Maya Angelou was an American author, poet, dancer, actress, and singer. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, and several books of poetry, and was 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.
Born | Marguerite Annie Johnson April 4, 1928 St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. |
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Died | May 28, 2014 (aged 86) Winston-Salem, North Carolina, U.S. |
Occupation | Author, poet, civil rights activist |
Language | English |
Ethnicity | African American |
Period | 1969–2014 |
Genre | Autobiography |
Notable works |
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Spouses |
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Website | |
www.mayaangelou.com |
Maya 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.