William Grant Still

American Composers

by Catherine Parsons Smith

Once called the dean of African American composers, William Grant Still created a unique version of musical modernism that influenced commercial music, symphonic music, and opera. The acclaimed and enormously popular Afro-American Symphony , like many of his works, drew on Black American musical heritage, and Still was the first Black composer to have his work performed by a major symphony orchestra. Catherine Parsons Smith’s biography tracks the composer's interrelated careers in popular and concert music. Still’s artistic journey took him from conservatory study with George W. Chadwick to collaborating with Langston Hughes, working as a commercial arranger and composer on Broadway and radio, arranging for artists like Sophie Tucker and Artie Shaw, and serving as the recording director for the first Black-owned record label. But despite his prolific production and multidimensional talents, Still endured financial struggles and declining attention to his work.

116 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Joan D. · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book has been severely criticized by Judith Anne Stills, daughter of William Grant Still and Verna Arvey, as having many "false and defamatory allegations" (Judith Ann Stills' words, not mine. Judith Anne Stills also alleges Smith spent little time with Still and Arvey, and more time with their detractors and less time with friendly sources.

[Colleen A. Parkinson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tepid anlysis all about Still's music. I wanted to know more about the man who created his wonderful music.