Langston Hughes, born on February 1st, 1906 published his first poem The Weary Blues in 1926, and went on to become the poet laureate of the African American experience. The Poetry Foundation notes that, “the popular writer of the Harlem Renaissance gave hopeful expression to the aspirations of the oppressed, even as he decried racism and injustice.†In addition to poetry, he published fiction, drama, autobiography, and translations. The Academy of American Poets writes that Hughes is known for his insightful, colorful portrayals of black life in America from the Twenties through the Sixties and for his engagement with the world of jazz and the influence it had on his writing. All in all, the life and work of Langston Hughes that helped shape the artistic contributions of black America still resonates today, more than 100 years after his birth.
In a 1958 interview conducted by Eve Corey for Pacifica station WBAI–New York, Langston Hughes became part of Pacifica Radio’s broadcast history when he discussed his life and read some of his early poetry. On this week’s episode of From the Vault, we’ll revisit that discussion, as well as hear excerpts from the 1968 Langston Hughes Memorial, broadcast on Pacifica Radio KPFK–Los Angeles a year after his passing.
The recordings used in this program were preserved in part by preservation grants from the National Endowment for the Arts.
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