What two career paths interested Ralph Ellison before he began to write?

Before Ralph Ellison became a renowned writer, he showed interest in pursuing a career in music, particularly as a jazz musician, and in visual art, specifically as a painter. He studied music and played the Trumpet, influenced by the vibrant jazz scene. Additionally, he was drawn to the world of art, which shaped his creative expression and later informed his literary work. These interests significantly contributed to his unique perspective as a writer.