Parks, Gordon A.

Parks, Gordon A. (Alexander Buchanan) (1912–  ) photographer, writer, movie director, composer; born in Fort Scott, Kans. During World War II, he worked as a correspondent for various organizations. He joined Life magazine as a photojournalist (1949–70) and wrote several books, including The Learning Tree (1966) and Born Black (1971). In 1976 he went to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), where he directed Shaft (1971) and The Super Cops (1973). He moved to Paramount Pictures as a staff director in 1976. He also composed numerous popular songs and sonatas, including Symphonic Set: A Piece for Piano and Wind Instruments and The Learning Tree Symphony.