William Grant Still

Quick Facts

Known as “Dean of Afro-American Composers”
Was a part of the Harlem Renaissance
First African American to:
- Conduct an American symphony orchestra
- Have a symphony performed by an orchestra (“Afro-American Symphony”)
- Have an opera performed by the New York City Opera
- Have an opera broadcast on television
Born in Mississippi, grew up in Arkansas (U.S.)
Learned the violin as a teenager, later taught himself viola, cello, double bass, clarinet, oboe, and saxophone

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