American Masters

Maya Angelou's missed opportunity to work with Pearl Bailey

Clip: Season 31 Episode 2 | 1m 26s

As a single mother, Maya Angelou struggled to provide for her son. An opportunity to perform with Pearl Bailey would've meant a regular income and less time on the road, but unfortunately Maya was not given the job.

Aired: 02/21/17

Rating: NR

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Video thumbnail: American Masters Dr. Angelou's inauguration poem for President Bill Clinton

American Masters

Dr. Angelou's inauguration poem for President Bill Clinton

Bill Clinton decided to have a poet read at his inauguration: Dr. Maya Angelou.

Clip: S31 Ep2 | 2m 10s

Dr. Angelou's inauguration poem for President Bill Clinton

Clip: S31 Ep2 | 2m 10s

Video thumbnail: American Masters Behind the Scenes: Common, Rita Coburn-Whack & Maya Angelou

American Masters

Behind the Scenes: Common, Rita Coburn-Whack & Maya Angelou

Rita Coburn-Whack originally introduced Maya Angelou and Common.

Clip: S31 Ep2 | 1m 37s

Behind the Scenes: Common, Rita Coburn-Whack & Maya Angelou

Clip: S31 Ep2 | 1m 37s

Video thumbnail: American Masters Learn why Maya Angelou signed with Porgy and Bess

American Masters

Learn why Maya Angelou signed with Porgy and Bess

Dr. Maya Angelou started her career singing and dancing in San Francisco.

Clip: S31 Ep2 | 57s

Learn why Maya Angelou signed with Porgy and Bess

Clip: S31 Ep2 | 57s

Video thumbnail: American Masters Dr. Maya Angelou's Inspiration and Poetry

American Masters

Dr. Maya Angelou's Inspiration and Poetry

Learn how Dr. Maya Angelou began writing and reading poetry as a child.

Clip: S31 Ep2 | 3m 53s

Dr. Maya Angelou's Inspiration and Poetry

Clip: S31 Ep2 | 3m 53s

Video thumbnail: American Masters Hear how Maya Angelou met Tupac Shakur for the first time

American Masters

Hear how Maya Angelou met Tupac Shakur for the first time

Without realizing it, Maya Angelou met Tupac Shakur.

Clip: S31 Ep2 | 1m 52s

Hear how Maya Angelou met Tupac Shakur for the first time

Clip: S31 Ep2 | 1m 52s

Video thumbnail: American Masters See Maya Angelou's early performances in the Bay Area

American Masters

See Maya Angelou's early performances in the Bay Area

Maya Angelou transitioned from dancing to singing early in her career.

Clip: S31 Ep2 | 59s

See Maya Angelou's early performances in the Bay Area

Clip: S31 Ep2 | 59s

Video thumbnail: American Masters Listen to Dr. Maya Angelou's take on creative writing

American Masters

Listen to Dr. Maya Angelou's take on creative writing

Dr. Maya Angelou describes the challenges she faced as a writer.

Clip: S31 Ep2 | 49s

Listen to Dr. Maya Angelou's take on creative writing

Clip: S31 Ep2 | 49s

Video thumbnail: American Masters Learn about Norman Lear's friendship with Dr. Maya Angelou

American Masters

Learn about Norman Lear's friendship with Dr. Maya Angelou

Learn how Norman Lear struck up a friendship with Dr. Maya Angelou.

Clip: S31 Ep2 | 2m 2s

Learn about Norman Lear's friendship with Dr. Maya Angelou

Clip: S31 Ep2 | 2m 2s

Video thumbnail: American Masters Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise - Trailer

American Masters

Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise - Trailer

Maya Angelou gave people the freedom to think about their history in a way they never had.

Preview: S31 Ep2 | 2m 38s

Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise - Trailer

Preview: S31 Ep2 | 2m 38s

Video thumbnail: American Masters Maya Angelou On Teaching

American Masters

Maya Angelou On Teaching

Maya Angelou speaks about her work as a teacher and what she shares with her students.

Clip: S31 Ep2 | 2m 13s

Maya Angelou On Teaching

Clip: S31 Ep2 | 2m 13s

Video thumbnail: American Masters PBS Previews: Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise

American Masters

PBS Previews: Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise

A behind-the-scenes look at American Masters - Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise

Preview: S31 Ep2 | 2m

PBS Previews: Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise

Preview: S31 Ep2 | 2m

Video thumbnail: American Masters Go behind the scenes with John Singleton

American Masters

Go behind the scenes with John Singleton

John Singleton shares why he believes Dr. Angelou's story is so important.

Clip: S31 Ep2 | 1m 30s

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Clip: S31 Ep2 | 1m 30s

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