The Washington Post
The Washington Post: "The History of Jazz," Chapter 1
This site offers the first chapter of Ted Gioia's book, "The History of Jazz." This chapter focuses on the prehistory of jazz, including the Africanization of American music, country blues and classic blues, and Scott Joplin and Ragtime.
Open Curriculum
Open Curriculum: Scales That Are Not Major or Minor
To explain the various musical scales that cannot be classified as major or minor such as chromatic, whole-tone, pentatonic, blues, and scales from non-Western music
Other
Lead Belly Foundation
The Lead Belly Foundation seeks to preserve the musical heritage of Huddie "Lead Belly" Ledbetter. Listen to tracks of his music while you read his biography and learn about his contributions to the worlds of blues and folk music.
Black Past
Black Past: Cooke, Sam (1931 1964)
Sam Cooke's influence on music, as the pioneer in cross-over from gospel to rhythm and blues, is described in this encyclopedia entry. His music was important to the African-American identity in the Civil Rights movement.
Other
Ray Charles Online
This personal website of Ray Charles contains a very interesting autobiography, including discussions with the artist on how he writes and arranges music in his head, how soul music and rock and roll originated, and much more.
Scott Alexander
V Irginia Liston
Information on the life and discography of blues singer/songwriter, Virginia Liston.
Scott Alexander
Lucille Bogan ( Bessie Jackson)
Information on the life and discography of blues artist Lucille Bogan, also known as Bessie Jackson. Includes audio samples.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: The Coasters
Extremely popular from 1956-1961, the Coasters were a black vocal group with Jewish songwriters. Their music, which was a mixture of rhythm & blues, comedy and rock & roll, dominated the music scene of that time.
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...
PBS
Classics for Kids: George Gershwin
A short biography of George Gershwin (1898-1937 CE). Click to the past radio shows to hear his music and learn more about this famous composer.
Other
The Unofficial Billie Holiday Website
Even though it is unauthorized, this is an exceptional site about jazz singer Billie Holiday. Included in this site is information about her life, her music and other resources leading to this jazz legend.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Bo Diddley
Creator of the "Bo Diddley beat", this rock & roller was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1987. Here is a brief biographical sketch of his life.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Bill Monroe
Offers interesting biographical background details on "the father of bluegrass music", Bill Monroe, a 1997 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes a timeline of key events, recommended reading list, and essential songs.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Hank Williams
Read detailed biographical information on country/blues/folk music star, Hank Williams, a 1987 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes an essential songs list.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: The Isley Brothers
Originally from Cincinnati, The Isley Brothers had their breakthrough hit in 1962 with "Shout". Over the years, the group consisted of various family members and in 1969 won a Grammy for "It's Your Thing". They remain one of the most...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: America Rocks and Rolls
Read a brief history of rock and roll and its roots. See why this form of music shook the establishment and shattered the idea of conformity.
Other
Famous Singers
Biographical profiles of famous singers in major musical genres. Includes photo and links to snippets of their songs.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Billie Holiday Was Born
Billie Holiday is one of the most well-known blues singers of all time. Visit this Library of Congress site for more about her early years and some great photographs.
Ducksters
Ducksters: Music for Kids: Famous Guitarists
Kids learn about famous guitarist on this site. Some of the best musicians to ever play the guitar.
Other
Bluegrass Net
A complete online music site that contains bluesgrass lyrics, news, festival information, and links.
Library of Congress
Loc: Patriotic Melodies
The Library of Congress site profiles 26 American patriotic songs with commentary, supporting visual material, and recordings of "America the Beautiful," "Fanfare for the Common Man" and the like.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: The Drifters
Considered one of the greatest vocal groups of the 1950s and 1960s, The Drifters were inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988 and have three songs on the list of the top 500 most influential songs.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: George Gershwin
Interested in popular and serious music, Gershwin (1898-1937) played a big part in bringing jazz to a more important place in American music. He helped mix it with classical music in his compositions. Read more about his work, including...
Other
Koko Taylor Talks About Her Subjects
Article and interview first published in Clockwork Review about Koko Taylor's, "Queen of the Blues", career.
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