Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Aretha Franklin
Read about the life history of the "Queen of Soul", Aretha Franklin. In 1987, she was the first woman inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: The Staple Singers
Recounts detailed biographical information on "God's greatest hitmakers", The Staple Singers, 1999 inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes a timeline of key events, recommended reading, and essential songs list.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: The Temptations
The Temptations typified what Motown was all about in the 1960s. Read the history behind this Grammy winning group that at one time ruled the Top Forty and were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1989.
Classical Bands
Classicbands: Al Green
Great resource for information on the life of soul legend, Al Green, who later became an ordained pastor.
PBS
Pbs American Masters: Aretha Franklin
Learn much about "The first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame". PBS portrays the life of "Queen of Soul," Aretha Franklin.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Guide to Black History: Berry Gordy, Jr.
This entry from Encyclopedia Brittanica's Guide to Black History features Berry Gordy, Jr., an American businessman, founder of the Motown Record Corporation (1959), which became the most successful black-owned music company in the...
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: The Drifters
Considered one of the greatest vocal groups of the 1950s and 1960s, The Drifters were inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988 and have three songs on the list of the top 500 most influential songs.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Sam and Dave
Biographical details on Sam and Dave, the American vocal duo who were among the most popular performers of soul music in the late 1960s and whose gritty, gospel-drenched style typified the Memphis Sound.
Curated OER
Rev. James Cleveland
This is a Biography on Rev. James Cleveland, a singer, song-writer, director and composer of gospel music.
Other
The Charles Ives Society
While there is very good biographical information here, the Society is more of a scholarly institution. There are audio clips (look for the Real Player logo), links and suggested readings as well.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Horace Silver
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Horace Silver, an American jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader, exemplary performer of what came to be called the hard bop style of the 1950s and '60s. The style was an extension of...
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Solomon Burke
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.
Curated OER
Bob Wills
In Summer 2003, NPR broadcast a special series on the history of American music. This site focus is on the unique traditions in American music including country music, blues, and gospel.
Curated OER
Santiago Jimenez Jr.
In Summer 2003, NPR broadcast a special series on the history of American music. This site focus is on the unique traditions in American music including country music, blues, and gospel.
Curated OER
Wikipedia: National Historic Landmarks in Tennessee: Graceland
Graceland was Elvis Presley's home for 20 years starting in 1957, and is intimately associated with his music and career. Presley profoundly influenced American music and culture in the 20th century, and has been inducted into the Rock...