George Walker

1922–2018 (age 96)

Biography

George Walker emerged as one of the first African American composers to gain widespread acclaim, blending classical forms with jazz and spiritual motifs and culminating in the Pulitzer Prize for Music for his Lilacs.

He balanced his creative work with teaching and mentorship, serving on university faculties and inspiring generations of musicians before being laid to rest at Mount Hebron Cemetery.

Did you know George Walker?

Help us tell their story. Share a memory, upload a gravestone photo, or correct any details.