Here, Vusi Mahlasela talks about music, its social impact, and his hopes for how we relate to each other in this challenging world. [6:29]

Includes background essays, artist biographies, sheet music, video, and audio resources about ragtime.

This site reviews the 1993 production of "Five Guys Named Moe" at Boston's Wilbur Theater. It gives a good summary of the musical, as well as a critique of that production.

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.

A landing page for a course on African art found in regions and in individual countries.

Provides biographical details on Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2008 inductee "Little Walter". Known for his sound of blues harmonica, he was a key contributor to the music of Muddy Waters. Includes timeline and song list.

Similar to an online newspaper, this resource provides numerous insights to the contemporary culture in Africa.

This lesson could serve as the basis of a curriculum unit on slavery and/or the Civil War. Spirituals are analyzed, especially their cultural implications.

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.

In this encyclopedia entry, you read about the rap group, Public Enemy, their songs, and the evolution of their message. There is a link to a website for more information.

This lesson is an introduction to a unit on The Harlem Renaissance, the period between the end of WW I through mid 1930s when African Americans were recognized for their literature, music, and art. It discusses their themes and lists...

This article and audio report [9:05] covers the origins of American cowboy folk songs. Uses popups. Also includes a brief video clip of a 19th century folk song being performed.

Using primary documents, oral histories, and other historical resources, discover how the arts of Africa, Europe, and pre-Civil War America influenced the culture of enslaved African Americans.

This site is an extensive biography of World War I African American soldier and jazz musician Lieutenant James Reese Europe. It includes much detail about Europe's life, experience in the military, and success as a bandleader. Photos,...

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.

PBS highlights American Masters in music and provides a thorough biography, feature essay, and career timeline on Jones.

Celebrate Black Heritage Month by studying this extraordinary vocalist who transcended a troubled childhood to become an American treasure. Create a musical timeline of the noteworthy events in Ella's life. Explore her sensational lyrics...

Explore and analyze "Lift Every Voice and Sing" , a poem by James Weldon Johnson, which was set to music and is considered the "Black National Anthem."

Odyssey Online is a resource for both students and teachers as they explore world mythology in reading, writing, history, and art classes. Providing sections on Near Eastern, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and African mythology, Odyssey uses...

Photos, documents, music, and stories help students deepen their understanding of the rituals and customs of various cultures throughout American history.

A detailed biography of Scott Joplin's life, with a resource list and a lengthy bibliography that includes his musical compositions.

With this timeline, learn about how the history of slavery, Jim Crow laws and other forms of racial oppression impacted the rise of jazz in America. Also highlights the achievements of women, including Viola Smith in this world of music....

Langston Hughes is known mainly for his rhythmic poems set to music. This site gives an in-depth look at his background, including biographical information, what he wrote about, who influenced him, and his level of success.

Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, two of the greatest jazz composers, collaborated on hundreds of works. As you explore this exhibition, you will have an opportunity to view original music scores, listen to audio clips, and view videos...