Margaret Allison Bonds (1913-1972) was an influential African American composer and pianist, primarily known for her contributions to classical music, particularly in the realm of art songs and orchestral works. Bonds was a prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance and is celebrated for her efforts to integrate African American culture into classical music. Her notable works include "Troubled Water," a setting of Langston Hughes's poem, and "The Ballad of the Brown King," which is a Christmas cantata that highlights the contributions of Black figures in history. Bonds was also the first African American woman to have a symphonic work performed by a major American orchestra with her "Montgomery Variations" premiered by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1939. Bonds's impact on music extends beyond her compositions; she was a mentor to many young musicians and played a significant role in advocating for the inclusion of African American composers in the classical music canon. Her work not only challenged racial barriers in music but also enriched the American classical repertoire with her unique blend of jazz, spirituals, and classical forms.