What American composer was recognized by a privately funded foundation that was concevied in 1978?
Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters:  The idea was conceived by, among others, former Mississippi Governor William Winter, Dr. Cora Norman, Dr. Aubrey Lucas, and Dr. Noel Polk in 1978, and the first awards were given out in 1980. William Grant Still: William Grant Still (May 11, 1895 – December 3, 1978) was an American composer, who composed more than 150 works, including five symphonies and eight operas.
i don't know