Russell Atkins is a musician, playwright, and poet from Cleveland, Ohio, known primarily for his contributions to American avant garde poetry. He was born in 1926 and raised on Cleveland's east side by three women - his mother, his grandmother, and his aunt Mae - after his father deserted the family. The family resided in Atkins' aunt Mae's home. Trained as a musician and visual artist, Atkins studied at Cleveland College, Cleveland Music School Settlement, Cleveland Institute of Music, Karamu House, and Cleveland School of Art.