Curated OER
American Musician and Poet Stephen Collins Foster
Although Foster is known as one of America's most famous folksong composers, his lyrics were very racist by today's standards. This article discusses the new lyrics given to his songs.
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: Ragtime
Wikipedia offers the definition, historical context, revival, and composers of the ragtime style of music.
Library of Congress
Loc: Today in History: February 13: Victor Herbert/ascap
This is an article discussing the founding of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP). It gives a detailed overview of it's first director, Victor Herbert.
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.
PBS
Pbs: This Far by Faith: Thomas Dorsey
A biography of Thomas Dorsey, the man known as "the father of gospel music," from the producers of "This Far by Faith," a series on African-American spiritual journeys. (The series premiered on PBS stations in June 2003.) The site...
Black Past
Black Past: Watts, Andre
This encyclopedia article gives a brief biography of Andre Watts, the first internationally known black classical pianist.
John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: Brian Wilson
Learn many biographical facts about composer and singer, Brian Wilson. As a member of American band, The Beach Boys, he helped define California "surf" music.
A&E Television
History.com: How Al Capone Spent His Time in Alcatraz
Public Enemy #1 was transferred to the now-infamous island prison a few weeks after it opened. To Americans of the 1920s and '30s, he was the notorious gangster Scarface Al, Public Enemy No. 1. But when he arrived at Alcatraz in late...
Songwriters Hall of Fame
Songwriters Hall of Fame: Leonard Bernstein
This resource provides information about Leonard Bernstein.
Songwriters Hall of Fame
Songwriters Hall of Fame: John Philip Sousa
This resource provides information about John Philip Sousa.
Other
Mississippi State: Sacred Harp Singing
A comprehensive website on Sacred Harp singing, a non-denominational community singing event that focuses on group participation. Explore this rich tradition at this website with historic background and audio files.
Other
G. Schirmer, Inc.: Edward K. (Duke) Ellington
Brief biography of the famous American Jazz composer, pianist, and band leader, Duke Ellington (1899-1974 CE). The site describes "Duke's" personal and professional life.
Library of Congress
Loc: The Richard Rodgers Collection
This site is provided for by the Library of Congress. Below the long list of Rodgers' works you'll find an extensive timeline of his life and composition history.
University of Virginia
University of Virginia: James Bland
This site from the University of Virginia provides an image "of an 1879 songbook featuring the music of James Bland, an African American composer of minstrel pieces."
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.
Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Comission
Explore Pa History: Billy Eckstine
Learn of the historical contributions of jazz musician, band leader, and Pennsylvania native, Billy Eckstine in this succinct biography.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Horace Silver
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Horace Silver, an American jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader, exemplary performer of what came to be called the hard bop style of the 1950s and '60s. The style was an extension of...
Other
What Is Orff Schulwerk?
A short bio, part of a resource about an American group that advocates the use of Orff's Schulwerk to teach music, the link back to that site is at the bottom of the page.
Other
Tania Leon: A Woman Pioneering the Future
At this site read about Tania Leon, the Cuban born composer and conductor. This article focuses mainly on her works.
John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: Arts Edge: Fats Waller
This resource presents a brief biography about jazz pianist and composer Fats Waller. Also featured in this resource are a couple of audio clips of his music.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Fats Waller
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Fats Waller, an American pianist and composer who was one of the few outstanding jazz musicians to win wide commercial fame, though this was achieved at a cost of obscuring his purely...
John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: Arts Edge: Eubie Blake
Jazz composer and pianist Eubie Blake is written about in this resource. It features a brief biography about his career and music.
Other
Todd & Sharon Peach: Oscar Hammerstein on Jerome Kern
This is a moving tribute for Jerome Kern after his death by friend and partner Oscar Hammerstein II. He discuss his life and impact.
Other
Alligator Records: Koko Taylor
Biographical information about Koko Taylor. Links to pages with information about each of her albums.