The Recording Academy Statement Re: Maya Angelou

Santa Monica, CA (Top40 Charts/ Recording Academy) Three-time GRAMMY winner Maya Angelou was a true Renaissance woman who literally did it all. Fearless and uninhibited, she was a trailblazer who broke color and gender barriers through her passionate and articulate prose and poetry, ultimately becoming 'the people's poet.' Her eloquence and honesty led to her well-earned success, and she fully appreciated the sound and music of language and the spoken word. This world citizen was and always will be a national treasure, and our culture is infinitely better because of her indelible contributions. Our deepest sympathies go out to her family, friends and all of us who have benefited from her infinite wisdom.

Neil Portnow
President/CEO
The Recording Academy