PBS
Pbs: American Roots Music
If teaching a unit about the history of popular music in America, this PBS web site supporting their four-part TV broadcast of a few years ago would make a great resource. Includes lesson plans and oral histories too.
Other
Gospel Music Soloist
This site contains a brief look at the Black gospel soloist Rosetta Tharpe. This site also includes several other articles on early black gospel soloists and groups.
PBS
Pbs Teachers: Gospel Music Meets a Wide Audience (Lesson Plan)
A lesson that identifies some of the leading figures in post-World War II gospel music. Students compare the differences in style and approach of several gospel musicians and analyze how music has different meanings in different social...
Other
Biographical Sketches of the Pioneers of Gospel Music
Brief biographical sketches of a few of the artists of gospel music.
PBS
Pbs: This Far by Faith: The Spread of Gospel Music
An explanation of the origins and spread of gospel music from the producers of "This Far by Faith," a series on African-American spiritual journeys, which premiered on PBS stations in June 2003.
English Club
English Club: History of Soul Music
Learn the history of soul music from its origins in gospel music, through Motown and Memphis Soul, to contemporary rhythm and blues. The site includes three videos: Sam Cooke singing "A Change is Gonna Come," from 1964, with images from...
Indiana University
Archives of African American Music and Culture
Contains resources on black culture and music from the early 1900s to the present.
PBS
Pbs: This Far by Faith: Thomas Dorsey
A biography of Thomas Dorsey, the man known as "the father of gospel music," from the producers of "This Far by Faith," a series on African-American spiritual journeys. (The series premiered on PBS stations in June 2003.) The site...
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Sam and Dave
Sam and Dave were known as "the greatest of all soul duos". Read about the history behind this famous duo and learn about their music and songs. They were 1992 inductees into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Mahalia Jackson
Learn about the " Queen of Gospel", New Orleans born singer Mahalia Jackson.
Smithsonian Institution
National Postal Museum: Art of the Stamp: Mahalia Jackson
View the artwork for a U.S. postage stamp issued in 1998 to commemorate Mahalia Jackson, known as the "Queen of Gospel Music". With a short biographical passage.
National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: Learning the Blues
This lesson plan introduces students to the blues. The origin and development of the blues is explored as well as its distinctive structure.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Al Green
Gifted 1970s soul singer, Al Green, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995. After a rewarding R&B singing career, he became a Reverend in 1976 and moved to gospel music.
Black Past
Black Past: Jackson, Mahalia
This encyclopedia article tells the high points of Mahalia Jackson's life. She was a world-renowned gospel singer whose influence was felt in the civil rights movement.
Black Past
Black Past: Cooke, Sam (1931 1964)
Sam Cooke's influence on music, as the pioneer in cross-over from gospel to rhythm and blues, is described in this encyclopedia entry. His music was important to the African-American identity in the Civil Rights movement.
PBS
Pbs: American Masters: Ray Charles
PBS presents a biography of the "Father of soul," Ray Charles. He was an internationally famed musician, combining jazz, country, gospel, soul, and R&B in a way that was truly unique.
Other
Ray Charles Online
This personal website of Ray Charles contains a very interesting autobiography, including discussions with the artist on how he writes and arranges music in his head, how soul music and rock and roll originated, and much more.
British Library
British Library: Virtual Books: Turning the Pages
Prepare for hours of fascination leafing through pages of 15 incredible original texts, from the Diamond Sutra, the oldest printed book, to an original copy of "Alice's Adventures Underground." Along the way, check out such varied texts...
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: The Soul Stirrers
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica's Guide to Black History features the Soul Stirrers, an American gospel group who were one of the first male quintets and one of the most enduring male groups. Several singers emerged from the...
Other
The Georgia Sea Island Singers
The Georgia Sea Island Singers are carrying on the tradition of their ancestors by performing chants, work songs, and gospel songs all over the world.
Other
Negro Spirituals: History
Resource offers a wealth of information on the development and various uses of the negro spiritual songs.
PBS
Pbs: American Masters: Hank Williams
Featured is a biographical essay on the life of country crooner, Hank Williams. There is a career timeline and video footage interviews from those who knew him well.
Curated OER
Singer Mahalia Jackson Practices With Gospel Legend Thomas A. Dorsey
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.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: The Isley Brothers
Originally from Cincinnati, The Isley Brothers had their breakthrough hit in 1962 with "Shout". Over the years, the group consisted of various family members and in 1969 won a Grammy for "It's Your Thing". They remain one of the most...
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