william grant still

William Grant Still (1895–1978) was an American composer, conductor, and arranger often called the “Dean of African American Composers.” Born in Woodville, Mississippi, and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas, he studied at Wilberforce University and later at the New England Conservatory. Still wrote more than 150 works, including operas, symphonies, ballets, chamber music, and songs. His Afro-American Symphony (1930) became the first symphony by an African American composer performed by a major U.S. orchestra. Still’s music blends classical forms with elements of blues, spirituals, and jazz. He also worked extensively in radio, film, and television orchestration during the mid-20th century.