Hear Angelou talk about the influence of radio on her childhood from The Biography Channel by clicking on player. Other Angelou clips here.

More evidence that poetry is regaining its importance in today”s world – poet Maya Angelou will be hosting her own syndicated satellite radio show this fall. Angelou has been signed by the Oprah and Friends radio network channel on XM Satellite Radio. The channel is produced by Harpo Radio of Chicago. XM Satellite radio is the nation”s largest provider of satellite radio.

Oprah signed a 3 year $55 million contract with XM radio back in February with plans to begin broadcasting this month. Besides Angelou, the station, which airs on XM channel 156, will feature shows hosted by Nate Berkus, Dr. Mehmet Oz, Bob Greene, Dr. Robin Smith and Marianne Williamson. Angelou”s show will debut on September 25 on the subscription radio service, and will feature the poet sharing stories of her life and her philosophies on politics, race, sex, age and religion. Angelou is widely regarded as a “popular poet”. Her credits include the book I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and Oprah Book Club selection Heart of a Woman. Her collection of poetry, Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water Fore I Diiie was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in 1971. In 1993, she recited a poem at Clinton”s inauguration.