James Mercer Langston Hughes was an American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist from Joplin, Missouri. One of the earliest innovators of the literary art form called jazz poetry, Hughes is best known as a leader of the Harlem Renaissance.

Langston Hughes was a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance, the flowering of black intellectual, literary, and artistic life that took place in the 1920s in several American cities, particularly Harlem. A major poet, Hughes, also wrote novels, short stories, essays, and plays.

His poetry was distinct and unique in several ways:

1. Jazz and Blues Influence: One of the most distinctive aspects of Langston Hughes’ poetry was its incorporation of the rhythms and cadences of jazz and blues music. He drew inspiration from African American musical traditions, infusing his poetry with a lively and syncopated rhythm that mirrored the improvisational and expressive nature of jazz and blues.

2. Embracing African American Experience: Langston Hughes celebrated and depicted the African American experience in his poetry. He explored the joys, sorrows, struggles, and resilience of black life in America. His poems often tackled issues of race, identity, inequality, and the pursuit of equality, giving voice to the experiences of African Americans during a time of racial segregation and discrimination.

3. Use of Vernacular Language: Hughes incorporated elements of vernacular language, or everyday spoken language, into his poetry. He used the language and dialects of ordinary people, capturing the essence and authenticity of their voices. This approach made his poetry accessible and relatable, breaking down barriers between the reader and the subject matter.

4. Imagery of Everyday Life: Another unique aspect of Langston Hughes’ poetry was his ability to find beauty and significance in ordinary and everyday moments. He often drew inspiration from the lives of common people, depicting scenes from Harlem, working-class neighborhoods, and the struggles and joys of everyday life. His poetry celebrated the humanity and resilience found in seemingly mundane moments.

5. Social Commentary and Activism: Hughes was not just a poet; he was also a social activist. His poetry was often infused with social commentary and political messages, addressing issues of racial injustice and advocating for equality and civil rights. He used his poetic voice to bring attention to the plight of African Americans and to inspire change and social progress.

In summary, Langston Hughes’ poetry was unique in its incorporation of jazz and blues rhythms, its celebration of the African American experience, its use of vernacular language, its focus on everyday life, and its role as a form of social commentary and activism. He remains an influential figure in African American literature and American poetry as a whole.