Julius Eastman (October 27, 1940 – May 28, 1990) was an African-American composer,  pianist, vocalist, and dancer. He was among the first musicians to combine minimalist processes with elements of pop music. He often gave his pieces titles with provocative political intent, such as Evil Nigger and Gay Guerrilla. Eastman died alone at the age of 49 in Millard Fillmore Hospital in Buffalo, New York. No public notice was given to his death until an obituary by Kyle Gann appeared in the Village Voice, it was dated January 22, 1991, eight months after Eastman died.