PBS
Pbs: American Masters: Cole Porter
Cole Porter is discussed in this brief biography. It touches on the highlights of his life and career.
Smithsonian Institution
National Postal Museum: Famous Americans: John Philip Sousa
Learn brief information on John Philip Sousa, famous American band leader who is featured on the two cent postage stamp.
Other
The American Bandmasters Association
This is the website for the American Bandmasters Association which "is a select group of some 260 members and 60 associate members who have been recognized as outstanding concert band teachers/conductors [and] composers." Here, there are...
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
The Official George & Ira Gershwin Web Site
Brothers George and Ira Gershwin had a large impact on American music. Visit their official website that includes biographies, a timeline and a jukebox to listen to their music.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Charles Ives
This resource provides information on Charles Ives (1874-1954 CE). This American composer's job, and source of income, was actually running an insurance agency. He would compose and play music at night, after work. Use this site to learn...
Other
Kurt Weill Foundation for Music
Celebrate the Kurt Weill Centenary with sections on Kurt Weill and Lotta Lenya, Chronology of Career, Further Reading, Catalog of Worksby Title, by Date, by Genre, Discography, and images. Weill-Lenya Research Center
Other
Gateshead Council: Farne: Folk Archive Resource North East
This site is from a British project that has collected recordings of traditional Northumbrian folk music. In addition to the the music itself, you'll find plenty of information on instruments, types of folk music, composers and...
PBS
Classics for Kids: Scott Joplin
A short biography of Scott Joplin (1868-1917 CE). Click to the past radio shows to hear his music and learn more about this famous composer.
PBS
Classics for Kids: Charles Ives
A short biography of Charles Ives (1874-1954 CE). Click to the past radio shows to hear his music and learn more about this famous composer.
PBS
Classics for Kids: George Gershwin
A short biography of George Gershwin (1898-1937 CE). Click to the past radio shows to hear his music and learn more about this famous composer.
Black Past
Black Past: Joplin, Scott
This is a brief encyclopedia biography of the ragtime composer, Scott Joplin, whose music was influential in the growth of jazz.
Classical Net
Classical Net: Scott Joplin
This well-written biography of Scott Joplin not only provides his progress as a musician but also the personal events in his life which influenced his music. Includes links to a complete list of Joplin's works, a MIDI archive, and site...
PBS
Pbs: Literature & Life: Choice of Weapons
It is hard to categorize Gordon Park, Sr., because he excelled in so many areas. He was well known for his writing, his photojournalism and in film. He also composed music. Listen here to an interview with Gordon Parks, Sr., and to...
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania: Quotations of John Cage
John Cage, the American minimalist composer, often made interesting commentaries on his music and culture in general. Here are some select examples of his remarks.
Library of Congress
Loc: The Leonard Bernstein Collection
This site from the Library of Congress provides information on perhaps the most important American musical figure of the 20th century has over 400,000 items housed in the Library of Congress. Photographs, his famous Young People's...
Library of Congress
Loc: The Gershwin Legacy: George and Ira Gershwin
With their famous music and lyrics, the Library of Congress presents an in depth exhibit of primary source materials from the Gershwin brothers.
PBS
Pbs American Masters: Isaac Stern
A virtuoso on the violin, Isaac Stern is celebrated in this brief biography by PBS. Read about the highlights of his life and music.
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.
Broward Education Foundation
Broward Education Foundation: Creative Canjos [Pdf]
Creative Canjos is an interdisciplinary unit that teaches American History through Folk Art and Folk Music. The young scholars began the project in Art class. They were introduced to American Folk Art through a teacher made iMovie. The...
PBS
Pbs: The Blues as Poetry
Discover what the relationship is between poetry and the blues. This site features lesson plans and online resources.
Other
Rodgers and Hammerstein Organization
The web page for this copyright administrator for a variety of entertainment intellectual properties. In addition to comprehensive theatre library, site provides detailed biography and discography of artist and properties represented.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: George Gershwin
Interested in popular and serious music, Gershwin (1898-1937) played a big part in bringing jazz to a more important place in American music. He helped mix it with classical music in his compositions. Read more about his work, including...