What is American roots music? The term "American roots music" may not be a familiar one, and requires some explanation. At the beginning of the 20th Century, the term "folk music" was used by scholars to describe music made by whites of...

Learn the history of soul music from its origins in gospel music, through Motown and Memphis Soul, to contemporary rhythm and blues. The site includes three videos: Sam Cooke singing "A Change is Gonna Come," from 1964, with images from...

This site explores the link between Muslim traditions and American blues music. Using audio content, pictures, text, and the song ?Levee Camp Holler,? this site examines African Muslim history tied to the history of U.S. Blues.

Known as the Mother of Blues, Gertrude "Ma" Rainey performed in a traveling minstrel show for over twenty years before recording over 100 songs for Paramount records. Because of her legacy as a blues singer, she has been inducted into...

Contains plans for two lessons that teach about the theme of O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi" using blues music, creative writing, and media study. In addition to objectives and standards, this instructional plan contains links to sites...

This site, from the University of California Press, offers a description of Gerald Haslam's book about country music in California called "Workin' Man Blues." The site also offers a bit of information about Haslam's life and other works.

Offers comprehensive biographical details on the father of boogie music John Lee Hooker, a 1991 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes an essential songs list.

The Faust theme, that of risking eternal damnation by selling one's soul to the devil in exchange for magical powers, can be found in virtually every genre of music as well as in literature and the visual arts. Examples utilizing this...

Offers interesting biographical background details on "the father of bluegrass music", Bill Monroe, a 1997 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes a timeline of key events, recommended reading list, and essential songs.

Features comprehensive biographical details on legendary rock and roll musician, Rod Stewart, a 1994 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes a timeline of key events, recommended reading list, and essential songs.

Life and musical career of the influential Bo Diddley.

This article discusses spicing up your lesson plans for teaching adjectives with adjective worksheets, games, and adjective lists all of which can be located online. It suggests the use of Art and Music in your classroom to provide...

A short biography and many related links are included on this page about American composer, George Gershwin.

This is a very brief encyclopedia article on the life and music of Billie Holiday (1915-1959).

Recounts detailed biographical information on "God's greatest hitmakers", The Staple Singers, 1999 inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes a timeline of key events, recommended reading, and essential songs list.

This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Clyde McPhatter, an American rhythm-and-blues singer popular in the 1950s whose emotional style anticipated soul music.

This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Etta Baker, an American folk musician who influenced the folk music revival of the 1950s and '60s with her mastery of East Coast Piedmont blues, a unique fingerpicking style of...