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Columbia, SC – Governor Henry McMaster has named Camden native and Nashville songwriter and storyteller Patrick Davis as the Poet Laureate of South Carolina.
Established in 1934, the position of Poet Laureate is one of the state’s highest cultural honors, recognizing individuals whose work has made a lasting impact on the literary and artistic landscape of South Carolina. Appointed by the Governor, the role carries a mission to promote poetry, storytelling, and creative expression across the state.
“Throughout his career, Patrick Davis has used music and words to tell the stories of our people, and we are proud to have him represent South Carolina’s rich heritage,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “His deep South Carolina roots and talent as a songwriter and storyteller make him uniquely suited to serve as our state’s Poet Laureate.”
Davis, whose career has been rooted in Nashville’s songwriting community, has long maintained deep ties to South Carolina. A native of Camden, his work consistently reflects the landscapes, people, and traditions that shaped him. Though based in Nashville, he and his wife, Lauren Jenkins Davis, spend significant time at their historic home in Camden and remain actively engaged in its cultural life.
“South Carolina has always been home. No matter where my stories, songs, and guitar have taken me over the years, I have always come back to her. She is in every line I write, every song I sing, and every dream I dream. This appointment is beyond humbling, and I look forward to shining a light on the poets, writers, storytellers, and voices—past, present, and future—across our state.” said Patrick Davis.
His most recent album, Carolina When I Die, serves as a direct tribute to his upbringing in Camden. Raised by a working musician, Davis was introduced early to a wide spectrum of songwriting—from The Beatles to James Taylor—and began performing alongside his father as a child. The album’s title track captures a life spent traveling and creating, while ultimately returning—both physically and spiritually—to the place he calls home.
In addition to his work as a recording artist and songwriter, Davis has played an active role in South Carolina’s cultural and civic communities. He serves on the boards of the Carolina Cup and the Colonial Cup, two of the state’s most enduring traditions, and contributes to their broader philanthropic impact through the Carolina Cup Racing Association.
Davis is also the creator and host of Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis, a South Carolina ETV series that explores the state’s rich musical heritage through intimate conversations and performances with acclaimed songwriters. The first season aired nationally on American Public Television and PBS, as well as statewide on SCETV, with a second season currently in production.
As Poet Laureate, Davis will focus on celebrating and elevating the voices of South Carolina’s poets, songwriters, and storytellers, while fostering a deeper appreciation for the written and spoken word across the state.
Photo credit: Lauren Jenkins
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