Other
Classical Composer Biographies
Contains brief biographical information about several well known classical composers including Beethoven, Mozart and Haydn.
New Advent
Catholic Encyclopedia: Alessandro Scarlatti (1660 1725)
Catholic Encyclopedia biography on Alessandro Scarlatti, the Baroque musician. Please note that "The Catholic Encyclopedia" is a historic reference source and should be viewed in the context of resource material dated 1912.
Other
World Music Central: Paco De Lucia
An in depth biography on Paco de Lucia, Spanish Flamenco guitarist. Also provides discography and a transcribed interview with the musician.
Curated OER
National Park Service: International Civil Rights Walk of Fame: Harold Belafonte
This biography highlights how musician Harry Belafonte played a part in the Civil Rights Movement.
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.
PBS
Pbs American Masters: Placido Domingo
One of the most popular opera singers today, Placido Domingo is discussed on this American Masters web site by PBS. Including a biography, a short list of his major works and a video, you will certainly learn more about this great singer.
PBS
Pbs: American Masters: Paul Simon
Along with Art Garfunkel, Paul Simon was part of one of the most popular bands of the 1960's. Still popular today, read about his career in this biography from PBS.
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History: Smithsonian Jazz: Duke Ellington
This site provides audio clips, photos, and biographical information of this legendary composer and performer. A match game teaches and tests your knowledge of Ellington.
Other
Ray Stevens
Biographical information on comedy/novelty singer Ray Stevens. Included in this resource is his discography and a photo gallery.
Mocomi & Anibrain Digital Technologies
Mocomi: Antonio Vivaldi Biography
Short biographical sketch of Antonio Vivaldi, Italian composer, and priest.
PBS
Pbs: American Masters: Cole Porter
Cole Porter is discussed in this brief biography. It touches on the highlights of his life and career.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Ella Fitzgerald
Brief biography of famous singer and Grammy winner Ella Fitzgerald.
New Advent
Catholic Encyclopedia: Marie De France
This site from The New Advent contains biographical information about Marie de France. Please note that ?The Catholic Encyclopedia? is a historic reference source and should be viewed in the context of resource material dated around 1910.
Scott Alexander
Red Hot Jazz: Louis Armstrong (1900 1971)
This site from Red Hot Jazz contains a good biography of Louis Armstrong, arguably the most influential jazz musician. Very interesting and informative, also includes a picture.
John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: Arts Edge: Chick Webb
With a brief biography and a couple of audio clips, this resource features the talents of drummer and big bandleader Chick Webb.
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.
Other
Afgen.com: Scott Joplin
A reasonable biography from Afgen.com of Scott Joplin with some audio to go along with it. Not too detailed, but plenty of information.
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.
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.
National Women’s History Museum
National Women's History Museum: Gertrude "Ma" Rainey
Often called the "Mother of the Blues," Ma Rainey was known for her deep-throated voice and mesmerizing stage presence that drew packed audiences and sold hit records in the early twentieth century.
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,...
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Jimmy Smith
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Jimmy Smith, an American musician who integrated the electric organ into jazz, thereby inventing the soul-jazz idiom, which became popular in the 1950s and '60s.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Rex Stewart
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Rex Stewart, a black American jazz musician unique for playing the cornet, rather than the trumpet, in big bands as well as small groups throughout his career. His mastery of expressive...
Other
Cybermuse: Michael Snow
Detailed biography of well-known Canadian filmmaker, musician, artist, composer, writer, and sculptor Michael Snow. He has an international reputation as well as being renowned in the Toronto art scene.