Langston Hughes (1902-1967) was one of the most influential voices of the Harlem Renaissance and a defining figure in 20th-century American literature. Known for his lyrical blending of poetry, jazz, and blues, Hughes captured the struggles and triumphs of African American life with honesty, humor, and musicality. Over his prolific career, he published poetry, fiction, plays, and essays, becoming a celebrated cultural ambassador whose work continues to inspire readers around the world. The Weary Blues, his first book, introduced the world to his singular voice and established him as a poet of the people-bold, visionary, and deeply attuned to the rhythms of everyday life.