Maya Angelou — Timeline
Key moments in the life of Maya Angelou.
1928
Born Marguerite Annie Johnson on April 4 in St. Louis, Missouri
1945
Gave birth to her son Guy Johnson at age 16
1952
Performed as a calypso dancer and singer, taking the stage name 'Maya Angelou'
1961
Made her off-Broadway acting debut in 'The Blacks'
1969
Published her autobiography 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,' which became an international bestseller
1971
Published her second autobiography 'Gather Together in My Name'
1981
Appointed as Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University, a position she held for 32 years
1993
Recited her poem 'On the Pulse of Morning' at President Bill Clinton's presidential inauguration
2000
Published her sixth autobiography 'A Song Flung Up to Heaven'
2014
Died on May 28 at age 86 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina