Episode 1
Moving to Los Angeles in the late 1950s, Maya gets an unexpected visit from singing legend Billie Holiday. Stars Nina Sosanya.
Dramatisation of the fourth volume of Maya Angelou's iconic memoirs.
It's the late 1950's and Maya has moved to Los Angeles. She receives an unexpected visit from singing legend Billie Holiday.
Billie came back a further four times to spend her evenings with Maya and Maya's son Guy, shortly before she died.
Dramatised in five parts by Janice Okoh.
Maya /Narrator ...... Adjoa Andoh
Maya ...... Pippa Bennett-Warner
Billie Holiday ...... Nina Sosanya
Guy ...... Will Romain
Wilkie ...... Steve Toussaint
The books that make up the life and times of Maya Angelou are some of the best, most beautiful and haunting pieces of autobiography written.
They run the gamut from life affirming to tragedy and back again with a tone that is a joyous, direct and searingly honest, and are an extraordinary portrait of 20th century black America.
Director: Pauline Harris
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2018.
Last on
More episodes
Previous
You are at the first episode
![]()
The Amazing Maya Angelou
Joyous and haunting, mysterious and memorable - her life story is incredible.
Broadcasts
Mon 26 Nov 201810:45BBC Radio 4- Mon 26 Nov 201819:45BBC Radio 4
- Mon 20 Feb 202307:15BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Mon 20 Feb 202312:15BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Mon 20 Feb 202317:15BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Tue 21 Feb 202302:15BBC Radio 4 Extra
10 surprising things you might not know about Maya Angelou
Intriguing facts about her extraordinary life.
14 famous people who have been inspired by Maya Angelou
Maya’s life, work and wisdom inspired many people to achieve great things too.
10 incredible Maya Angelou quotes to live your life by
Astonishing words from one of the 20th Century's most iconic writers and poets.
Subscribe to the podcast
Dramatisations of Maya Angelou’s autobiographies, plus specially selected archive.
