Maya Angelou author page

Maya Angelou biography

Maya Angelou was an American author, poet, and civil rights activist. She is best known for her series of seven autobiographies, which focus on her childhood and early adult experiences. Her first autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, was published in 1969 and received international acclaim. The book was nominated for a National Book Award in 1970.

Angelou wrote several volumes of poetry, including Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water ‘fore I Diiie (1971), which was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. She also published works for younger readers, such as Life Doesn’t Frighten Me (1993), illustrated by Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Kofi and His Magic (1996).

Her literary achievements include a nomination for a Tony Award for her role in the play Look Away (1973) and three Grammy Awards for Best Spoken Word Album. In 1993, Angelou recited her poem “On the Pulse of Morning” at the inauguration of President Bill Clinton, becoming the first poet to make an inaugural recitation since Robert Frost in 1961.

Angelou received numerous honours, including the National Medal of Arts in 2000 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011. Her works have been translated into multiple languages and are widely studied in schools and universities. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings remains her most recognised work.