Robert Hayden emerged as a significant scholar and poet, largely due to his self-reliant upbringing and unique experiences. Raised in a modest Detroit neighborhood, Hayden's early life laid the foundations for his future accomplishments. Adopted by neighbors shortly after his birth, he faced the challenges of extreme myopia, which inadvertently led him to develop a profound affinity for reading, writing, and music, all of which would later define his literary voice.

Early Life and Education

Born Asa Bundy Sheffey, Hayden's childhood was distinctively marked by his poor vision, which necessitated his placement in a "sight conservation" class. This separation from typical childhood activities allowed him the solitude to delve into poetry, a medium that required less visual strain, and to nurture his musical skills on the violin. These early influences were pivotal in shaping the rhythmic and tonal qualities of his poetry.

Influences and Mentors

Hayden's path to writing was enriched by his exposure to African American history, particularly through narratives of rebellious slaves, during his tenure with the Federal Writers’ Project. His work there sparked a lifelong interest in this area, bolstered by the support and mentorship from notable figures. His wife, Erma Inez Morris, was instrumental not only as a personal support system but also in introducing him to Countée Cullen, a prominent Harlem Renaissance poet who encouraged Hayden's burgeoning talent. Additionally, the British poet W. H. Auden, with whom Hayden studied at the University of Michigan, further influenced his stylistic development.

Academic Career and Literary Recognition

Hayden's tenure as a professor at Fisk College in Nashville was a period of prolific output despite the demands of teaching. His work gained international acclaim before it was even widely recognized in the United States. His book, A Ballad of Remembrance, earned the Grand Prize for Poetry at the First World Festival of Negro Arts in Dakar, Senegal, and his poetry was broadcast by the British Broadcasting Company. The publication of Angle of Ascent in 1975 marked a pivotal point in his career, leading to his election as a fellow of the Academy of American Poets and his appointment as Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress.

Legacy and Final Years

Hayden's final years were marked by significant personal triumphs and public recognition. Celebrations of his work by President Jimmy Carter at "A White House Salute to American Poetry" and a tribute by his peers at the University of Michigan underscored his stature in the literary community. These honors coincided with his last months before his untimely death from a respiratory embolism at the age of sixty-six. Following his passing, the appreciation and influence of Hayden’s lyrical style and evocative storytelling have continued to grow, cementing his legacy as a pivotal figure in American poetry.