Other
Compositional Inspiration
Without going into specifics, this article provides general ideas on how to begin writing your own music. A few of the ideas discussed are recording yourself playing around, learn a new scale or pattern, and apply some new music theory...
Other
Writing Guitar Licks
You have just written a cool guitar lick and you want to play it in your favorite song, however, it just doesn't sound good in the song. This article explains how you can break down your lick into the key components and refine it to suit...
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Luther Vandross
Summarizes the life and career of Luther Vandross, an American soul and pop singer, songwriter, and producer whose widespread popularity and reputation as a consummate stylist began in the early 1980s.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Bob Dylan
One of the premier songwriters of his time, one cannot think of folk music without thinking of Bob Dylan. This legendary singer was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988 and has five songs on the top 500 list of most influential songs.
South Carolina Educational Television
Etv: Artopia: Meet an Artist: Musicians
Find a series of videos of artists working as musicians, music directors, music educators, and songwriters in which they explain their artistic thinking and techniques and what it is like to be working in the music field.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Smokey Robinson
Uncover many fascinating facts about the life of singer, songwriter, producer and talent scout, Smokey Robinson who was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. He had 27 Top Forty hits!
Other
Rodgers and Hammerstein Organization: Shows Collections: Irving Berlin
Detailed biography and discography of the work of songwriter, Irving Berlin.
Classical Bands
Classicbands: Smokey Robinson
Read biographical information and interesting facts about famous Motown legend, Smokey Robinson, award winning soul singer and songwriter.
Other
Tommy Hunter: Canada's Country Gentleman
Discographies, photos, biography, current concert news and a Question & Answer section highlights the official Internet home of Tommy Hunter, Canada's Country Gentleman. Tommy Hunter was a Canadian Country Music recording artist...
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Booker T. And the m.g.'s
Starting out as a house band for Stax records, they then became a successful recording group in their own right. Booker T. and the MG's were an important force in shaping the sound of Sixties soul music. They were inducted into the Rock...
Other
History of Rock 'N' Roll: Roy Orbison
Biographical summary of the life of Roy Orbison, a legend in popular music in the 1960s.
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.
Classical Bands
Classicbands:the Bee Gees
One of the most popular British pop bands of the 1960s and 70s, the Bee Gees also dominated the music of the disco era. They went on to writing major hits for other artists.
Scott Alexander
V Irginia Liston
Information on the life and discography of blues singer/songwriter, Virginia Liston.
Georgia Humanities Council and the University of Georgia Press.
New Georgia Encyclopedia: Curtis Mayfield (1942 1999)
Read biographical facts on the great soul musician and songwriter, Curtis Mayfield who was once a member of the group called the "Impressions".
John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: Smokey Robinson
Read enlightening biographical details on the life and career of Motown singing star, Smokey Robinson, whose music has been described as "poetry".
Songwriters Hall of Fame
Songwriters Hall of Fame: Leroy Anderson
Read about Leroy Anderson, a composer who wrote many well-known songs. Includes a brief biography and discography.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Robert Johnson
A brief biography and photograph of legendary blues guitarist, Robert Johnson.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Joni Mitchell
Learn enlightening biographical details on folksinger Joni Mitchell, a 1997 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes a timeline of key events, essential songs, and recommended reading list.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Pete Seeger
Covers expansive details on influential folk musician, Pete Seeger, a 1996 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes a timeline of key life events, recommended reading list, and essential songs.
Smithsonian Institution
National Postal Museum: Famous Americans: Stephen Foster
Learn brief information from the National Postal Museum on Stephen Foster, American music composer, who was featured on the one cent postage stamp.
Other
Writingsongs
Provides information about composing music and songwriting. Of interest is the Tips & Information section where there are several articles of advice about songwriting.
Shmoop University
Shmoop: Stairway to Heaven Technique
Read about the songwriting and music in "Stairway to Heaven" in this fascinating site.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Neil Young
A great songwriter and performer of folk, country, and rock and roll music, Neil Young has had a successful career both with groups such as "Buffalo Springfield", "Crosby, Stills and Nash", and "Crazy Horse" and also as a solo artist....