Paul Bowles

Multifaceted American Composer, Author, and Traveler

Paul Bowles was an American composer, author, and translator, best known for his literary works such as the novel "The Sheltering Sky." Born on December 30, 1910, in New York City, he pursued music before turning to writing. As a composer, Bowles studied with Aaron Copland and engaged with various musical forms, including classical, jazz, and music inspired by his travels. He composed for stage productions and films and was also known for his field recordings of traditional Moroccan music. His work in music is less widely recognized than his literary contributions but remains an important part of his artistic legacy. Bowles spent much of his life in Tangier, Morocco, where he became a central figure in the expatriate artistic community. He passed away on November 18, 1999.