I learned that poet and author Maya Angelou passed today.  I met her a few years back – she was a bit wobbly, but as always, in fine strong voice.  I showed her this LP that has always been a favorite.  Not only was she a babe, but the record is actually pretty good – and randy.  She’s worn many hats over the years, and singing and dancing was a big part of her life, with a great many references in her writings: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings; Singin’ and Swingin’ and Gettin’ Merry Like Christmas; Shaker, Why Don’t You Sing? and All God’s Children Need Traveling Shoes (from the song “Twist In My Sobriety” by Tanita Tikaram?).

Well, I handed her the LP and she stretched it away from her to accommodate her eyes, and boomed in cadence, “My Dear…I have not… seen this record… in Fif-ty years.”