
BIO
#7 RANKED POET IN THE U.S.
AGE: 41
HOMETOWN: EAST CHICAGO, IN
CURRENT CITY: SAN DIEGO, CA
Joe McClain Jr. is a retired Navy veteran, author of 13 books, spoken word artist, and dynamic inspirational speaker. With a magnetic personality and a gift for captivating audiences, Joe has made a name for himself as a sought-after figure in the literary and entertainment industries.
Born and raised in East Chicago, Indiana, Joe's journey has taken him from humble beginnings to rubbing shoulders with some of the most prominent figures in professional sports and Hollywood. His literary works have been obtained by numerous figures in organizations such as the NBA, NFL, MLB, and the Hollywood entertainment industry, earning him a reputation as a talented wordsmith who can evoke powerful emotions through his craft.
Joe's talent doesn't stop with writing, however. As a former top 25 world-ranked poet, and current #7 ranked poet in the nation, he has graced stages both nationally and internationally, leaving audiences mesmerized with his electrifying performances. His spoken word artistry has even led to remarkable opportunities, opening for platinum-selling R&B/Neo Soul artists Joe, Jon B, and Dwele. He has also been featured on Button Poetry and All Def Poetry, two of the biggest poetry platforms in the world.
​
Currently residing in San Diego, California, Joe continues to inspire and uplift through his writing and speaking engagements. Combining his experiences in the Navy with his undeniable talent for storytelling, he brings a unique perspective to his work, leaving a lasting impact on those who have the privilege of hearing him speak.
​
Joe McClain Jr. is a shining example of how passion, resilience, and a commitment to sharing one's gift can lead to a life of purpose and fulfillment. Whether through the written word or his dynamic performances, Joe is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of others, leaving a legacy that will inspire generations to come.

RESUME
Headline performer at:
The Ohio State University
North Dakota State University
University of Tulsa
​
-Featured on All Def Poetry & Button Poetry
​
-Opened for platinum Neo Soul/R&B artists Joe, Jon B. and Dwele
​
-13x author
​
-2025 Blackberry Peach National Poetry Slam, Final Stage, #7 ranked poet in the U.S.
​
-2025 Fall Brawl Poetry Slam Invitational
Runner-up (Sin)
​
-July 2025, Seattle Seahawks Reclaiming Wellness Conference, Lumen Field
​
-2025 Bigfoot Regional Poetry Slam
Runner-Up (Smoke Slam, Houston)
​​
-Charm City Slam '25
​​
-L.A. Ink Slam '25
​​
-2025 Chicharra Poetry Slam Festival
Top 10 finish
​​
-2025 San Diego National Invitational 3rd
place (Black Chakra, Ephriam)
​
-2025 Wine & Poetree Slam, Pittsburgh, PA
1st place
​​
​-2025 San Diego Slam Team
​​​
-2024 Pop Up Poetry Slam Seattle, 1st place
​
-2024 Bigfoot Regional Poetry Slam Champion (San Diego Slam Team)
​​
-2024 Chicharra Poetry Slam Festival
runner-up (Black Chakra)
​​
-2024 San Diego Slam Team
​​
-2024 San Diego Poetry Slam, Grand Slam Finals runner-up (Rudy Francisco)
​​
-2023 Griot & Grey Owl Poetry Slam, Duke University, Final Stage, 4th place.
​​
-2023 L.A. Ink Slam National Invitational
Runner-Up (Aman Batra)
​​
-2023 San Diego Poetry Slam, Grand Slam Finals runner-up (Rudy Francisco)
​​
-2022 La Paloma Poetry Slam runner up
(Joe Limer)
​​
-2019 Individual World Poetry Slam
Top 25 finisher (#24).
​​
-2019 La Paloma Poetry Slam Champion
​​
​​
​​
​
​
UPCOMING EVENTS
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​