William Grant Still (1895-1978) was a pioneering American composer, arranger, and conductor, often referred to as the "Dean of African American Composers." Born in Woodville, Mississippi, and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas, Still displayed an early talent for music, learning to play multiple instruments and later studying at Wilberforce University and Oberlin Conservatory of Music.
Still's career was marked by several groundbreaking achievements. He was the first African American to conduct a major American symphony orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, in 1936. He also became the first to have a symphony, his "Afro-American Symphony," performed by a leading orchestra, the Rochester Philharmonic, in 1931. This work is noted for blending classical music forms with elements of African American musical styles, such as blues and jazz.
Throughout his career, Still composed nearly 200 works, including nine operas, five symphonies, and numerous other orchestral, choral, and chamber works. His opera "Troubled Island," premiered by the New York City Opera in 1949, was the first opera by an African American composer to be performed by a major company.
In addition to his classical compositions, Still worked in the popular music industry, arranging for W.C. Handy and serving as a musical director for early radio programs. He was a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance, contributing significantly to the cultural and artistic movements of the time.
William Grant Still's contributions to music earned him numerous awards and honors, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians and composers worldwide. He broke barriers and expanded the scope of American classical music, incorporating the richness of African American cultural heritage into his compositions.