Ray Charles used the pain and adversity from his life to influence an entire genre of American music. Learn about the musician's daily life, struggles and success, and powerful musical style with a thorough resource.

Students examine protest music and songs from the Civil Rights movement. For this music of the Civil Rights era lesson, students listen to selected music before working in groups to determine who the music was directed at, what social...

Young scholars explore the consequences of unemployment. In this macroeconomics lesson, students listen to the songs “Johnny 99” and “Worried Man.” Young scholars discuss the socioeconomic costs of unemployment as they analyze the songs.

Students explore basic human rights as they explore music by black artists. In this human rights instructional activity, students examine music as a cultural reflection of the justice issues. Students analyze Jamaican roots reggae of the...

Provides the life story of African American country music superstar, Charley Pride, a 2000 inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Click on the arrows to listen to him singing three songs.

Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1973, Patsy Cline was "the most popular female country singer in recording history". Even though she died early at age thirty, she had a #1 jutebox hit in the song "Crazy". Click on the...

Learn the fascinating life story of country music legend, Waylon Jennings, who was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001. Click on the arrows to listen to him singing three songs.

Offers interesting biographical details on Southern rockabilly musician Carl Perkins, a 1987 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes a timeline of key events, essential songs, and recommended reading list.

Offers comprehensive biographical details on the father of boogie music John Lee Hooker, a 1991 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes an essential songs list.

Provides excellent biographical details on country music legend, Johnny Cash, a 1992 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes a timeline of key events and essential songs list.

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.

Country music singer and songwriter Dolly Parton has had many hits during her career. Learn more about her and her music through this site which offers a biography, discography and an audio clip.

I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-To-Die-Rag' by Country Joe McDonald has been played with great success in classrooms for over twenty years. While it conveys literary elements such as theme, point of view, and irony, it also functions as an...

One of the most important aspects of the war in Vietnam was the draft. Every male upon reaching the age of eighteen was required to register with the selective service. Men found themselves willingly enlisting, trying for deferments as...

A biography of Vince Gill, a country musician who has won numerous Grammy Awards. Includes a profile, videos, and a photo gallery.

Brief information about Buddy Holly. Even though he only played for a short time, 1950s rocker Buddy Holly was a great influence on many other groups such as the Beatles, Rolling Stones, and the Hollies. He died in a plane crash at the...