National Humanities Center
National Humanities Center: Toolbox Library: Making of African American Identity: The Blues
Examples of the blues inspired by the African American migration to Northern cities. These lyrics and audio clips explores the reasons for, and effects of, these migrations.
PBS
Pbs: American Masters: Lena Horne
PBS profiles American jazz singer and actress Lena Horne's life and music. Includes video.
Scott Alexander
The Red Hot Jazz Archives
Lots of information on jazz bands and musicians at this RedHotJazz.com site.
PBS
Pbs American Masters: James Brown
The career of "The Godfather of soul," is highlighted in this biographical sketch from PBS. One of the greatest performers in the 20th century, James Brown influenced the direction of black cultural music and dance. View video clips of...
American Academy of Achievement
Academy of Achievement: Audra Mc Donald
Biography of Audra McDonald, actress and winner of six Tony Awards.
Scott Alexander
Lieutenant James Reese Europe: Songs Back From the Battle
This site is an extensive biography of World War I African American soldier and jazz musician Lieutenant James Reese Europe. It includes much detail about Europe's life, experience in the military, and success as a bandleader. Photos,...
John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: Arts Edge: William Grant Still
Read about composer William Grant Still in this resource. This brief biography highlights the career of this African American composer.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: James Brown
Biographical details on soul musician James Brown, a 1986 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes a timeline and key songs.
Black Past
Black Past: Marsalis, Wynton
This concise encyclopedia article tells about Wynton Marsalis as both a classical and jazz musician. There is a link to his own website.
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.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Ella Fitzgerald
Brief biography of famous singer and Grammy winner Ella Fitzgerald.
John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: Arts Edge: James P. Johnson
Stride pianist James P. Johnson is featured in this resource with a brief biography highlighting his career. It includes an audio clip showcasing his piano playing style.
Black Past
Black Past: Monk, Thelonius
This encyclopedia entry gives a brief account of Thelonius Monk, jazz pianist, and his influence on the jazz scene.
PBS
Pbs American Masters: Sarah Vaughan
An informative biography of jazz singer Sarah Vaughan (1924-1990 CE) is presented highlighting her long musical career.
American Academy of Achievement
Academy of Achievement: b.b. King
Blues artist B.B. King biography provides an overivew of King's life and musical career. Site contains two videos of King performing.
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...
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Marvin Gaye
Provides comprehensive biographical details on soul musician Marvin Gaye, a 1987 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes a timeline of key events, essential songs, and recommended reading list.
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...
Songwriters Hall of Fame
Songwriters Hall of Fame: Duke Ellington
This resource provides information about Duke Ellington.
Songwriters Hall of Fame
Songwriters Hall of Fame: Chuck Berry
This resource provides information about Chuck Berry.
Georgia Humanities Council and the University of Georgia Press.
New Georgia Encyclopedia: "Little Richard" Penniman
This resource is a comprehensive reference tool for learning about the life and career of Little Richard, "the architect of rock and roll." He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 and also won a Grammy Lifetime...
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Little Richard
Presents comprehensive biographical details on "the architect of rock and roll", Little Richard, a 1986 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes a timeline of key events and essential songs list.
Black Past
Black Past: Mingus, Charles
In this encyclopedia entry, you learn about Charles Mingus, jazz bassist and composer.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Cootie Williams
Learn about the life of Cootie Williams, an African-American trumpeter whose mastery of mutes and expressive effects made him one of the most distinctive jazz musicians.