Alex Hill, born William Alexander Hill on April 19, 1906, in North Little Rock, Arkansas, was a prominent American jazz pianist, composer, and arranger. Hill's early musical education came from his mother, a pianist and music teacher, and he was recognized as a child prodigy. Despite his parents' wishes for him to pursue a religious path, Hill devoted his life to secular music, beginning his professional career at the age of 16.

Hill's career began with various territory bands, including those of Terrence Holder and Mutt Carey. By 1924, he had formed his own band and later joined the Jeffersonians and Paul Howard's Quality Serenaders. In 1927, Hill moved to Chicago, a hub for jazz music, where he worked as a staff arranger for the Melrose Brothers Music Company. He collaborated with notable musicians such as Jimmy Wade, Jimmie Noone, and Sammy Stewart, and recorded with the Hokum Boys.

In 1930, Hill relocated to New York City, where he arranged music for renowned artists and bands, including Paul Whiteman, Benny Carter, and Duke Ellington. He also collaborated with Fats Waller on the show "Hello 1931" and composed "Passing Time With Me," recorded with Art Gillham.

Hill's compositions, such as "Delta Bound," "I Would Do Anything for You," and "I'm Crazy 'Bout My Baby," became jazz standards, recorded by legends like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. His work as an arranger and composer was highly regarded, and he was known for his swing rhythm and memorable melodies.

Despite his success, Hill's health deteriorated due to tuberculosis, exacerbated by his work habits and lifestyle. He returned to Little Rock, Arkansas, where he passed away on February 1, 1937, at the age of 30. His recordings, including those with the Hokum Trio and as a bandleader, were later compiled and released by Timeless Records, preserving his legacy as a significant figure in early jazz history.