Early Signed Photograph and Movie Poster for "Miss Calypso"

Signed photograph of the important poet and civil rights activist, in her early years as a dancer and singer, together with an original movie poster from her 1957 film Calypso Heat Wave. Angelou has inscribed the photograph to her friend and roommate Phoebe Wray (Phoebe Rae Gregory) a fellow actress, screenwriter, author, poet and human rights advocate: "Phoebe Rae I will accept nothing but the best.  You're capable of it.  My Love, Maya." Angelou is pictured between two unidentified men, holding their hands, in this image from around the time of the film. 

As Angelou did not change her given name (Marguerite Annie Johnson) to Maya until 1957, this is an early example of a photograph signed with that name. Stamped on the verso by the photographer, William H. Marshall. Some edge and corner wear with small thumbtack holes in each corner. Movie poster in very good condition, with folding creases, a small hole, and some minor wear. 27 x 41 inches.

While working as a professional dancer in San Francisco in the 1950's, Angelou's managers suggested she change her stage name to the exotic-sounding Maya Angelou. Capitalizing on the popularity of calypso music at the time, in 1957 she recorded the album Miss Calypso, and the same year appeared in the film Calypso Heat Wave. Then 29, Angelou already had experience as a performer, having danced with the Alvin Ailey Dance Company, toured Europe in Porgy and Bess, and starred in an off-Broadway calypso-themed review which inspired the film. (14617)

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Signed Photograph

Poster

Film

Literature

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