George Walker (composer)

George Theophilus Walker (June 27, 1922 – August 23, 2018) was an African-American composer, educator and autobiographer. He was the first to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music. He received the Pulitzer for his work Lilacs in 1996.De Lerma, Dominique-Rene. "African Heritage Symphonic Series". Liner note essay. Cedille Records CDR061.Walker, George (2009) Reminiscences of an American Composer and Pianist, Scarecrow Press, p. 153

 Early life 
Walker was born in Washington, D.C.. He studied at Oberlin College.

 Career 
Walker taught music at Columbia University, Wayne State University, Wellesley College, Temple University, Washington University in St. Louis, Williams College and Montclair State University.

In 1946, Walker composed his String Quartet no. 1. A string orchestra arrangement of the second movement of that work received its world premiere in a radio broadcast that was conducted by pianist Seymour Lipkin.

Walker was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 1999. The following year, Walker was inducted into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame.

Washington, D.C. Mayor Marion Barry proclaimed June 17, 1997 as “George Walker Day”. in the nation's capitol.

His autobiography, "Reminiscences of an American Composer and Pianist", was released in 2009 by Scarecrow Press.

 Personal life 
Walker was the father of two sons, violinist and composer Gregory T.S. Walker,Walker, George (2009) Reminiscences of an American Composer and Pianist, Scarecrow Press, p. 156 and playwright Ian Walker.

Walker died on August 23, 2018 from a fall at a hospital in Montclair, New Jersey at the age of 96.George Walker, Trailblazing American Composer, Dies At 96

 References 

 Other websites 
 George Walker official website 
 A 2017 Conversation with George Walker (includes video excerpts) 
George Walker interview by Bruce Duffie
2012 George Walker interview by Ethan Iverson
George Theophilus Walker, African American Composer & Pianist at AfriClassical.com
George Walker, Composer   Documentary produced by NJTV

Category:Pulitzer Prize winners
Category:1922 births
Category:2018 deaths
Category:Columbia University faculty
Category:American autobiographers
Category:American composers
Category:Academics from Washington, D.C.