calsfoundation@cals.org
May 11, 1895
William Grant Still was born in Woodville, Mississippi. Later that year, after the death of his father, Still’s mother moved to Little Rock (Pulaski County), where Still was raised. He achieved national and international acclaim as a composer of symphonic and popular music. As an African American, he broke race barriers and opened opportunities for other minorities. He was a strong advocate for the performance of works by American composers.