We, Too, Sing America | Episode 11: William Grant Still

William Grant Still, Jr. was born on May 11, 1895 in Woodville, Mississippi, and is known as the "Dean of Afro-American Composers. After studying at Oberlin College, having taught himself various instruments including piano and voice, he worked as both a player and an arranger for several popular music personalities at the time, including W.C. Handy, Paul Whiteman, and Artie Shaw. This is until starting at the New England Conservatory where he honed his skills in composition.
After serving in the U.S. Navy in World War I, he moved to Harlem, New York, where he got acquainted with the influential artists of the Harlem Renaissance. During his time there, his music style became even more diversified. Still’s surviving body of work consisted of almost 200 compositions, including five symphonies, four ballets, nine operas, chamber works, solo instrumental works, choral works, and art songs. Still was able to captivate audiences of a wide variety during his lifetime, becoming a pioneer for African-American composers for years to come.

We, Too, Sing America: African American Voices of Song, is a virtual series created by Aural Compass Projects during their 2020-2021 season. This project is a resource for musicians and music lovers interested in learning through its exploration of 16 African American composers and poets who have contributed to the art song genre. Featuring interviews with modern-day leading performers and scholars of spirituals and African American art song, each episode focuses on a specific composer or poet’s life, influence, and their important works. These episodes are intended to provide an introduction and the tools necessary to continue your own research on each artist.

Guest speakers include:
Dr. Darryl Taylor, countertenor and founder of African American Art Song Alliance
Randye Jones, soprano, spiritual scholar, and author of “So You Want to Sing Spirituals”
Susheel Bibbs, soprano, scholar, and filmmaker
Dr. Louise Toppin, soprano and scholar
Sidney Outlaw, baritone
Judith Still, daughter of William Grant Still Jr., owner of William Grant Still Music


Resources for further research:
African American Art Song Alliance https://artsongalliance.org/
Classical Vocal Reprints https://www.classicalvocalrep.com/
William Grant Still Website http://www.williamgrantstillmusic.com/
Complete Songs of Separation with Nicole Heaston and Blair Salter:    • Songs of Separation by William Grant ...  
In One Lifetime - book by Verna Arvey: https://www.biblio.com/9780938626367