William Grant Still Jr. was a prominent American composer, born on 11 May 1895, in Mississippi. He created nearly two hundred works, including five symphonies and nine operas. Still grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he developed a passion for music. His mother taught high school English, and she encouraged his musical interests. By age 15, he was taking violin lessons and taught himself several other instruments, including the clarinet and saxophone.

Still attended Wilberforce University, where he followed his mother’s wish for him to pursue medicine. However, his love for music led him to study composition at Oberlin Conservatory of Music. He later moved to New York City and became involved with influential figures of the Harlem Renaissance. Remarkably, he was the first African American to have an opera performed by the New York City Opera, and his “Afro-American Symphony” remains one of his most celebrated works. Still’s legacy in American classical music continues to inspire many today.