Maya Angelou

by Richie UnterbergerMaya Angelou is 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 Clintons inauguration ceremonies. She is far less known for her early career as a singer; she herself seldom refers to this facet of her background. 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.