PBS
Classics for Kids: Johann Strauss Jr.
Classics For Kids provides a short biography of Romantic composer Johann Strauss Jr., born on October 25, 1825. This site also includes an opportunity to listen to a song composed by Strauss Jr.
Songwriters Hall of Fame
Songwriters Hall of Fame: Hank Williams
Read a brief biography about country singer and songwriter Hank Williams. This site also has a list of the songs he has written as well as an audio clip of his most famous song "Your Cheatin' Heart".
Other
Dulcinea Media Inc.: Grandes De La Musica: Pablo Sarasate
This is a short biography of Pablo Sarasate who was a Spanish violinist and composer of the Romantic period.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Guide to Black History: Duke Ellington
Biography of Duke Ellington, one of the originators of big band jazz, and a noted composer.
John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: Arts Edge: William Grant Still
Read about composer William Grant Still in this resource. This brief biography highlights the career of this African American composer.
John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: Arts Edge: James P. Johnson
Stride pianist James P. Johnson is featured in this resource with a brief biography highlighting his career. It includes an audio clip showcasing his piano playing style.
John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: Arts Edge: Duke Ellington
This resource features a brief biography about big band leader Duke Ellington. It includes some audio and video clips of his music.
John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: Arts Edge: Eubie Blake
Jazz composer and pianist Eubie Blake is written about in this resource. It features a brief biography about his career and music.
National Women’s History Museum
National Women's History Museum: Hazel Scott
Jazz pianist and singer Hazel Scott was not only the first African-American woman to host her own television show, but she also bravely stood up to the House Un-American Activities Committee and the Hollywood studio machine.
National Women’s History Museum
National Women's History Museum: Josephine Baker
World-renowned performer, World War II spy, and activist are few of the titles used to describe Josephine Baker.
National Women’s History Museum
National Women's History Museum: Gertrude "Ma" Rainey
Often called the "Mother of the Blues," Ma Rainey was known for her deep-throated voice and mesmerizing stage presence that drew packed audiences and sold hit records in the early twentieth century.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: The Clash
Features a biography of the band, The Clash, and a list of their top recordings. They were inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2003 for their contributions to the punk-rock movement.
Scott Alexander
Lieutenant James Reese Europe: Songs Back From the Battle
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,...
University of Texas at Austin
University of Texas: Americo Paredes 1915 1999
Students of Paredes music and folklore can find his biography, a bibliography, photos, works, and newsclips of this Mexican American folklorist, teacher, writer, poet, and musician.
PBS
Pbs: Defining Jazz Music
In this lesson, students will develop a definition of jazz. Through biographies and interviews of jazz musicians, students will learn what jazz music is about.
Other
Hildegard Publishing Company: Rosa Giacinta Badalla
Provides biographical information about Rosa Giacinta Badalla, a composer of the Early Baroque Period.
Mocomi & Anibrain Digital Technologies
Mocomi: Johann Sebastian Bach
Useful biographical information about the famous composer, Johann Sebastian Bach.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Albert King
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Albert King, an American blues musician who created a unique string-bending guitar style that influenced three generations of musicians.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Wayne Shorter
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Wayne Shorter, an African-American musician and composer, a major jazz saxophonist, among the most influential hard-bop and modal musicians and a pioneer of jazz-rock fusion music.
PBS
Pbs: Jazz: Wynton Marsalis
Providing information part of a PBS presentation, "Jazz: A Film by Ken Burns," this website offers a brief article on Wynton Marsalis, a musician known for his accomplishments in both jazz and classical music.
Other
All About Jazz: Fletcher Henderson
A biography of Fletcher Henderson, including suggested listening and suggested reading materials.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Prince
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Prince, a singer, guitarist, songwriter, producer, dancer, and performer on keyboards, drums, and bass who was among the most talented American musicians of his generation. Like Stevie...
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Allen Toussaint
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Allen Toussaint, a songwriter, pianist, and producer, Toussaint was responsible for national hits by Ernie K-Doe, Chris Kenner, Jessie Hill, Aaron Neville, Irma Thomas, and the Showmen,...
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Benny Carter
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Benny Carter, an American jazz musician, an original and influential alto saxophonist, who was also a masterly composer and arranger and an important bandleader, trumpeter, and clarinetist.