National Poetry Month Spotlight: "Uncle Walt"

Blue Lake Public Radio | By Foley Schuler

Published April 28, 2025 at 6:38 PM EDT

Walt Whitman Photographed by Matthew Brady, c. 1860–1865

The writings of iconic American poet Walt Whitman have inspired more works of classical music than those of any other writer in the English language besides William Shakespeare. This afternoon, on the penultimate day of National Poetry Month, Foley will explore some of his favorites.

You an hear Foley Schuler's musical selections—and stories behind the music—every weekday afternoon from 1 until 5 on Blue Lake Public Radio.

Foley Schuler

Encouraged by creative parents, Foley began his music career at age 7, studying violin with Jean Manning at North Muskegon Public Schools. As a Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp camper, he became Blue Lake Public Radio’s first high school intern. Foley earned an English Literature degree from Hope College, and Masters in Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing from the Warren Wilson College. He has performed with the West Michigan (formerly West Shore) Symphony; served on the English Department faculty at Muskegon Community College, and been the Music, Art & Theatre reviewer for the Muskegon Chronicle. He follows his love of the arts around the globe, but says, “There is no place like the Blue Lake setting, sharing extraordinary music with our listeners.” Foley hosts Blue Lake Public Radio’s weekday classical music from 1 to 5 p.m. and “Sunday on Blue Lake”.

See stories by Foley Schuler