PBS
Pbs: American Masters: Cole Porter
Cole Porter is discussed in this brief biography. It touches on the highlights of his life and career.
Library of Congress
Loc: First Lady of Song, Ella Fitzgerald
This article about the life and music of Ella Fitzgerald explores major moments in the jazz singer's career.
Library and Archives Canada
Library and Archives Canada: Willie Eckstein, Pianist and Composer (1888 1963)
Willie Eckstein was also known as "The Boy Paderewski" or "Mr. Fingers" for his prodigious talent as a pianist. Trained as a classical pianist, he performed vaudeville and as an accompanist to silent movies, often attracting more...
Classical Net
Classical Net: Aaron Copland, 1900 1990
A good biography, with a good list of works, make this worthwhile, with links to related composers and at least one work, "Appalachian Spring."
Danuta Bois
Distinguished Women of Past and Present: Billie Holiday
This is a very brief encyclopedia article on the life and music of Billie Holiday (1915-1959).
University of Michigan
University of Michigan: Chico's Salsa Virtual Tour
This multimedia tour of Salsa dancing includes general background information, a chronology of salsa, sound and video clips, biographies on salsa artists, and resources for further reading and research. Also included is a "Salsa...
PBS
Pbs American Masters: Duke Ellington
Duke Ellington was one of the most successful big band leaders of all time. Read about his life and music and learn more about his influences on the jazz world.
Scott Alexander
Lucille Bogan ( Bessie Jackson)
Information on the life and discography of blues artist Lucille Bogan, also known as Bessie Jackson. Includes audio samples.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Louisiana
This article provides a brief overview of Louisiana, followed by numerous in depth articles regarding relevant events and traditions from this state.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Steely Dan
Chronicles the career of superstar Seventies group Steely Dan, 2001 inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes a timeline of key events, recommended reading list, and essential songs.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Wayne Shorter
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Wayne Shorter, an African-American musician and composer, a major jazz saxophonist, among the most influential hard-bop and modal musicians and a pioneer of jazz-rock fusion music.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Prince
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Prince, a singer, guitarist, songwriter, producer, dancer, and performer on keyboards, drums, and bass who was among the most talented American musicians of his generation. Like Stevie...
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Bobby Mc Ferrin
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Bobby McFerrin, an American musician noted for his tremendous vocal control and improvisational ability. He often sang a cappella, mixing folk songs, 1960s rock and soul tunes, and jazz...
Other
Alligator Records: Koko Taylor
Biographical information about Koko Taylor. Links to pages with information about each of her albums.
Other
Class Act: Lena Horne
Discusses the career of actress and singer Lena Horne; the site provides a brief biography highlighting her life. Included are also links to some of the major films she was in.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Ella Fitzgerald
Brief biography of famous singer and Grammy winner Ella Fitzgerald.
Other
Swing What Is It?
Through block notation, this page attempts to bring into focus the concept of swing patterns. The swing patterns are accompanied by various midi files.
Other
Gotta Dance: American Rumba
This site from Gotta Dance offers an easy-to-read history of rumba.
My Hero Project
My Hero: Langston Hughes
This introduction to the life and writing of Langston Hughes profiles the poet who emerged with the Harlem Renaissance to earn "a place amongst the greatest poets America has ever produced."
Black Past
Black Past: Remembered and Reclaimed: Josephine Baker
Entry, from an online encyclopedia of African American history, for Josephine Baker.
Curated OER
Mary Lou Williams
Gaining total respect from her jazz contemporaries, Mary Lou Williams, mainly a jazz pianist, was competent in all aspects of music. Read her biography and listen to the segment about her on NPR Jazz profiles. You can click to hear some...
Curated OER
Miles Davis (July 1991)
Miles Davis couldn't leave jazz alone. You'll read on this NPR website how he developed his style from bebop to funk to jazz-fusion. Read about his innovations, listen to the NPR Jazz Profile segment, and click to hear some of Davis'...
Curated OER
Max Roach in 1950.
Believing that the drums could do more than just keep a beat, Max Roach developed a melodic style for percussion. You can read about his jazz career on this NPR website, as well as hear music showing his innovative technique.
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