Other
Afri Classical: Scott Joplin (C. 1867 1917)
A detailed biography of Scott Joplin's life, with a resource list and a lengthy bibliography that includes his musical compositions.
PBS
Pbs: American Masters: Quincy Jones
PBS highlights American Masters in music and provides a thorough biography, feature essay, and career timeline on Jones.
Smithsonian Institution
National Portrait Gallery: Black List Project: Charley Pride
A biography of famed country music singer Charley Pride, one of few African Americans in the industry to both perform at and be inducted to the Grand Ole Opry.
Other
Usps: Ella Fitzgerald: First Lady of Song
Celebrate Black Heritage Month by studying this extraordinary vocalist who transcended a troubled childhood to become an American treasure. Create a musical timeline of the noteworthy events in Ella's life. Explore her sensational lyrics...
George Mason University
Chnm: Eubie Blake and Ragtime
This site contains a great interview with the pioneer of ragtime music, Eubie Blake. It also contains an audio clip of the interview.
Georgia Humanities Council and the University of Georgia Press.
New Georgia Encyclopedia: Curtis Mayfield (1942 1999)
Read biographical facts on the great soul musician and songwriter, Curtis Mayfield who was once a member of the group called the "Impressions".
Georgia Humanities Council and the University of Georgia Press.
New Georgia Encyclopedia: Ray Charles (1930 2004)
Brush up on the life of legendary soul musician, Ray Charles, who was declared legally blind at age seven and because of this wore dark glasses that would become his trademark. The song most associated with him, "Georgia on My Mind",...
PBS
Pbs: Crossroads Blues
Your student will discover more about the life and work of Robert Johnson with this informative lesson plan. This resource features lesson plans, web resources, and more.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Chuck Berry
Presents comprehensive biographical details on rock musician and legend Chuck Berry, a 1986 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes a timeline of key events and essential songs list.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Ray Charles
A brief biography of Ray Charles. Includes a timeline of his life and a list of his biggest hits.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Robert Johnson
A brief biography and photograph of legendary blues guitarist, Robert Johnson.
Songwriters Hall of Fame
Songwriters Hall of Fame: Chuck Berry
This resource provides information about Chuck Berry.
Songwriters Hall of Fame
Songwriters Hall of Fame: Duke Ellington
This resource provides information about Duke Ellington.
PBS
Pbs: American Masters: Ray Charles
PBS presents a biography of the "Father of soul," Ray Charles. He was an internationally famed musician, combining jazz, country, gospel, soul, and R&B in a way that was truly unique.
Smithsonian Institution
National Portrait Gallery: Black List Project: Sean Combs
With this resource, students can discover the story of rapper, record producer, clothing designer, and political activist, Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs, while viewing a photo and reading a biography.
PBS
Pbs American Experience: How Marian Anderson Became the Voice of the Century
Explore the life of singer Marian Anderson and her triumphant 1939 concert at the Lincoln Memorial.
Smithsonian Institution
National Postal Museum: Art of the Stamp: Duke Ellington
View the artwork for a U.S. postage stamp issued in 1986 to commemorate famous jazz musician Duke Ellington. Includes a short biographical passage.
PBS
Pbs: American Masters: Louis Armstrong
PBS provides an overview and highlights of the life of jazz great, Louis Armstrong.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Louis Armstrong
Offers interesting biographical details on jazz musician, Louis Armstrong, a 1990 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes a timeline of key events and essential songs list.
New York Times
New York Times: Ellington at 100
Celebrating the life and career of jazz legend Duke Ellington, this New York Times site features many articles about him. With a slideshow and pictures, you will learn all about this giant of jazz.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Curtis Mayfield
Career highlights of African American singer, songwriter, and producer Curtis Mayfield.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Archie Shepp
Learn about the life of Archie Shepp, African American tenor saxophonist, composer, dramatist, teacher, and pioneer of the free jazz movement.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Guide to Black History: Duke Ellington
Biography of Duke Ellington, one of the originators of big band jazz, and a noted composer.
John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: Arts Edge: Chick Webb
With a brief biography and a couple of audio clips, this resource features the talents of drummer and big bandleader Chick Webb.