born Jan. 7, 1917, Tucson, Ariz., U.S.
died May 20, 1995, Englewood, N.J.
U.S. composer.
A nephew of jazz cornetist King Oliver , he was an all-around musician from childhood. After graduating from the University of Arizona he went on to study at the Eastman School and with the composer Paul Hindemith at Yale. He taught principally at the City University of New York, earning a reputation as a distinguished teacher. His music
Neoclassical in style but characterized by verve and warmth
received many awards; mostly orchestral or choral, it includes five operas and several film and television scores.