Coleman Bryan Barks

Coleman Bryan Barks of Athens, GA passed peacefully at home on February 23, 2026 surrounded by loved ones. He was born on April 23, 1937 to Elizabeth Bryan and Herbert Bernard Barks. He grew up on the campus of Baylor School along the Tennessee River in Chattanooga, where his father was headmaster. He attended Baylor School and was a stellar athlete who excelled at soccer and tennis. He earned his BA at UNC Chapel Hill as the first out-of-state Morehead Scholar, and his MA at the University of California, Berkeley, returning to UNC for his doctorate. Barks joined the faculty of the University of Georgia English Department in 1967, where he taught literature and creative writing to thousands of students until his retirement as professor emeritus in 1997.

In 1976, Barks’ close friend, the poet Robert Bly, showed him some academic translations of Jalal al-Din Rumi, the thirteenth-century mystic Persian poet. Bly urged Barks to “release the poems from their cages.” Later, Barks became a student of the Sri Lankan Sufi mystic Bawa Muhaiyaddeen. Thus began his long and illustrious career translating Rumi, and producing dozens of volumes including The Essential Rumi, A Year with Rumi, and ultimately, the comprehensive Big Red Book. His translations have sold millions of copies and have been translated into many languages spanning 41 countries, inspiring readers worldwide.

For decades, Barks traveled the world, performing for audiences large and small, often with music and dance ensembles including the Paul Winter Consort and Zuleikha, the Storydancer. His translation of Rumi’s “The Guest House” can be enjoyed on Coldplay’s album “A Head Full of Dreams.”

In 2004, Barks received the Juliet Hollister Award for his work supporting interfaith understanding, and in 2006, the University of Tehran awarded Barks an honorary doctorate in recognition of his translations. In March 2005, the US State Department sent him to Afghanistan as the first visiting speaker there in 25 years. Rumi was the most-read poet in both countries at the time.

In 2010, Barks was interviewed by Bill Moyers as part of two Public Broadcasting Service series on poetry, propelling him to an ever-widening audience.

In addition to his Rumi translations, Barks was an acclaimed poet in his own right. Notable titles include The Juice, Tentmaking, and Winter Sky: New and Selected Poems. Much of his finest work – including notes on his process – is archived with the Hargrett Rare Book & Manuscript Library (https://sclfind.libs.uga.edu/catalog/ms4164) at the University of Georgia.

Barks was inducted into the Georgia Writers Hall of Fame in 2009. His many literary friends and heroes included Galway Kinnell, Donald Hall, Robert Bly, Annie Dillard, James Dickey, Naomi Shihab Nye, James Hillman, and Mary Oliver.

Barks lived in Athens, Georgia for most of his adult life. Although internationally acclaimed, he was always approachable at his favorite corner seat at The Manhattan Cafe, Jittery Joe’s, or the Five Points Waffle House, ready and willing to talk about poetry, politics, or the Georgia Bulldogs. Generous with friends and strangers alike, he enjoyed laughing, dinners, conversation, buck dancing and singing, with some partiality to shape-note hymns. He found particular inspiration and peace near rivers and creeks. Outside of the written word, he expressed himself creatively through stonework and painting. He was a devoted and playful grandfather, always instilling an appreciation for whimsy and art in his children and grandchildren. His work and life were infused with humor and joy.

Coleman Barks is survived by his brother, Herb Barks; sister, Elizabeth Barks Cox; his former wife Kittsu Greenwood, and their two sons, Benjamin and Cole (m. Kelley); his grandchildren Bryan (m. Chris Miller) Tucker, Keller, Woody, Henry, and Luna; and his longtime companion, Lisa Starr. Additionally, he leaves thousands of friends and fans around the world.

The family would like to thank Family Hospice and Coleman’s wonderful caregivers. There will be a celebration of Coleman’s life on April 23, 2026 at the UGA Chapel at 4pm with a gathering at the Manhattan Cafe and Little Kings after the memorial service.

In the spirit of generosity that characterized Coleman’s life, the family encourages a donation in his name to a charity or non-profit whose work inspires you.

Suggestions include Friends of The Georgia Review https://gail.uga.edu/commit cat=campus&subcat=libraries&des=91692000 or Baylor School, where donations made in Coleman’s name will be directed to the Barks-Boehm Fund: https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/8108/donations/new?a=6935667