(1928 – 2014)

Maya Angelou was known primarily (and deservedly) as a poet and best-selling author, delivering the poem “In the Pulse of the Morning” as part of President Bill Clinton’s inauguration ceremonies. She was far less known for her early career as a singer; she herself seldom referred to this facet of her life. In 1957, at the age of 27, she made a recording as a calypso singer, Miss Calypso, which consisted of quite respectable calypso with mild pop and world music influences. Also featuring light guitar, conga, drum, and bongo accompaniment, the album was reissued on CD in 1996. 

Maya Angelou died on May 28, 2014 at her home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina at the age of 86. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, and is credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning over 50 years. She received dozens of awards and more than 50 honorary degrees.[3] Angelou is best known for her series of seven autobiographies, which focus on her childhood and early adult experiences. The first, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969), tells of her life up to the age of 17 and brought her international recognition and acclaim.  Her passing brought worldwide reflection on her long presence as one of the most important African-American authors, artists, activists, and educators of her time.