The grandson of a former slave on a Georgia plantation, William Grant Still first studied the violin, cello and oboe before embarking on a course in composition at Oberlin Conservatory, subsequently undertaking work as a commercial arranger. In the 1920s he studied with Varèse and came to be recognised as a leading pioneer in African American music.

Music
Still’s varied compositions include vocal works, operas, orchestral works (three symphonies and a number of symphonic poems and suites) and chamber music. He remains an important figure in the development of purely American music.