PBS
Pbs: Independent Lens: Strange Fruit: Protest Music Past and Present
Listen to audio clips of songs of protest from eight eras of U.S. history. Explore the lyrics, learn about the songwriters, and gather background information on the music that served and continues to serve as a catalyst for thought,...
National Humanities Center
National Humanities Center: Teacher Serve: Jazz and the African American Literary Tradition
Article explores the influence of jazz on African American literature from the early history of jazz, noted jazz artists, the black-white tensions within jazz, to its literary influence after World War II.
SparkNotes
Spark Notes: Social Trends of the 1950s
Spark Notes gives a brief overview of the 1950s from consumerism and conformity to poverty to youthful rebellion. A good review of this important decade in American history.
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History: Lisa Law Timeline 1963 1973
This timeline shows some very important events in the ten year span between 1963 and 1973. It is a quick, brief overview by year.
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.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Sti Lesson 19: Runaway Slaves
The Underground Railroad was a significant part of American History. It served as a lifeline to hundreds of slaves who risked their lives to escape the horrors of bondage. Through readings of primary sources and listening to music, young...
Texas Education Agency
Texas Gateway: The American Identity: An Artistic Reflection
[Accessible by TX Educators. Free Registration/Login Required] Given selected examples of American art, music, and literature, students will be able to identify the era of U.S. history that is reflected in the art.
A&E Television
History.com: Why the Watershed 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival Was Overshadowed for 50 Years
The 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival brought over 300,000 people to Harlem's 20-acre Mount Morris Park from June 29 to August 24, 1969 against a backdrop of enormous political, cultural and social change in the United States. The summer...
Countries and Their Cultures
Countries and Their Cultures: Multicultural America: Basque Americans
Provides an overview of the traditional culture and lifestyle of Basque Americans. (Note: Content is not the most current.)
Countries and Their Cultures
Countries and Their Cultures: Multicultural America: Danish Americans
Provides an overview of the traditional culture and lifestyle of Danish Americans. (Note: Content is not the most current.)
Countries and Their Cultures
Countries and Their Cultures: Multicultural America: Garifuna Americans
Provides an overview of the traditional culture and lifestyle of Garifuna Americans. (Note: Content is not the most current.)
Countries and Their Cultures
Countries and Their Cultures: Multicultural America: Macedonian Americans
Provides an overview of the traditional culture and lifestyle of Macedonian Americans. (Note: Content is not the most current.)
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Us History: 1800 1848: The Presidency of John Quincy Adams
John Quincy Adams narrowly beat Andrew Jackson in the presidential election of 1824. Though his 'American System' modernized the American economy, his endorsement of a protective tariff as well as his lenient stance toward Native...
Countries and Their Cultures
Countries and Their Cultures: Multicultural America: Croatian Americans
Provides an overview of the traditional culture and lifestyle of Croatian Americans. (Note: Content is not the most current.)
Countries and Their Cultures
Countries and Their Cultures: Multicultural America: French Canadian Americans
Provides an overview of the traditional culture and lifestyle of French-Canadian Americans. (Note: Content is not the most current.)
A&E Television
History.com: How Alexander Hamilton's Men Surprised the Enemy at the Battle of Yorktown
Hamilton's leadership in the war's last major land battle would deliver the future Secretary of the Treasury his long-sought glory. Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury, known for his famous, fatal duel with Aaron Burr...
A&E Television
History.com: How Al Capone Spent His Time in Alcatraz
Public Enemy #1 was transferred to the now-infamous island prison a few weeks after it opened. To Americans of the 1920s and '30s, he was the notorious gangster Scarface Al, Public Enemy No. 1. But when he arrived at Alcatraz in late...
Stephen Byrne
History for Kids: Native American Entertainment
History for Kids provides an overview of the various forms of entertainment enjoyed by Native Americans. Young students will enjoy learning about what native American children did for fun. Includes links to teacher resources.
NPR: National Public Radio
Npr: Who Were the Cowboys Behind 'Cowboy Songs'?
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.
Library of Congress
Loc: Family Customs Past and Present: Exploring Cultural Rituals
Photos, documents, music, and stories help students deepen their understanding of the rituals and customs of various cultures throughout American history.
Ducksters
Ducksters: Quiz: Native American Entertainment Games, Sports, Music, Dance
History Questions: Native American Entertainment Quiz, Test, and WebQuest
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Harlem Renaissance
The Harlem Renaissance influenced not only African American culture in the Jazz Age, but all of American culture. Read about some of the shining stars of African American literature and music of the age.
Other
Unstrung History of American Guitar: The Guitar and the Birth of American Music
The guitar in America began as an instrument used in popular music in the city and then branched out to minstrel shows, ragtime, and even jazz. Read about the history of this ubiquitous instrument and how it took on its American character.
Black Past
Black Past: Jones, Quincy
This encyclopedia entry offers a brief look at Quincy Jones, who began as a jazz trumpet player, but has expanded his career beyond music into film and television. There are links to websites for more information.
Other popular searches
- American Music History
- Early American Music History
- African American Music History
- History of American Music