PBS
Pbs: The Blues Classroom
Access the educational resources developed by a Seattle-based museum to supplement the PBS documentary series "The Blues." Includes background essays on the blues; biographies, video clips, and sound clips from the series; a blues...
Georgia Humanities Council and the University of Georgia Press.
New Georgia Encyclopedia: Isaac Hayes (B. 1942)
Overview of the life and career of soul musician Isaac Hayes who was the first African American to win an Academy Award for Best original Song for the "Theme from Shaft."
Other
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: Charley Pride
Provides the life story of African American country music superstar, Charley Pride, a 2000 inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Click on the arrows to listen to him singing three songs.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Curtis Mayfield
Career highlights of African American singer, songwriter, and producer Curtis Mayfield.
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",...
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: 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.
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.
PBS
Pbs: Independent Lens: Life, Music, Photos of M. Hinton
Jazz bassist Milt Hinton is also known for the many photographs he has taken of legendary musicians. This site by PBS provides a biography, music samples and some of the pictures taken by this talented man.
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".
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.
ReadWriteThink
Read Write Think: A Harlem Renaissance Retrospective
In this instructional activity, students work in collaborative groups to conduct Internet research and create a museum exhibit that highlights the work of selected artists, musicians, and poets of the Harlem Renaissance.
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.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Robert Johnson
A brief biography and photograph of legendary blues guitarist, Robert Johnson.
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.
Black Past
Black Past: Remembered and Reclaimed: Josephine Baker
Entry, from an online encyclopedia of African American history, for Josephine Baker.
PBS
Pbs: American Masters: Louis Armstrong
PBS provides an overview and highlights of the life of jazz great, Louis Armstrong.
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: Watts, Andre
This encyclopedia article gives a brief biography of Andre Watts, the first internationally known black classical pianist.
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.
Rutgers University
One More Once: A Celebration of the Life of Count Basie
Here is a truly wonderful site devoted to the life and music of Count Basie. A musicography tracks his creations through the decades of his life, and there are also photo essays to add celebrity interest to this excellent site.