H3501

Black Heritage

Langston Hughes - Writer

Collins Cover Announcement 

Langston Hug hes

James Langton Hughes was born February 1, 1902 in Joplin, Missouri, and this stamp commemorates the 100th Anniversary of his birth. He is considered to be one of the most important American writers of the 20th Century. Hughes is best remembered for his poetry which often contained material related to Blues and Ja77 music. He also wrote short stories, books, a newspaper column, and a number of plays.

My hand painted cachet shows the handsome Langston as a young man. In the background are Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington performing the music he loved so much. This cachet is a wonderful example of how watercolors can bring a scene to life with a soft and natural look.

This talented man accomplished much in his lifetime. He served as a correspondent during the Spanish Civil War. He was published in magazines in the early 1920s. His first book of poetry, Weary Blues, was published in 1926. His first novel, Not Without Laughter, followed in 1930. In 1935, his Broadway play Mulatto began a run of 373 performances on Broadway. During World War II, he wrote a column for a Chicago newspaper. He died in New York City on May 22, 1967, and the Blues and Jazz that he wrote about so eloquently was played at his funeral. In a fine example of cachet art, I am pleased to announce my cover for Langston Hughes. Collins #H3501 - $12.25.