Black History Spotlight: Will Marion Cook
Will Marion Cook was a bold and uncompromising composer and violinist who was instrumental in nearly every aspect of the black music of his time.
Will Marion Cook was a bold and uncompromising composer and violinist who was instrumental in nearly every aspect of the black music of his time.
William Grant Still was a composer, arranger and conductor. He created over 150 musical works, including five symphonies, four ballets, and nine operas.
Scott Joplin was dubbed the "King of Ragtime" in the early 20th century. His "Maple Leaf Rag" became the first piece of instrumental music to sell a million copies in the United States.
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor was a composer, teacher, conductor and Pan-Africanist, devoted to strengthening bonds between people of African descent.
R. Nathaniel Dett was a writer, teacher, choral director and pianist. He published more than 200 works and dedicated his life to preserving Negro spirituals.