Who was the first important African American composer in the concert music tradition?

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William Grant Still (1895-1978) was the first important African American composer in the concert music tradition. He was a prolific composer of operas, symphonies, ballets, and other works, and was known for blending African American themes and musical traditions with classical forms. Still was the first African American to conduct a major American symphony orchestra and to have an opera produced by a major opera company.

Who Was the First Important African American Composer in the Concert