15 Interesting Facts About Langston Hughes

Introduction:

Langston Hughes was an iconic figure of African-American culture, a renowned poet, novelist, playwright, and social activist. Born in Missouri, Langston Hughes was one of the earliest innovators of the 20th century to use jazz music and blues as a foundation for his writing. Best known for his extraordinary lyrical and poetic works, he has left us with a legacy of body of work that will stand the test of time. To commemorate this amazing artist, here are 15 interesting facts about Langston Hughes.

Fact 1: Langston Hughes’ work is credited with the reviving of the Harlem Renaissance and jazz poetry.

During the early 20th century, the Harlem Renaissance was a period known for creative and intellectual expression in literature, music, and art. It was a time of artistic emergence and revitalization of African-American culture in the United States. Langston Hughes was at the forefront of this period, and his works were a major factor in its revival. His lyrical and poetic works, which often incorporated jazz music and blues, served as a connection between African-American culture and the wider audience.

Fact 2: He wrote more than sixty publications including plays, novels, short stories, and poems.

Throughout his career, Langston Hughes wrote over sixty works, including plays, novels, short stories, and poems. He is renowned for his most famous work, The Weary Blues, which was the first of many books he published. He also wrote some of his best known works such as Not Without Laughter, The Panther and the Lash, and his acclaimed collection of poems, Montage of a Dream Deferred. His works paint a vivid portrait of both the suffering and joy of African-American life in the early 20th century.

Fact 3: Langston Hughes wrote constantly throughout his life.

Langston Hughes was an incredibly prolific writer. He wrote throughout his entire life, from his adolescence to his death in 1967. He wrote daily – whether it was poetry or prose. Even during times of difficulty or depression, Langston Hughes continued to write prolifically, believing that creative expression was the key to unlocking his emotions.

Fact 4: Hughes was an advocate for civil rights.

Langston Hughes was a strong believer in civil rights. He often used his writing to speak out against racism and social injustice. His works often contained themes of African-American struggle and perseverance. For example, his famous poem, “Dreams” contains the line: “Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.” This line spoke to the determination and optimism of Hughes in spite of adversity.

Fact 5: Langston Hughes was the first African-American to make a living solely as an artist.

Through his extraordinary writing abilities and publications, Langston Hughes was able to make a living solely as an artist. He was the first African-American to do so, paving the way for future generations of writers, poets, and playwrights. He was able to make a success of his work in spite of the lack of acceptance and recognition of African-American art by the mainstream.

Fact 6: Langston Hughes studied in multiple countries.

Langston Hughes was an extremely well-educated individual. As a child, he went to school to pursue higher education and attended university in Mexico, France, and Spain, becoming fluent in multiple languages. He even studied at the all-white Columbia University in New York for a year.

Fact 7: Hughes wrote the poem “I, Too” in response to Walt Whitman’s “I Hear America Singing”

In protest of racism in America, Langston Hughes wrote a poem titled “I, Too” in response to Walt Whitman’s “I Hear America Singing.” The poem speaks of an African-American man, who despite obstacles of racism and prejudice, still finds hope and strength. The poem’s message of positivity and hope reflects Hughes’ strong belief in civil rights.

Fact 8: Langston Hughes’ works were nominated multiple times for the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Langston Hughes’ works were nominated multiple times for the Nobel Prize in Literature. Unfortunately he was never awarded the prize but it goes to show the high regard his work was held in. Hughes is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the Harlem Renaissance and in African-American literature.

Fact 9: Hughes had a deep passion for theater and music.

In addition to writing, Langston Hughes was also passionate about theater and music. He wrote several plays, such as The Mulatto andSimply Heavenly, which were produced at the Theatre de Lys in New York City. He was also an avid music fan, and could often be seen in jazz and blues clubs observing, and taking inspiration from, the performances.

Fact 10: He wrote an autobiography entitled The Big Sea in 1940.

In 1940, Langston Hughes wrote an autobiography called The Big Sea. The book discusses his life up to that point and delves into experiences of racism and struggle. The book was a huge success and is still widely read today.

Fact 11: Hughes had a lifelong fascination with Spelman College.

Langston Hughes had a lifelong fascination with Spelman College, an African-American college for women in Atlanta, Georgia. He often remarked that he wanted to attend the college, but never actually did. He was, however, invited to be the commencement speaker in 1926, and often visited the college, as he felt a strong connection to the alumni and students who attended.

Fact 12: The Langston Hughes Review is named for him.

In 1990, The Langston Hughes Review was established, in honor of the legendary poet and writer. The journal is dedicated to publishing works that focus on the life and times of Langston Hughes as well as other important African-American writers.

Fact 13: He was a popular guest on the radio and television of his era.

In the 1950s, Langston Hughes was a popular guest on radio and television. He appeared on the “Today Show,” “CBS Morning News,” and “TV Reader’s Digest.” He was asked to read his poetry and to share his views on African-American literature and culture.

Fact 14: Langston Hughes wrote two novels for young adults.

In addition to his works for adults, Langston Hughes wrote two novels specifically for young adults. The novellas, The Best of Simple and Simple Speaks His Mind, followed the comic adventures of Simple, an African-American man from Harlem who reflects on the struggles of being a black man in the early 20th century.

Fact 15: Hughes was an honorary member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

In 1952, Langston Hughes was inducted as an honorary member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, becoming the first African-American writer to be honored thus. The fraternity’s awards are given to individuals who have made significant contributions to culture and the advancement of African-Americans.