The more I read of James Mercer Langston Hughes more commonly known by his two last names, Langston Hughes, the more I could only imagine how cool it would have been to have had him as a peer of mine. James Mercer Langston Hughes was born in Joplin, Missouri on February 1, 1902. Langston's parents, James Nathaniel Hughes and Carrie Mercer Langston, divorced when he was very young. Because of his mother constant travel to find jobs, Langton was left to live with his grandmother.
Being raised by his grandmother, Langston would be entertained by reading books and listening to his grandmother’s old stories of his family history and life as an African American. He would soon learn that he was the great, great …show more content…
His father would agree to pay for his tuition as long as he studied engineering at Columbia University. Langston accepted his father’s bargain, but would later drop out with a B+ to pursue his love for writing and poetry. He would then travel all around the world writing about his interpretation of life and different adventures that would come his way. When he had free time Langston would enjoy himself at the nearest jazz clubs. Langston would find a rhythm with the jazz beats to enhance his poetry. Not only where his words and emotions expressed through his poetry but now jazz soloist were turning his poetry into music. Langston Hughes would also contribute to the music world by writing several songs that fit the jazz …show more content…
Throughout his forty years he wrote sixteen books of poems, two novels, three collections of short stories, four volumes of "editorial" and "documentary" fiction, twenty plays, children's poetry, musicals and operas, three autobiographies, a dozen radio and television scripts, and dozens of magazine articles. In addition, he edited seven anthologies. Numerous scholars and African Americans from around the world have nickname Langston Hughes “Harlem’s Poet”, a very powerful title, knowing that several popular poets and writers have come from Harlem. Langston Hughes is also known as one of the most inspirational figures in African American History. He was a master at expressing his feelings and experiences through his writings and