Black History: William Grant Still, Classical Composer

WILLIAM GRANT STILL  (1895-1978)

He was a black classical composer who wrote more than 150 compositions, including operas, ballets, symphonies, chamber works and folk arrangements.

He was the first black to conduct a major American symphony orchestra, the first to have a symphony of his own performed by a leading orchestra, the first to have an opera  performed by a major opera company and the first to have an opera performed on national television.

He is often referred to as "The Dean" of black composers.