Other
Unstrung History of American Guitar: The Guitar and the Birth of American Music
The guitar in America began as an instrument used in popular music in the city and then branched out to minstrel shows, ragtime, and even jazz. Read about the history of this ubiquitous instrument and how it took on its American character.
Other
Voice of America: American History: 1920s Were a Big Time for the Arts
Voice of America offers an article about the arts in the Jazz Age including information about authors who wrote to protest what they saw happening in society. Read this article or listen to the narration of it.
OpenStax
Open Stax: Catherine Schmidt Jones: Listening to Ragtime
An excellent resource explaining the details that characterize ragtime music. From the rhythms to the typical form, this site gives a great overview of this early style of jazz.
NPR: National Public Radio
Npr: August Wilson, Writing to the Blues
An interview with playwright August Wilson about the people who most influence his writing. He includes Amiri Baraka, Jorge Luis Borges, and Romare Bearden, and most especially, blues singer Bessie Smith. In addition to the interview,...
Read Works
Read Works: Famous African Americans Duke Ellington
[Free Registration/Login Required] This passage contains biographical information about the famous jazz composter, Duke Ellington. This passage is a stand-alone curricular piece that reinforces essential reading skills and strategies and...
Black Past
Black Past: Cole, Nat "King"
This brief encyclopedia entry gives information about Nat "King" Cole, an influential jazz pianist and vocalist.
Black Past
Black Past: Jones, Quincy
This encyclopedia entry offers a brief look at Quincy Jones, who began as a jazz trumpet player, but has expanded his career beyond music into film and television. There are links to websites for more information.
Black Past
Black Past: Joplin, Scott
This is a brief encyclopedia biography of the ragtime composer, Scott Joplin, whose music was influential in the growth of jazz.
Other
American Forces Press Service: Interest Grows in Music Pioneer James Europe
Article from the U.S. Department of Defense commemorating James Reese Europe for both his contribution to the 369th Infantry Regiment in World War I and his place in jazz history before and after the war.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Duke Ellington
Explore the fascinating life of a founding father of jazz music. Duke Ellington (1899-1974 CE) was a gifted musician and composer from an early age. This website provides you with a detailed account of his life and his accomplishments.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Duke Ellington
Duke Ellington (1899-1974 CE), a jazz legend, was a very interesting person. Here you will get brief biographical information along with a few additional articles on Ellington.
PBS
Pbs: American Masters: Ella Fitzgerald
Jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald is featured on this PBS site. Find out about her life and musical career. Be sure to check out the interactive career timeline as well.
Blackdog Media
Classic Reader: The Jelly Bean by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Classic Reader provides numerous classic works from famous authors. First published in 1920 in the Metropolitan magazine, "The Jelly-Bean" was published again as part of Tales of the Jazz Age in 1922. This story was written by F. Scott...
Scott Alexander
Red Hot Jazz: Esther Bigeou
Information on the life and discography of Esther Bigeou.
Scott Alexander
History of Jazz Before 1930: Bessie Smith, 1895 1937
This page offers information about Bessie Smith's life and work, including several audio recordings.
Other
All About Jazz: Fletcher Henderson
A biography of Fletcher Henderson, including suggested listening and suggested reading materials.
Scott Alexander
Red Hot Jazz: Dorsey Brothers Orchestra
Brief history of the Dorsey Brothers' musical careers including a good sized discography collection.
Other
Off Jazz: Hat and Cane Tricks
Download videos clips of hat and cane movements used in dancing.
Curated OER
National Park Service: Buddy Bolden: Calling His Children Home
One of the early cornet players, Buddy Bolden was a key figure in the early development of jazz. Read about his life and career in this well written site.
Rutgers University
Rutgers University: Fats Waller Forever
This digital exhibit provides a basic overview of Fats Waller and his music. Divided into sections that cover Life and Times, Ed Kirkeby Collection, the music, recordings, European and US tours, notes, and more.
Smithsonian Institution
National Postal Museum: Art of the Stamp: Thelonious Monk
View the artwork for a U.S. postage stamp issued in 1995 to commemorate Thelonious monk, one of the founders of modern jazz. With a short biographical passage.
Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Comission
Explore Pa History: William Strayhorn
Examine the historical contributions made to the jazz world by this noted composer and arranger from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Other
G. Schirmer, Inc.: Edward K. (Duke) Ellington
Brief biography of the famous American Jazz composer, pianist, and band leader, Duke Ellington (1899-1974 CE). The site describes "Duke's" personal and professional life.
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.
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