( March 31, 2015 - New York, NY ) - The incomparable Dr. Maya Angelou would be turning 87 years old on Saturday, April 4th, 2015 and she'll be recognized in a big way. To celebrate the incredible life and accomplishments of this remarkable woman, The United States Postal Service will release a commemorative forever stamp on April 7th. The postal service will celebrate with a First-Day-of-Issue stamp dedication ceremony at 11 a.m., Tuesday, April 7th, at the Warner Theater in Washington, D.C.
The celebration continues as "Human Family," the next focus track from Dr. Maya Angelou's inspiring and timely "Caged Bird Songs" CD embodying many of her most significant writings, is set for a Lyric music video premiere on Friday, April 3rd, on Yahoo Music. "Human Family," like many of Dr. Angelou's poems, shares an important social message about acceptance and equality.
Dr. Angelou, the iconic American writer, poet, actor, dancer, director, composer, lecturer, civil activist and one of the most renowned and influential voices of our time, worked on the "Caged Bird Songs" album prior to her death on May 28th, 2014. The album produced by RoccStar and Shawn Rivera of platinum recording artist, Az Yet, is a unique musical collaboration that thoughtfully blends the gifted poet's words and vocal performances with modern hip-hop beats. The lyrical content, underlying social context, rhythm, melody and cadence of Dr. Angelou's early work bears a striking resemblance to the sound of current hip-hop and is, unfortunately, still relevant to today's urban experience.
The official music video for the first single, "Harlem Hopscotch," was directed by Emmy Award-winning duo Tabitha and Napoleon Dumo, also known as Nappy Tabs, and best known for their work on the hit television series, 'So You Think You Can Dance', and features the pair's signature choreography. "Harlem Hopscotch" was shot on the streets of Harlem and various spots in Los Angeles and includes notable performers and dancers Nia Peeples, Derek Hough, Alfonso Ribeiro, Zendaya, Ian Eastwood, Quest Crew and dancers from both 'So You Think You Can Dance' and 'America's Best Dance Crew'. The video is produced by Smooch Music and is distributed by OWN.
To Watch the "Harlem Hopscotch" Music Video:
Oprah.com - www.oprah.com/entertainment/Maya-Angelous-Harlem-Hopscotch-Official-Music-Video
YouTube/ OWN TV: youtu.be/-mBHyKECPuA .
Colin Johnson, Dr. Angelou's grandson, recalls how music was a large part of his grandmother's life. "She loved everything from pop to country and of course hip-hop. With her dedication to social activism and her ability to illuminate the struggles and injustices of the urban experience through prose, there is a direct correlation to hip-hop today. She was really excited about her street-wise commentary being presented in this way."