Description
Book SynopsisAn accessible introduction to the dean of African American composers
Trade Review"This exemplary introduction to African American musician William Grant Still will appeal to both students and laypersons. . . . Recommended."--
Choice"This book will be the standard work on William Grant Still for at least twenty years. Smith provides a brilliant narrative of Still's active career, his cooperation with Carl Van Vechten, and his prestige as an American composer. A useful introduction to Still's life, career, music, and sociological importance."--Wayne D. Shirley, emeritus senior music specialist, Library of Congress
"A superb general reference to the life and career of William Grant Still. Smith does an excellent job of placing the composer within the context of African American life of his day. She is at her best in narrating Still's professional career in New York, Boston, and Los Angeles."--Josephine Wright, editor of
New Perspectives on Music: Essays in Honor of Eileen SouthernTable of ContentsPREFACE ix
A NOTE ON RESEARCH xi 1. An Uncertain Ovation 1
2. Still's Arkansas Childhood 4
3. An Ohio Apprenticeship 14
4. New York City 25
5. Making His Mark 38
6. Still's Instrumental Music 47
7. Los Angeles, 1934- 55
8.
Troubled Island 68
9. Moscow's "Subtle but Effective Hand" 80
10. After the Storm 87 NOTES 95
SELECTED WORKS 103
FOR FURTHER READING 107
SUGGESTED LISTENING 109
INDEX 111
