PBS
Pbs Great Performances: Porgy and Bess an American Voice
Revisit the original production of "Porgy and Bess" with interviews, photos, and stories never told. Although the site doesn't have any clips from the musical, it does provide links where you can find them.
PBS
Pbs American Masters: Richard Rodgers
This site has a comprehensive biography of the American composer. Site details Rodgers collaboration with lyricist Lorenz Hart and later work with Oscar Hammerstein. There is also the "Career Timeline" or the audio/video resources found...
Library of Congress
Loc: American Variety Stage: Vaudeville and Popular Entertainment 1870 1920
This page is the front door to an extensive collection of play scripts, theater bills, motion pictures, sound recordings and photographs that document popular entertainment, especially vaudeville, from 1870 to 1920.
Duke University
Historical American Sheet Music: Mandy by Irving Berlin
Take a look at the sheet music from Irving Berlin's "Mandy", performed at Ziegfeld Follies in 1919. Very cool old poster.
PBS
Pbs: Cole Porter: You're the Top
A high school lesson plan designed to delve deeper into the life of Cole Porter and the meaning in his music.
PBS
Classics for Kids: Leonard Bernstein
A short biography of Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990 CE). Click to the past radio shows to hear his music and learn more about this famous composer.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: The Tech: Five Moe's Amuses With Laughs, Crowd Interaction
This site reviews the 1993 production of "Five Guys Named Moe" at Boston's Wilbur Theater. It gives a good summary of the musical, as well as a critique of that production.
Musicals 101
Musicals 101: History of the Musical Stage: Ziegfeld Follies
This article gives a history of the Ziegfeld Follies, with information on its creator Florenz Ziegfield, its origin, and the performers. The site also includes thumbnails of pictures of the Follies.
Musicals 101
Musicals101: History of the Stage Musical 1910 1920
From Jerome Kern's Americanized shows to the Ziegfeld Follies, the stages saw a whole new type of musical from 1910-1920.
Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian American Art Museum: Picturing the 1930s
Enter a virtual movie theater and learn about art of the 1930s in the United States. Exhibitions include: The Depression, The New Deal, The Country, Industry, Labor, The City, Leisure, and American People.
Other
Kingwood Library: American Cultural History: 1940 1949
Take a walk through this part of American history surrounding World War II. Each section includes cultural history of the time, with links pertaining to art and architecture, books and literature, education, fads and fashion, historic...
Other
The Official Website of Will Rogers
The official website of American actor and humorist Will Rogers, with extensive biographical information, photos, and quotes by and about him.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Listen by Composer: George Gershwin
A brief overview of composer George Gershwin, accompanied with audio samples of his music.
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.
Other
Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization: Rodgers & Hart
Presents the history behind the collaboration of Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart who are recognized as one of America's greatest musical playwrighting teams.
University of Pittsburgh
University of Pittsburgh:frequently Asked Questions About Stephen Collins Foster
This website has answers to common questions about songwriter, Stephen Foster, including "Where can I get recordings of Stephen Foster's music?" and "How much money did Foster make from his songs?" Very useful for basic information about...
Songwriters Hall of Fame
Songwriters Hall of Fame: Lorenz Hart
A biography, audio files, catalog of songs and albums of famed songwriter Lorenz Hart.
PBS
Pbs: American Masters: Cole Porter
Cole Porter is discussed in this brief biography. It touches on the highlights of his life and career.
Other
Will Rogers Memorial Museum
A museum dedicated to American actor and humorist Will Rogers, with extensive biographical information, photos, quotes, his writings, and a virtual tour of the museum.
Other
Amistad Digital Resource: Pop Culture
General overview of African American pop-culture in the mid 20th-century highlighting music, art, theater, and sports.
Other
California Dept. Of Parks and Recreation: Will Rogers: America`s Favorite Cowboy
From Will Rogers State Historic Park, a short profile of American actor and humorist Will Rogers, with articles and original photographs related to his ranch, his stables, and his love of horses.
Other
Mad River Theater Works: The Ballad of John Henry [Pdf]
Scroll down this study guide to find the lyrics to the Ballad of John Henry, which was collected from individuals in the West Virginia mountains in the 1920's. Discusses the different versions of the song and the history behind it.