American composer, conductor and writer on music, Elie Siegmeister composed his works from native inspiration and influences of jazz. He developed a style of Americana music, showing patriotism in his works including "American Holiday," "The Western Set" and "The Ozark Set." Born in New York City, Elie Siegmeister developed and interest in music and composition at an early age. At the age of 15 he enrolled at Columbia College, studying musical theory and composition. In 1927 he received a bachelor's degree in music from Columbia College. After graduation Elie Siegmeister traveled to Paris to study under Nadia Boulanger for four years. Finally his schooling led him to Juilliard where he studied conducting from 1935 to 1938. His contributions to music include co-founding the American Composer Alliance in 1937; he was a member of the Composers Collective of New York, where he penned songs under the pseudonym L.E. Swift and he served as a board member of ASCAP from 1977 until his death in 1991. In 1939 he formed the American Ballad Singers. Along with Ashley Pettis, Elie Siegmeister traveled to Russia to learn about Russian forms of music. He felt Russian musicians and composers were highly skilled and were an invaluable part to Russian society. He gained inspiration from this trip to Russia. Elie Siegmeister was influenced also by Aunt Molly Jackson, a ballad singer who sand the "music of the people," and by Carl Sandburg's The American Songbook, the first known collection of folk songs. The music of Elie Siegmeister in the early to mid-30s reflected Elie Siegmeister's concern for the social problems in America at the time. By the end of the 30s he was concentrating on loyalty and patriotic songs rather than social concerns. His composition, "American Holiday," used folk song to relay the history and good points of America. In an effort to become more acquainted with rural life, Elie Siegmeister created the Ballad Singers. As conductor and arranger, he felt singing around the country would give his musicians the inspiration they needed to sing folk songs. The professional group traveled the country for more than four years. His works not only included folk songs but operas, symphonies, a piano concerto and choral and chamber music. His operas include Dublin Song and Night of the Moonspell, which was based on A Midsummer Night's Dream. "Cantata for FDR," finished in 1981, was composed for baritone, chorus and wind ensembles. Although Elie Siegmeister has been virtually forgotten by record companies over the years, musicians still remember and learn from his contributions to the folk genre in the 30s and 40s. His us eof native inspiration and experiencing rural life first-hand was a large part of his success as a musician. Elie Siegmeister died at the age of 82 in Manhasset, NY. ~ Kim Summers