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Smithsonian Institution

National Postal Museum: Art of the Stamp: Benny Goodman

For Students 9th - 10th
View the artwork for a U.S. postage stamp issued in 1996 to commemorate famous jazz musician Benny Goodman. With a short biographical passage.
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Website
PBS

Pbs: American Masters: Lena Horne

For Students 9th - 10th
PBS profiles American jazz singer and actress Lena Horne's life and music. Includes video.
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Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Comission

Explore Pa History: Billie Holiday

For Students 9th - 10th
Examine the life and historical contributions of renown jazz vocalist and Pennsylvania native, Billie Holiday in this concise biography.
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Other

Down Beat Magazine: Clifford Brown

For Students 9th - 10th
Although he died at the young age of 25, Clifford Brown was one of the best trumpet players in jazz. Read a brief biography, view pictures and view a list of his recordings.
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Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Milt Hinton

For Students 9th - 10th
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Milt Hinton, an African American jazz musician, a highly versatile bassist who came of age in the swing era and became one of the favorite bassists of post-World War II jazz.
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Handout
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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Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Chick Webb

For Students 9th - 10th
Features a biographical sketch of Chick Webb, black American jazz drummer who led one of the dominant big bands of the swing era.
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Handout
Rutgers University

One More Once: A Celebration of the Life of Count Basie

For Students 9th - 10th
Here is a truly wonderful site devoted to the life and music of Count Basie. A musicography tracks his creations through the decades of his life, and there are also photo essays to add celebrity interest to this excellent site.
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Handout
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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Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Comission

Explore Pa History: Dorsey Brothers

For Students 9th - 10th
A succinct biographical sketch that examines contributions to the jazz and swing eras by noted musicians, band leaders, and Pennsylvania natives, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey.
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Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Walter Page

For Students 9th - 10th
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Walter Page, a black American swing-era musician, one of the first to play "walking" lines on the string bass. A pioneer of the Southwestern jazz style, he was a star of the Count Basie...
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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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My Hero Project

My Hero: Scott Joplin

For Students 3rd - 8th
This article includes information on the life and musical contributions of Scott Joplin, the composer who gave us such songs as "The Entertainer" and "The Maple Leaf Rag."
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Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Jo Jones

For Students 9th - 10th
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Jo Jones, a black American musician, one of the most influential of all jazz drummers, noted for his swing, dynamic subtlety, and finesse.
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Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Ella Fitzgerald

For Students 9th - 10th
Brief biography of famous singer and Grammy winner Ella Fitzgerald.