Jesse Bernstein

Jesse Bernstein (December 4, 1950 – October 22, 1991) was an American underground writer and performance artist. Born in Los Angeles, California, he gained fame for his recordings with Sub Pop records and his close association with William S. Burroughs. Bernstein's substance abuse issues and mental illness contributed to his local celebrity, but tragically led to his suicide. After a troubled stay at Camarillo State Hospital as a teenager, he moved to Seattle, Washington in 1967, where he adopted the name Jesse and began performing and self-publishing poetry chapbooks. Though his work influenced the underground music scene, including notable fans like Kurt Cobain and Oliver Stone, Bernstein primarily saw himself as a writer and performer.