Maya Angelou born Marguerite Annie
Johnson was an African-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. 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.
