American Academy of Achievement
Academy of Achievement: Esperanza Spalding
Biography of jazz musician, singer and songwriter, Esperanza Spalding.
Other
The Official Miles Davis Site
Learn about the famous jazz musician Miles Davis. Links to an extensive biography, music, pictures, and more.
American Academy of Achievement
Academy of Achievement: Wynton Marsalis
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.
Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Comission
Explore Pa History: Billy Eckstine
Learn of the historical contributions of jazz musician, band leader, and Pennsylvania native, Billy Eckstine in this succinct biography.
PBS
Pbs: Jazz: Lionel Hampton
Part of the PBS site on Jazz by Ken Burns. Provides the biography of Lionel Hampton, vibraphonist, drummer, and bandleader.
Curated OER
National Park Service: New Orleans Jazz Nat'l Historical Park: Louis Armstrong
A major figure in jazz, Louis Armstrong is considered the father of jazz. Learn about his early days in New Orleans and how he developed into one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time.
PBS
Pbs: Jazz: A Film by Ken Burns
The companion website for a documentary film about jazz is home to a storehouse of resources and unique features about the historical, cultural, and artistic significance of jazz. With a timeline of key events in the history of jazz,...
Other
Jazz Improvisation Primer
An info-packed lesson on jazz improvisation and jazz history. Very useful for musicians aspiring to play in the jazz idiom.
PBS
Pbs: Jazz: Teddy Wilson
Part of the larger site, Jazz by PBS and Ken Burns, this page highlights the life of Teddy Wilson, one of the first black musicians to play with prominently white artists. Biographical information is from the New Grove Dictionary of Jazz.
NPR: National Public Radio
Npr: Techno Pop
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.
Other
Bobby Hackett: Accomplished Musician
Read about the life of jazz trumpeter Bobby Hackett (1915-1976 CE). This biography is divided by decade to easily follow his career.
Scott Alexander
Red Hot Jazz: Ferdinand Jelly Roll Morton
Red Hot Jazz offers a biography of jazz great, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" Morton, with selections of Morton's compositions and arrangements in Real Audio format.
Other
Article: What Makes Modern Jazz Modern?
A fairly long academic article on Modern Jazz and what "modern" really means.
American Academy of Achievement
Academy of Achievement: Sonny Rollins
A biography of Sonny Rollins, a jazz soloist who plays tenor saxophone. He is considered to be the greatest living jazz soloist whose breadth and depth of talent seems to know no bounds. Includes a profile, videos, and a photo gallery.
Other
All About Jazz: Where to Begin?
A guide to help a newcomer to jazz become familiar with the genre.
Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Comission
Explore Pa History: Jazz in Pennsylvania
Explore the history and influences of jazz in the state of Pennsylvania. Resource includes links to audio clips and video from artists, and stories of jazz from around the state.
Scott Alexander
The Red Hot Jazz Archives
Lots of information on jazz bands and musicians at this RedHotJazz.com site.
Scott Alexander
Red Hot Jazz: Louis Armstrong Orchestra
Includes brief history of Louis Armstrong and his orchestra, a photo, and a complete discography list.
Georgia Humanities Council and the University of Georgia Press.
New Georgia Encyclopedia: Fletcher Henderson 1897 1952
Uncover biographical facts about African American jazz musician, Fletcher Henderson, who formed the first big band orchestra in the early 1920s.
Black Past
Black Past: Henderson, Fletcher Hamilton, Jr.
This is a brief encyclopedia entry about Fletcher Henderson, jazz musician.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Miles Davis
Biographical details on jazz musician Miles Davis, a 2006 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes a timeline and key songs.
Other
Amg: All Music Guide: Duke Ellington
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.
Other
Benny Goodman: The Official Website of the King of Swing
Read comprehensive biographical information about Benny Goodman, including achievements, discography, and facts about his life and career as a jazz musician.
New York Times
New York Times: On This Day: Benny Goodman, King of Swing
Access an article in the "New York Times" from June 14, 1986, announcing the death of jazz musician, Benny Goodman.
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