Big Swole

I am a storyteller that happens to be poet. I write the same way that I read. I can visualize every word. As a performer , I strive to do the exact same thing for the audience.

Harold Outley’s Bio
Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Harold began writing at age 19 as a way to escape mentally from the environment he was surrounded in. After performing in front of a crowd for the first time at age 25, he’s embraced that aspect of it ever since. His style of poetry is that of a storyteller, taking the listener on a journey, while creating a visual in the process. While considering this a gift and understanding that this gift should not be taken for granted and meant to be shared and Harold has always and continue d to be thankful for those who take the time to listen.

Since arriving in Atlanta in 2009, Harold first performed at the Apache Café and although unknown to most he was well received. From that point he’s had the opportunity to perform at various events throughout the city such as Spoken Word and a Touch of Jazz at the Riverdale Town Centre and Pinot, Painting and Poetry’s inaugural fundraiser sponsored by the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. He has also been a featured poet at Poetic Flows, which is a monthly open mic showcase hosted by Ken Warner. He’s also performed at the Do You Lyric Lounge hosted by Lady Vee the Poet. Participated and won at Feed A Starving Artist monthly competition as well and performed at numerous open mic events throughout the city.
Harold is a member of Al-Karim Temple #242 Prince Hall Shriners, a charitable organization based in Riverdale, Georgia. He has performed at various events benefitting the fight against breast cancer, diabetes and battered women. He uses the gift of poetry while participating in the Shriners as Mentors program to encourage young men to use writing as a constructive method to express themselves.

In 2017, Harold has begun recording a debut cd entitled Words Spoken By Mr. Outley Vol 1 and performed on the Between Poets program , which is a local cable television show featuring local Atlanta Spoken Word artists. He also became a Radio Personality while given the honor of joining IBNX Radio Network as a co-host on a weekly program called He and She Speaks. In March of 2017, he became the host of Free Your Mind Fridays, an open mic showcase for poets and singers. Stayed tuned because there is so much more coming as he strives to use every avenue to share his gift to the world.