South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has appointed Camden-native Russell “Patrick” Davis as the state’s new Poet Laureate.
The Poet Laureate serves as a statewide ambassador for poetry, participating in public readings, educational outreach, and cultural programming. The governor makes the appointment based on a recommendation from the South Carolina Arts Commission.
Davis is a critically acclaimed solo artist and a prolific songwriter. He’s also the founder of music festivals like Songwriters in Paradise and has written songs recorded by himself and celebrated artists including Guy Clark and Jimmy Buffett.