NPR: National Public Radio
Npr: August Wilson, Writing to the Blues
An interview with playwright August Wilson about the people who most influence his writing. He includes Amiri Baraka, Jorge Luis Borges, and Romare Bearden, and most especially, blues singer Bessie Smith. In addition to the interview,...
Library of Congress
Loc: Ragtime
Includes background essays, artist biographies, sheet music, video, and audio resources about ragtime.
Read Works
Read Works: Time for Jazz
[Free Registration/Login Required] A literary text about a girl named Lina who wanted to learn more about jazz music and its history. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Dizzy Gillespie
Dizzie Gillespie helped create a new form of modern jazz called be-bop. It was the predecessor of hip-hop that is so popular today.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Louisiana
This article provides a brief overview of Louisiana, followed by numerous in depth articles regarding relevant events and traditions from this state.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Miles Davis
Biographical details on jazz musician Miles Davis, a 2006 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes a timeline and key songs.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Duke Ellington
Explore the fascinating life of a founding father of jazz music. Duke Ellington (1899-1974 CE) was a gifted musician and composer from an early age. This website provides you with a detailed account of his life and his accomplishments.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Duke Ellington
Duke Ellington (1899-1974 CE), a jazz legend, was a very interesting person. Here you will get brief biographical information along with a few additional articles on Ellington.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: A Brief History of Jazz!
A lesson plan that helps learners explore the roots of jazz music and some of the important jazz musicians in history.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Us History: 1890 1945: American Culture in the 1920s
Learn about jazz, flappers, and the Lost Generation.
John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: Dizzy Gillespie
This site from the John F. Kennedy Center provides a brief biography on the legacy of jazz musician Dizzy Gillespie is found here.
Arlington Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery Website: James Reese Europe
This unofficial site about those interred in Arlington National Cemetery offers a brief biography of James Reese Europe, African American jazz musician who was the leader of the military band attached to the 369th Infantry Regiment, the...
Scott Alexander
Red Hot Jazz: Esther Bigeou
Information on the life and discography of Esther Bigeou.
University of Wisconsin
Welcome to the World of Jazz Improvisation
This site was developed by a college jazz educator based on one of her improvisation classes. Material suitable educators or the student who is serious about learning jazz improvisation.
Scott Alexander
Red Hot Jazz: The Origins of Jazz
Red Hot Jazz outlines the origins of jazz, taking a look at the blend of cultures that existed in New Orleans at the turn of the century when jazz first emerged as a unique musical form. Includes links to additional information about...
Scott Alexander
Red Hot Jazz: Louis Armstrong (1900 1971)
This site from Red Hot Jazz contains a good biography of Louis Armstrong, arguably the most influential jazz musician. Very interesting and informative, also includes a picture.
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
Harlem.org : Count Basie
This Count Basie page is one of the few that has links to discussion boards. Also contains links to buy his albums, and links to other sites.
Other
Louisiana Digital Library: Louisiana State Museum Jazz Collection
A collection of images and audio clips of jazz in Louisiana.
Other
Off Jazz: Hat and Cane Tricks
Download videos clips of hat and cane movements used in dancing.
Other
Alien Travel Guide: Musical Styles
A descriptive site on the many styles of music. There is information on everything from chamber music to rap.
Other
Behind the Beat: Arturo Sandoval
Scroll down the page so you can listen to Arturo Sandoval describe his music and love for the trumpet.