undergraduate degree at Bates College and later received his MFA in playwriting from the Yale School of Drama. He was the chair of the Howard University Drama Department and also taught at Spelman College and Atlanta University.

His poetry was known for taking on a variety of different styles. At times he would write in African American dialect, and with other works, he would venture towards classical poetry. He oftentimes wrote about religion and sexuality, as he himself was gay.

In his work as a playwright, Dodson found early inspiration in Henrik Ibsen. His novels Boy at the Window and Come Hone Early, Child are considered to have autobiographical characteristics. He also served as a librettist for the opera A Christmas Miracle, composed by Mark Fax.

In 1983, Dodson passed away from cardiovascular disease.

-Lucy Koukoudian

This profile was created during the 2023-2024 academic year as part of the Song of America Fellowship Program, a project of the Classic Song Research Initiative between the Hampsong Foundation and the University of Michigan, School of Music, Theatre, and Dance.