Les Barker
Poet
British poet known for his comic poems and his musical parody performances. His numerous canine-themed poetic works include Bark Odes, Collieflowers, Rover the Rainbow, and Beagles, Bangles and Beads.
He studied to be an accountant before pursuing literary and music careers.
His poem "Guide Cats for the Blind" inspired a series of computer programs for the visually impaired.
His folk music group, the Mrs. Ackroyd Band, was named after his beloved dog.
He and composer Stephen Sondheim both included the absurdly long name of a Welsh town --Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantisiliogogogoch -- in the lyrics of a song.