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Black Past

Black Past: Cole, Nat "King"

For Students 9th - 10th
This brief encyclopedia entry gives information about Nat "King" Cole, an influential jazz pianist and vocalist.
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Handout
Black Past

Black Past: Jones, Quincy

For Students 9th - 10th
This encyclopedia entry offers a brief look at Quincy Jones, who began as a jazz trumpet player, but has expanded his career beyond music into film and television. There are links to websites for more information.
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Black Past

Black Past: Joplin, Scott

For Students 9th - 10th
This is a brief encyclopedia biography of the ragtime composer, Scott Joplin, whose music was influential in the growth of jazz.
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Handout
Other

American Forces Press Service: Interest Grows in Music Pioneer James Europe

For Students 9th - 10th
Article from the U.S. Department of Defense commemorating James Reese Europe for both his contribution to the 369th Infantry Regiment in World War I and his place in jazz history before and after the war.
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Website
Library of Congress

Loc: America's Story: Duke Ellington

For Students 3rd - 5th
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.
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Website
Library of Congress

Loc: America's Story: Duke Ellington

For Students 3rd - 8th
Duke Ellington (1899-1974 CE), a jazz legend, was a very interesting person. Here you will get brief biographical information along with a few additional articles on Ellington.
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PBS

Pbs: American Masters: Ella Fitzgerald

For Students 9th - 10th
Jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald is featured on this PBS site. Find out about her life and musical career. Be sure to check out the interactive career timeline as well.
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eBook
Blackdog Media

Classic Reader: The Jelly Bean by F. Scott Fitzgerald

For Students 9th - 10th
Classic Reader provides numerous classic works from famous authors. First published in 1920 in the Metropolitan magazine, "The Jelly-Bean" was published again as part of Tales of the Jazz Age in 1922. This story was written by F. Scott...
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Article
Scott Alexander

Red Hot Jazz: Esther Bigeou

For Students 9th - 10th
Information on the life and discography of Esther Bigeou.
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Article
Scott Alexander

History of Jazz Before 1930: Bessie Smith, 1895 1937

For Students 9th - 10th
This page offers information about Bessie Smith's life and work, including several audio recordings.
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Other

All About Jazz: Fletcher Henderson

For Students 9th - 10th
A biography of Fletcher Henderson, including suggested listening and suggested reading materials.
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Article
Scott Alexander

Red Hot Jazz: Dorsey Brothers Orchestra

For Students 9th - 10th
Brief history of the Dorsey Brothers' musical careers including a good sized discography collection.
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Website
Other

Off Jazz: Hat and Cane Tricks

For Students 9th - 10th
Download videos clips of hat and cane movements used in dancing.
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Website
Curated OER

National Park Service: Buddy Bolden: Calling His Children Home

For Students 9th - 10th
One of the early cornet players, Buddy Bolden was a key figure in the early development of jazz. Read about his life and career in this well written site.
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Rutgers University

Rutgers University: Fats Waller Forever

For Students 9th - 10th
This digital exhibit provides a basic overview of Fats Waller and his music. Divided into sections that cover Life and Times, Ed Kirkeby Collection, the music, recordings, European and US tours, notes, and more.
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Graphic
Smithsonian Institution

National Postal Museum: Art of the Stamp: Thelonious Monk

For Students 9th - 10th
View the artwork for a U.S. postage stamp issued in 1995 to commemorate Thelonious monk, one of the founders of modern jazz. With a short biographical passage.
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Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Comission

Explore Pa History: William Strayhorn

For Students 9th - 10th
Examine the historical contributions made to the jazz world by this noted composer and arranger from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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Website
Other

G. Schirmer, Inc.: Edward K. (Duke) Ellington

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
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Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Guide to Black History: Duke Ellington

For Students 9th - 10th
Biography of Duke Ellington, one of the originators of big band jazz, and a noted composer.
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Website
Other

Gallery 41

For Students 9th - 10th
Interviews, audio, video, and pictures of prominent jazz musicians.
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Handout
Other

The Official Poncho Sanchez Website

For Students 9th - 10th
Prominent Latin jazz musician Poncho Sanchez's website contains a biography, discography, and photo/video gallery.
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Article
Other

I Was Doing All Right

For Students 9th - 10th
Read about a trumpet player's insights and experiences with jazz improvisation. This is a large blog site with a lot of great information and ideas concerning improvisation.
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Website
New York Times

New York Times: Ellington at 100

For Students 9th - 10th
Celebrating the life and career of jazz legend Duke Ellington, this New York Times site features many articles about him. With a slideshow and pictures, you will learn all about this giant of jazz.
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Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Art Pepper

For Students 9th - 10th
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Art Pepper, an American jazz musician noted for the beauty of his sound and his improvisations on alto saxophone, and a major figure in the 1950s in West Coast jazz (see cool jazz).

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