PBS
Pbs: Jazz Timeline
With this timeline, learn about how the history of slavery, Jim Crow laws and other forms of racial oppression impacted the rise of jazz in America. Also highlights the achievements of women, including Viola Smith in this world of music....
American Academy of Achievement
Academy of Achievement: Esperanza Spalding
Biography of jazz musician, singer and songwriter, Esperanza Spalding.
American Academy of Achievement
Academy of Achievement: Johnny Mathis
A biography of singer Johnny Mathis, an inductee into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Includes a profile, videos, and a photo gallery.
American Academy of Achievement
Academy of Achievement: Sonny Rollins
A biography of Sonny Rollins, a jazz soloist who plays tenor saxophone. He is considered to be the greatest living jazz soloist whose breadth and depth of talent seems to know no bounds. Includes a profile, videos, and a photo gallery.
National Women’s History Museum
National Women's History Museum: Hazel Scott
Jazz pianist and singer Hazel Scott was not only the first African-American woman to host her own television show, but she also bravely stood up to the House Un-American Activities Committee and the Hollywood studio machine.
Rutgers University
Rutgers University: Fats Waller Forever
This digital exhibit provides a basic overview of Fats Waller and his music. Divided into sections that cover Life and Times, Ed Kirkeby Collection, the music, recordings, European and US tours, notes, and more.
Scott Alexander
Red Hot Jazz: Ferdinand Jelly Roll Morton
Red Hot Jazz offers a biography of jazz great, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" Morton, with selections of Morton's compositions and arrangements in Real Audio format.
PBS
Pbs: Jazz: Lionel Hampton
Part of the PBS site on Jazz by Ken Burns. Provides the biography of Lionel Hampton, vibraphonist, drummer, and bandleader.
Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Comission
Explore Pa History: Billy Eckstine
Learn of the historical contributions of jazz musician, band leader, and Pennsylvania native, Billy Eckstine in this succinct biography.
Other
Article: What Makes Modern Jazz Modern?
A fairly long academic article on Modern Jazz and what "modern" really means.
Other
Bobby Hackett: Accomplished Musician
Read about the life of jazz trumpeter Bobby Hackett (1915-1976 CE). This biography is divided by decade to easily follow his career.
Other
Down Beat Magazine: Ben Webster
Ben Webster was one of the first important saxophone players to come out of Duke Ellington's orchestra. Read a biography, view pictures and see a discography of this 1974 Down Beat Hall of Fame inductee.
Other
Down Beat Magazine: Clifford Brown
Although he died at the young age of 25, Clifford Brown was one of the best trumpet players in jazz. Read a brief biography, view pictures and view a list of his recordings.
Other
Down Beat Magazine: Dexter Gordon
A 1980 Down Beat Hall of Fame inductee, saxophonist Dexter Gordon has lead a successful career in the field of jazz. Read a biography, view pictures and view a list of his recordings on this website.
Other
Down Beat Magazine: Freddie Hubbard
Highlighting the career of jazz trumpet player Freddie Hubbard, this site features a biography, pictures and a list of his recordings.
Smithsonian Institution
National Portrait Gallery: Eye Contact: Ornette Coleman
A brief audio discussion of Elaine de Kooning's charcoal drawing of saxophonist, Ornette Coleman. Interesting comments by Wendy Wicks Reaves, curator at the National Portrait Gallery.
PBS
Pbs American Masters: Sarah Vaughan
An informative biography of jazz singer Sarah Vaughan (1924-1990 CE) is presented highlighting her long musical career.
PBS
Pbs: American Masters: Lena Horne
PBS profiles American jazz singer and actress Lena Horne's life and music. Includes video.
Other
Famous Singers
Biographical profiles of famous singers in major musical genres. Includes photo and links to snippets of their songs.
Songwriters Hall of Fame
Songwriters Hall of Fame: Billy Strayhorn
This resource provides information about Billy Strayhorn.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: A Brief History of Jazz!
A lesson plan that helps students explore the roots of jazz music and some of the important jazz musicians in history.
Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Comission
Explore Pa History: William Strayhorn
Examine the historical contributions made to the jazz world by this noted composer and arranger from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Other
Class Act: Lena Horne
Discusses the career of actress and singer Lena Horne; the site provides a brief biography highlighting her life. Included are also links to some of the major films she was in.
PBS
Pbs: American Masters: Cole Porter
Cole Porter is discussed in this brief biography. It touches on the highlights of his life and career.