My Hero Project
My Hero: Scott Joplin
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."
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania: Quotations of John Cage
John Cage, the American minimalist composer, often made interesting commentaries on his music and culture in general. Here are some select examples of his remarks.
Other
Africlassical: Black History and Classical Music
Africlassical profiles musicians and composers of African descent since the time of Mozart.
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.
Black Past
Black Past: Mingus, Charles
In this encyclopedia entry, you learn about Charles Mingus, jazz bassist and composer.
Duke University
Still Going On:the Life and Times of William Grant Still
This site contains extensive information on William Grant Still. Includes details on his works and a timeline of his life. Primary source material too!
Songwriters Hall of Fame
Songwriters Hall of Fame: Stephen Foster
This resource provides information about Stephen Foster.
Songwriters Hall of Fame
Songwriters Hall of Fame: Irving Berlin
This resource provides information about Irving Berlin.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Leonard Bernstein
This site explores the life of Leonard Bernstein. It provides an overview of his life and accomplishments, followed by articles addressing his overnight success, creation of "West Side Story," and radio concerts for children.
PBS
Pbs: American Masters: Cole Porter
Cole Porter is discussed in this brief biography. It touches on the highlights of his life and career.
Classical Net
Classical Net: George Gershwin
A short biography and many related links are included on this page about American composer, George Gershwin.
Curated OER
American Musician and Poet Stephen Collins Foster
Although Foster is known as one of America's most famous folksong composers, his lyrics were very racist by today's standards. This article discusses the new lyrics given to his songs.
PBS
Pbs: Literature & Life: Choice of Weapons
It is hard to categorize Gordon Park, Sr., because he excelled in so many areas. He was well known for his writing, his photojournalism and in film. He also composed music. Listen here to an interview with Gordon Parks, Sr., and to...
Broward Education Foundation
Broward Education Foundation: Creative Canjos [Pdf]
Creative Canjos is an interdisciplinary unit that teaches American History through Folk Art and Folk Music. The students began the project in Art class. They were introduced to American Folk Art through a teacher made iMovie. The iMovie...
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: Ragtime
Wikipedia offers the definition, historical context, revival, and composers of the ragtime style of music.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Duke Ellington
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.
Bill of Rights Institute
Bill of Rights Institute: James Otis
James Otis was called the most important American of the 1760s by John Adams. A trained lawyer and master of argument, James Otis was a leader of the Patriot movement in Boston in those years. Initially a prosecutor for the British...
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Great War & Jazz Age (1914 1928)
This Library of Congress time-line series surveys World War I and the Jazz Age. When World War I broke out in Europe, many changes were going on in the United States. Women were voting for the first time and African-American culture was...
Library of Congress
Loc: Today in History: February 13: Victor Herbert/ascap
This is an article discussing the founding of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP). It gives a detailed overview of it's first director, Victor Herbert.
American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise
Jewish Virtual Library: Irving Berlin
A brief biography featuring Irving Berlin's rise to fame as a prolific American songwriter in the 20s and 30s.
University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge: The First Black Female Poet?
This article looks at a ballad, 'Bars Fight,' by 18th century African-American writer Lucy Terry. It considers the literary qualities of a ballad, and its historical role in society. It then goes on to consider why a Black slave might...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: Creek War Journals
After a study of the Creek War, young scholars will explore perspectives of families on both sides of the war. Students will compose journal entries from a selected social class of the era to develop and exhibit an understanding and...
University of California
Ucla: Popular American Music
See images and find out about the original sheet music from the early 1900's. Famous songs such as "Dapper Dan", "Down the River", and more. You can search for music by title or author.
PBS
Pbs American Masters: Isaac Stern
A virtuoso on the violin, Isaac Stern is celebrated in this brief biography by PBS. Read about the highlights of his life and music.
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