Yale University
Yale New Haven Teachers Institute: Influence of Folk
This site, which explores the influence of musical folk traditions in the poetry of Langston Hughes and Nicolas Guillen, provides lesson plans, a biography, examples of Hughes' poetry, and details about his meeting with Nicolas Guillen.
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.
John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: Guantanamera, a Poem and a Song
The folk classic "Guantanamera," takes on added meaning when students learn of its origin. Cuban political activist Jose Marti and controversial American activist Pete Seeger, serve as the basis for a fascinating comparative study....
Other
Mad River Theater Works: The Ballad of John Henry [Pdf]
Scroll down this study guide to find the lyrics to the Ballad of John Henry, which was collected from individuals in the West Virginia mountains in the 1920's. Discusses the different versions of the song and the history behind it.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Aaron Copland
Aaron Copland (1900-1990 CE) was one of the first composers to put jazzy music into symphonic music, Copland was also one of the greatest American composers. Read more about him and his work. Use RealAudio or Windows Media Player to...
Varsity Tutors
Varsity Tutors: Web English Teacher: Langston Hughes
This resource focuses on the works of famous African-American author, Langston Hughes.
Contemplator
Popular Songs in American History: Turkey in the Straw
This site provides the lyrics to an early minstrel song that was popular during Andrew Jackson's presidency.
Other
African Australian Online Resource
This site offers dozens of reviews of African recordings, new and re-released. Well-known musicians Zap Mama and Femi Kuti, as well as up and coming ones, are reviewed. Links to individual Web sites and audio files are also featured here.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Mississippi John Hurt
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Mississippi John Hurt, an American country-blues singer and guitarist who first recorded in the late 1920s but whose greatest fame and influence came when he was rediscovered in the early...
PBS
Pbs: American Experience: Stephen Foster
A website that accompanies a film on Stephen Foster. Students can listen to the famous songs, view a timeline of his life, and find information about Foster's contemporaries.
ibiblio
Ibiblio: John Henry: The Steel Driving Man
This ibiblio.org site deeply explores the truth behind the legend of John Henry. Content includes interviews with numerous scholars who take a look at how this legend may have been created. Scholars also analyze historical facts versus...
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Etta Baker
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Etta Baker, an American folk musician who influenced the folk music revival of the 1950s and '60s with her mastery of East Coast Piedmont blues, a unique fingerpicking style of...
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Bobby Mc Ferrin
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Bobby McFerrin, an American musician noted for his tremendous vocal control and improvisational ability. He often sang a cappella, mixing folk songs, 1960s rock and soul tunes, and jazz...
Aaron Shepherd
Aaron's Storybook: Folktales
Many folktale resources are offered here. Texts of stories, "extras" including music and audio files, posters and background information can be found for some stories.
PBS
Classics for Kids: Charles Ives
A short biography of Charles Ives (1874-1954 CE). Click to the past radio shows to hear his music and learn more about this famous composer.
Songwriters Hall of Fame
Songwriters Hall of Fame: James Taylor
Read about the musical contributions singer-songwriter James Taylor has given to the world of rock music. This site includes a biography, discography, and an audio clip.
Curated OER
John Henry Statue
Exploring the icons of American culture, NPR presents a piece on John Henry, railroad worker of the late 1800s whose "Tale has become the stuff of myth." See the art inspired by this "Steel-drivin' man," and hear "John Henry," the...
Curated OER
John Henry Building a Railroad
Exploring the icons of American culture, NPR presents a piece on John Henry, railroad worker of the late 1800s whose "Tale has become the stuff of myth." See the art inspired by this "Steel-drivin' man," and hear "John Henry," the...
Curated OER
John Henry as Defense Worker
Exploring the icons of American culture, NPR presents a piece on John Henry, railroad worker of the late 1800s whose "Tale has become the stuff of myth." See the art inspired by this "Steel-drivin' man," and hear "John Henry," the...
Curated OER
Carving of John Henry
Exploring the icons of American culture, NPR presents a piece on John Henry, railroad worker of the late 1800s whose "Tale has become the stuff of myth." See the art inspired by this "Steel-drivin' man," and hear "John Henry," the...
Other
Mississippi State: Sacred Harp Singing
A comprehensive website on Sacred Harp singing, a non-denominational community singing event that focuses on group participation. Explore this rich tradition at this website with historic background and audio files.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Janis Joplin
Explores comprehensive biographical details on superstar blues and soul musician, Janis Joplin, a 1995 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes a timeline of key events, recommended reading list, and essential songs.