I Remember Moondog

Louis Thomas Hardin May 26, 1916 - September 8, 1999

When I was in the eighth grade I encountered a brief bio of a fellow called 'Moondog' who was referred to as an eccentric musician and poet from the streets of New York.

This appeared in one of my several literature books of those times and I recall being taken aback by this fellow in Viking garb who appeared highly animated as though engaged in oratory — but likely was reciting some work of poetry he had written.

Later, I learned that he was Louis Thomas Hardin, an American musician, composer, theoretician, poet and inventor musical instruments who was blind from the age of 16.

He resided in New York City from the late 1940s until 1972 and was frequently to be found on 6th Avenue, between 52nd and 55th Streets, wearing a cloak and a horned helmet as he impersonated Odin as part of his public persona and schtick.

He would sometimes be busking with a musical instrument and material of his own creation or hawking his music. Other times he would be standing on the sidewalk quietly.

He was known to locals as "the Viking of 6th Avenue" because they were largely unaware of his musical career and proclivities as an inventor.

I never stood in judgement of him because of his eccentricities ... perhaps in part due to those of my own.