Marian Anderson was the first African American to sing at the Metropolitan Opera. She had to overcome prejudice many times in her career. The Library of Congress tells you more with words and pictures.

In the late 1960s, when the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Jefferson Airplane and other rock genres were raging, Carlos Santana and his band Santana introduced the music scene to a new Latin-based rock sound featuring an Afro-Cuban beat. This...

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".

This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Hattie McDaniel, an American actress and singer who became the first African-American to be honored with an Academy Award.

This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica's Guide to Black History features Beyonce, an American singer-songwriter and actress who achieved fame in the late 1990s as the lead singer of the R&B group Destiny's Child and then launched a...

This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Big Mama Thornton, an American singer and songwriter who performed in the tradition of classic blues singers such as Bessie Smith and Memphis Minnie. Her work inspired imitation by Elvis...

This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Blind Lemon Jefferson, an American country blues singer, guitarist, and songwriter, one of the earliest black folk-blues singers to achieve popular success.

This entry from Encyclopedia Brittanica's Guide to Black History features Taj Mahal, an American singer, guitarist, songwriter, and one of the pioneers of what came to be called world music. He combined blues and other African-American...

This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Alicia Keys, an American singer-songwriter, pianist, and actress, who achieved enormous success in the early 2000s with her blend of R&B and soul music.

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,...

This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Blind Willie Johnson, an African-American gospel singer who performed on Southern streets and was noted for the energy and power of his singing and for his ingenious guitar accompaniments.

This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Bobby Short, an American cabaret singer and piano player who in his personal and performance style came to represent a sophistication and elegance typical of an earlier era.

This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Elmore James, an American blues singer-guitarist noted for the urgent intensity of his singing and guitar playing. He was a significant influence on the development of rock music.

This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Eartha Kitt, an American singer and dancer noted for her sultry vocal style and slinky beauty who also achieved success as a dramatic stage and film actress. This site, rich in detail and...

Poet, dancer, singer, activist, and scholar, Maya Angelou is a world-famous author. She is best known for her unique and pioneering autobiographical writing style.

More than a country legend, the late Johnny Cash is a household name. Take a look into his long musical career that spanned nearly five decades.

Celebrate Black American History Month by studying this noteworthy Black American musician from the past Learn why Marian Anderson was called the voice of the century, how she impacted the lives of other Black musicians, and what it...

Learn about the famous rhythm & blues singer, "King of Rock and Soul" Solomon Burke, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001.

Learn enlightening biographical details on folksinger Joni Mitchell, a 1997 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes a timeline of key events, essential songs, and recommended reading list.

Includes brief history of Louis Armstrong and his orchestra, a photo, and a complete discography list.

This is Susan Aglukark's web site where you can read a biography of her and listen to her music.

A brief biography of Muddy Waters, American blues guitarist and singer who became famous in the post-World War II era.

This site contains an article on the singer and composer Alberta Hunter. It also includes audio clips of some of her most famous songs. Excellent resource.

Famous opera singer of the 19th century.