Maya Angelou, a renowned poet, novelist and actress best known for her book "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," has died at the age of 86, according to her literary agent, Helen Brann. 
Angelou was also a professor, singer and dancer whose work spanned several generations. Here, she dances next to a fire in this promotional portrait taken for the cover of her first album, "Miss Calypso," in 1957. 
Angelou poses with her book "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" in 1971. It was the first in a series of autobiographical books. 
From left, actress Betty Furness, educator Bettye Caldwell, Angelou, singer Kate Smith, first lady Betty Ford, Dr. Annie D. Wauneka and former Olympic diver Micki King pose for a photo during the taping of the television special "Woman of the Year 1976" in New York City. 
Angelou acts in a scene from the television miniseries "Roots" in 1977. 
Angelou speaks during an interview at her home in 1978. 
Angelou poses with U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy and two other women who received the 1983 Matrix Award from the New York Chapter of Women in Communications. At the far left is Jane Bryant Quinn, contributing editor of Newsweek and Woman's Day. At the far right is Mary McGrory, syndicated columnist for The Washington Post. 
Angelou recites her poem "On the Pulse of Morning" at the inauguration of President Bill Clinton in 1993. 
Angelou works on the set of "Down in the Delta" in 1998. Angelou directed the film, which starred Alfre Woodard. 
Angelou receives an honorary doctorate from Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia, in 2008. 
Angelou reads a poem during a 2008 ceremony to present South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu with the William J. Fulbright Prize for International Understanding. 
Clinton speaks to Angelou on stage at the the 2009 Women of the Year event hosted by Glamour magazine. 
Angelou laughs during her 82nd birthday party at her home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in 2010. 
Angelou and talk show host Oprah Winfrey laugh during the taping of "Surprise Oprah! A Farewell Spectacular" in 2011. 
Angelou receives the Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama at the White House in 2011. The Medal of Freedom is the country's highest civilian honor.
- Angelou was the second poet ever to speak at a presidential inauguration
- Her speeches stirred her audience
- She honored Coretta Scott King at Mrs. King's funeral
(CNN) -- More than anything, Maya Angelou was known for her words.
Legendary author Maya Angelou dies From her books to her orations, Angelou used language to stir her audiences and reach into their hearts. Here is a sampling of some of her most powerful speeches:
1) Presidential Inauguration Ceremony, 1993
She became the second poet in history to speak at a presidential inauguration -- after Robert Frost, who spoke at John F. Kennedy's inaugural -- when she read her poem "On the Pulse of Morning" at the swearing-in of President Bill Clinton in 1993.
2) 2013 National Book Awards
Angelou was selected to receive the Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community. She sang and offered moving words of gratitude.
3) The funeral of Coretta Scott King, 2008
The writer sang and spoke at the homegoing service for the widow of the Rev. Martin Luther King -- calling her "born of flesh and destined to become iron." Angelou was active in the civil rights movement and knew the Kings.
4) The Children's Defense Fund National Conference, 2012
Angelou shared one of her poems as the keynote speaker at the Children's Defense Fund National Conference held in Cincinnati in July 2012.
Her words live on.
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