Composer Hale Smith dead at age 84

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y., Nov. 29 (UPI) -- Classical composer Hale Smith, known for his work with jazz stars like Dizzy Gillespie, died in Freeport, N.Y., at the age of 84, his wife Juanita said.

The New York Times said Saturday as both a composer and performer, Smith found a balance between the worlds of classical and jazz music, earning a reputation for his 12-tone technique and synthesis of jazz.

In addition to creating works such as "Contours for Orchestra" and "Ritual and Incantations," Smith served as an adviser for Chicago's Center for Black Music Research.

Yet Smith was an outspoken opponent of black composers like himself being specifically designated due to their race.

"We don't even have to be called black," he said in a 1971 article. "When we stand for our bows, that fact will become clear when it should -- after the music has made its own impact."

The Times said Smith, who died Tuesday of complications of a stroke, is survived by his wife, Juanita Hancock; his daughter, Robin; his sons, Michael, Eric and Marcel; and three grandchildren.