William Grant Still Materials

Collection

Identifier: MC 1797

Staff Only
Not requestable

Scope and Content Note

Materials consist primarily of photocopies of files pertaining to William Grant Still, Verna Arvey, and Judith Anne Still Headlee. Materials include correspondence, music programs, sheet music, photographs, toys, magazines, scrapbooks, and newspaper clippings. An audiocassette featuring Still’s music includes recordings of “Afro-American Symphony,” “Danzas de Panama,” “Lennox Avenue,” “Sahdji,” and “Clap Yo’ Hans’.” Some of the toys were made by William Grant Still and Judith Anne Still Headlee; these and others are represented in Images 26-58. Scrapbooks pertain to Still, Arvey, and Headlee. Several of Arvey’s scrapbooks address specific topics, which include American music, black militancy, communism in America, and her publications. Some materials in MC 1797 may be reproductions of materials contained in MC 1125.

Dates

1922-1988

Creator

Still, William Grant, 1895-1978 (Person)

Language of Materials

Materials are in English.

Access Information

Please call (479) 575-8444 or email specoll@uark.edu at least two weeks in advance of your arrival to ensure availability of the materials.

Use Information

Copyright restrictions apply: Publication and performance rights are retained by the Estate of William Grant Still and Verna Arvey. Permission to reproduce any materials and photographs in the collection must be obtained from the Estate of William Grant Still and Verna Arvey. All permissions must be in writing. The Estate can be contacted at:

William Grant Still Music

809 W. Riordan Road, Suite 100, Box 109

Flagstaff, AZ 86001-0810

Phone: (928) 526-9355

Fax: (928) 526-0321

Email: discovermusic@williamgrantstill.com

No Interlibrary Loan.

Standard Federal Copyright Laws Apply (U.S. Title 17).

Biographical Note

The materials in this collection pertain primarily to African-American composer William Grant Still; as well as to his wife and collaborator, pianist and journalist Verna Arvey; and their daughter Judith Anne Still Headlee.

For full biographical information on the members of the Still family, see the MC 1125 finding aid.

Extent

21.4 Linear Feet (22 boxes)

Additional Description

Arrangement of the Papers

Materials are divided into three groups. The first group (Box 1) consists of biographical materials; writings by members of the Still family; programs and articles relating to performances of Still’s music; sheet music; subject files; photographs; and an audio cassette tape. The second group (Boxes 2-21) consists of scrapbooks. The third group (Box 23) consists of toys.

Acquisition Information

The William Grant Still Materials were donated to Special Collections in 2008 by the American Heritage Center (AHC) at the University of Wyoming. The materials were originally donated to the AHC in the 1980s by Judith Anne Still Headlee.