This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Odetta, an American folk singer who was noted especially for her versions of spirituals and who became for many the voice of the civil rights movement of the early 1960s.

This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Professor Longhair, an American singer and pianist who helped shape the sound of New Orleans rhythm and blues from the mid-1940s.

This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Solomon Burke, an American singer whose success in the early 1960s in merging the gospel style of the African American church with rhythm and blues helped to usher in the soul music era.

This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Sonny Terry, an American blues singer and harmonica player who became the touring and recording partner of guitarist Brownie McGhee in 1941.

This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Teddy Pendergrass, an American rhythm-and-blues singer who embodied the smooth, Philly soul sound of the 1970s as lead vocalist for Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes before embarking on a...

This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Tina Turner, an American singer who found success in the rhythm-and-blues, soul, and rock genres in a career that spanned five decades.

This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Tommy Johnson, an African-American singer-guitarist, one of the most evocative and influential of blues artists.

This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Whitney Houston, an American singer and actress who was one of the best-selling musical performers of the 1980s and '90s.

A brief biography of Muddy Waters, American blues guitarist and singer who became famous in the post-World War II era.

Read about the life of Paul Robeson, celebrated American singer, actor, and black activist.

A brief biographical sketch of Stevie Wonder, an African-American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, a child prodigy who developed into one of the most creative musical figures of the late 20th century.

Biographical details on American singer, Bessie Smith, one of the greatest of blues vocalists.

This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Eartha Kitt, an American singer and dancer noted for her sultry vocal style and slinky beauty who also achieved success as a dramatic stage and film actress. This site, rich in detail and...

Short biography of influential black vocalist Sam Cooke.

Entry, from an online encyclopedia of African American history, for Josephine Baker.

This page offers information about Bessie Smith's life and work, including several audio recordings.

View the artwork for a U.S. postage stamp issued in 1998 to commemorate Mahalia Jackson, known as the "Queen of Gospel Music". With a short biographical passage.

A comprehensive overview with many interesting facts and information about the first talking motion picture, the movie studios, and movie stars.

Analysis of this portrait of a mother and child by Sargent communicates many of the essential qualities of his work.

Information on the life and discography of Esther Bigeou.

A lesson that identifies some of the leading figures in post-World War II gospel music. Students compare the differences in style and approach of several gospel musicians and analyze how music has different meanings in different social...

A radio host talks about new music from West Africa. While profiling four popular artists, the substance in this site describes the flavor of the popular music.

A brief, yet detailed explanation of breathing and od the proper support needed for singing.

Article and interview first published in Clockwork Review about Koko Taylor's, "Queen of the Blues", career.