Unit Plan
Georgia Department of Education

Ga Virtual Learning: American Literature and Composition: The Harlem Renaissance

For Students 9th - 10th
This lesson is an introduction to a unit on The Harlem Renaissance, the period between the end of WW I through mid 1930s when African Americans were recognized for their literature, music, and art. It discusses their themes and lists...
Article
Other

Is Acid Jazz a Continuation of the Jazz Phenomenon?

For Students 9th - 10th
This is a research paper debating whether or not acid jazz is a continuation of traditional jazz music. It provides a history of how acid jazz started and includes many references for more research.
Website
Other

Oculus Magazine: Free Jazz

For Students 9th - 10th
A short description of the free jazz movement, and a timeline of important movements in jazz.
Handout
Rutgers University

Rutgers University: Fats Waller Forever

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
Article
Other

Acid Jazz: But Is It Jazz?

For Students 9th - 10th
A lengthy article discussing the validity of Acid Jazz as a genre.
Handout
PBS

Pbs: Independent Lens: Life, Music, Photos of M. Hinton

For Students 9th - 10th
Jazz bassist Milt Hinton is also known for the many photographs he has taken of legendary musicians. This site by PBS provides a biography, music samples and some of the pictures taken by this talented man.
Lesson Plan
Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of American History: Smithsonian Jazz: Duke Ellington

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
This site provides audio clips, photos, and biographical information of this legendary composer and performer. A match game teaches and tests your knowledge of Ellington.
Website
Library of Congress

Loc: America's Story: Dizzy Gillespie

For Students 3rd - 8th
Dizzie Gillespie helped create a new form of modern jazz called be-bop. It was the predecessor of hip-hop that is so popular today.
Handout
Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Comission

Explore Pa History: Billy Eckstine

For Students 9th - 10th
Learn of the historical contributions of jazz musician, band leader, and Pennsylvania native, Billy Eckstine in this succinct biography.
Website
Other

Amg: All Music Guide: Duke Ellington

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource presents an overview of the musical career of Duke Ellington tells the chronological story of his rise to fame as an American jazz musician.
Handout
Other

Down Beat Magazine: Clifford Brown

For Students 9th - 10th
Although he died at the young age of 25, Clifford Brown was one of the best trumpet players in jazz. Read a brief biography, view pictures and view a list of his recordings.
Handout
Other

Down Beat Magazine: Dexter Gordon

For Students 9th - 10th
A 1980 Down Beat Hall of Fame inductee, saxophonist Dexter Gordon has lead a successful career in the field of jazz. Read a biography, view pictures and view a list of his recordings on this website.
Handout
Other

Unstrung History of American Guitar: The Guitar and the Birth of American Music

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
Handout
Other

Down Beat Magazine: Freddie Hubbard

For Students 9th - 10th
Highlighting the career of jazz trumpet player Freddie Hubbard, this site features a biography, pictures and a list of his recordings.
Article
Other

Down Beat Magazine: Ben Webster

For Students 9th - 10th
Ben Webster was one of the first important saxophone players to come out of Duke Ellington's orchestra. Read a biography, view pictures and see a discography of this 1974 Down Beat Hall of Fame inductee.
Handout
Other

Down Beat Magazine: Billie Holiday

For Students 9th - 10th
Jazz singer Billie Holiday is featured on this Down Beat website with a biography, pictures and a discography of her recording career.
Website
Smithsonian Institution

National Postal Museum: Music: Latin Jazz Issue

For Students 9th - 10th
Learn about key aspects of Latin jazz from this captioned exhibit of a stamp issued in 2008 to celebrate it.
Handout
Other

Jazz Roots: James Reese Europe

For Students 9th - 10th
This site is a detailed account of Lieutenant Jim Europe's life as a musician, his performances in New York City, and his impact upon the music scene. Includes links to relevant people, photos, and a personal account by a witness of...
Handout
Other

American Forces Press Service: Interest Grows in Music Pioneer James Europe

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
Handout
Other

The Guide to Musical Theatre: Bob Fosse American Choreographer

For Students 9th - 10th
Article about Bob Fosse musical revivals and new shows made in tribute to him, also includes information on Fosse dance style.
Article
Other

Abbey Lincoln: Spirited and Spiritual

For Students 9th - 10th
Information on the life the work of Abbey Lincoln. This article discusses her philosophy on jazz and the spirituality of music.
Website
Other

All About Jazz

For Students 9th - 10th
Has reviews, interviews, and articles. Of special interest is the jazz time-line.
Handout
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: American Culture in the 1920s

For Students 9th - 10th
The First World War had a crippling effect on any notions of positivity in the artists, writers, and intellectuals of that time and they became known as the Lost Generation. This page discusses this group of people, the emergence of jazz...
Website
Library of Congress

Loc: America's Story: Duke Ellington

For Students 3rd - 5th
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.

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