Article
Scott Alexander

The Red Hot Jazz Archive; Thomas "Tommy" Dorsey

For Students 9th - 10th
A biography of Tommy Dorsey with links to his contemporaries, a discography, filmography, and suggested reading.
Website
Other

Nat King Cole Society: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee

For Students 9th - 10th
This site provides information about Nat King Cole, as well as a timeline of his life. Nat King Cole was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Handout
John F. Kennedy Center

The Kennedy Center: Benny Goodman

For Students 9th - 10th
A biography from the John F. Kennedy Center on jazz legend Benny Goodman discusses his foray into jazz music with his band and the legacy he left with his music.
Website
American Academy of Achievement

Academy of Achievement: Wynton Marsalis

For Students 9th - 10th
A biography of jazz musician Wynton Marsalis. A musical prodigy, he began playing in orchestras while still in high school. He later won the Pulitzer Prize in Music. Includes a profile, videos, and a photo gallery.
Activity
Read Works

Read Works: Program Notes Rhapsody in Blue

For Students 8th
[Free Registration/Login Required] This PDF is the Program Notes from The New York Philharmonic's production of "Rhapsody in Blue" by George Gershwin. It provides information about Gershwin and his writing of the "jazz concerto." It is...
Website
NPR: National Public Radio

Npr: Techno Pop

For Students 9th - 10th
Feature series on "The Secret History of Technology and Pop Music," traced partly through the story of an Indiana company that stopped making pianos and started cutting 78 rpm records using the talents of famous jazz musicians and others.
Handout
Rutgers University

One More Once: A Celebration of the Life of Count Basie

For Students 9th - 10th
Here is a truly wonderful site devoted to the life and music of Count Basie. A musicography tracks his creations through the decades of his life, and there are also photo essays to add celebrity interest to this excellent site.
Unit Plan
Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of American History: Documents Gallery: Ellington and Strayhorn

For Students 9th - 10th
Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, two of the greatest jazz composers, collaborated on hundreds of works. As you explore this exhibition, you will have an opportunity to view original music scores, listen to audio clips, and view videos...
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Other

The Official Miles Davis Site

For Students 9th - 10th
Learn about the famous jazz musician Miles Davis. Links to an extensive biography, music, pictures, and more.
Website
Other

Oscar Peterson's Official Web Site

For Students 9th - 10th
On Oscar Peterson's official web site, you can find biographical information, music samples, lists of everything he has published, his journal and photos of him with other jazz greats.
Lesson Plan
Scholastic

Scholastic: Teachers: Classroom Activities: Mardi Gras

For Teachers Pre-K - 1st
With these fun classroom activities, teachers can help their young scholars to learn about Mardi Gras traditions. Make Mardi Gras masks and gumbo while enjoying blues, jazz and other traditional Mardi Gras music. Includes book...
Article
Scott Alexander

Lieutenant James Reese Europe: Songs Back From the Battle

For Students 9th - 10th
This site is an extensive biography of World War I African American soldier and jazz musician Lieutenant James Reese Europe. It includes much detail about Europe's life, experience in the military, and success as a bandleader. Photos,...
Website
Alabama Department of Archives and History

Alabama Department of Archives & History

For Students Pre-K - 1st
Separate Halls of Fame as established by the Alabama Legislature. Includes: business; international motorsports, military, press association, Alabama sports, women, teachers, music and much more.
Website
PBS

Pbs: American Masters: Quincy Jones

For Students 9th - 10th
PBS highlights American Masters in music and provides a thorough biography, feature essay, and career timeline on Jones.
Unit Plan
CommonLit

Common Lit: Duke Ellington

For Students 7th - 8th
CommonLit.org is a wonderful resource to use in a Language Arts classroom. Each story or article is accompanied by guided reading questions, assessment questions, and discussion questions. In addition, students can click on words to see...
Website
Library of Congress

Loc: America's Story: Robert "Bob" Fosse Was Born

For Students 3rd - 8th
This site is provided for by America's Library. Most of the dance that is seen today in music videos and dance clubs came from a man who lived more that 80 years ago. Learn more about this dance legend at this site from the Library of...
Handout
Dallas Symphony Orchestra

Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Aaron Copland

For Students 3rd - 8th
Aaron Copland (1900-1990 CE) was one of the first composers to put jazzy music into symphonic music, Copland was also one of the greatest American composers. Read more about him and his work. Use RealAudio or Windows Media Player to...
Website
Library of Congress

Loc: America's Story: Billie Holiday Was Born

For Students 9th - 10th
Billie Holiday is one of the most well-known blues singers of all time. Visit this Library of Congress site for more about her early years and some great photographs.
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Curated OER

Red Hot Jazz: The Origins of Jazz

For Students 9th - 10th
Red Hot Jazz outlines the origins of jazz, taking a look at the blend of cultures that existed in New Orleans at the turn of the century when jazz first emerged as a unique musical form. Includes links to additional information about...
Graphic
Curated OER

Red Hot Jazz: The Origins of Jazz

For Students 9th - 10th
Red Hot Jazz outlines the origins of jazz, taking a look at the blend of cultures that existed in New Orleans at the turn of the century when jazz first emerged as a unique musical form. Includes links to additional information about...
Graphic
Curated OER

The Red Hot Jazz Archives

For Students 9th - 10th
"The music called Jazz was born sometime around 1895 in New Orleans." Lots of information on jazz bands and musicians at this RedHotJazz.com site.
Graphic
Curated OER

The Red Hot Jazz Archive: Edward "Duke" Ellington

For Students 9th - 10th
A look at the fascinating life of Duke Ellington, with lots of links to related information. Listen to his music as you read about this great jazz musician.
Graphic
Curated OER

The Red Hot Jazz Archive: Edward "Duke" Ellington

For Students 9th - 10th
A look at the fascinating life of Duke Ellington, with lots of links to related information. Listen to his music as you read about this great jazz musician.
Graphic
Curated OER

Amg All Music Guide: Duke Ellington: Photograph

For Students Pre-K - 1st
Photo of famous jazz musician, Duke Ellington.

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