Jazz, Blue Grass, Hip Hop, Swing. Gospel, R&B, Ragtime, Disco. So many music genres born in the USA. After reading an article about the fate of New Orlean's Jazz after Hurricane Katrina, class members investigate the life cycles of...

Your learners will dance in their seats as this talented drummer connects math to music in a short video clip. Clayton Cameron shows how math puts the "cool" in various genres of music, including jazz, hip-hop, pop,...

Students describe some of the distinguishing characteristics background rhythms used in R&B. They perform typical R&B accompaniment patterns and develop their own horn section to play background rhythms.

This site explores the history of Gospel music, including how gospel music began and some of the various incarnations it has gone through.

A personal site providing little-known information and tidbits about famous soul music artists.

The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is all about Stax Records, and features a timeline and lists of hit singles.

This resource presents information on an influential funk group, Kool and the Gang. It contains very detailed information if you click on the "read more" link. Shows pictures and song titles of all of their albums, and includes a Kool...

Read an interesting biographical essay on Fifties R&B singer Clyde McPhatter, a 1987 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes a timeline of key events, essential songs, and recommended reading list.

Gifted 1970s soul singer, Al Green, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995. After a rewarding R&B singing career, he became a Reverend in 1976 and moved to gospel music.

Originally from Cincinnati, The Isley Brothers had their breakthrough hit in 1962 with "Shout". Over the years, the group consisted of various family members and in 1969 won a Grammy for "It's Your Thing". They remain one of the most...

PBS presents a biography of the "Father of soul," Ray Charles. He was an internationally famed musician, combining jazz, country, gospel, soul, and R&B in a way that was truly unique.

Best known for one of the greatest dance crazes of all time, 'The Twist', which he first recorded in 1960. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, Ballard "helped define the sound of rock and roll".

Explore the life and career of Motown's leading lady of soul, Gladys Knight. Along with the family music group "the Pips", she had numerous hits that reached the top of R&B and pop music charts.

Read an account of the life and professional career of Oscar winner, Isaac Hayes, who won for his "Theme from Shaft". He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.

Read some interesting biographical facts on the great R & B singer, Little Willie John, a 1996 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes a timeline of key events, recommended reading list, and essential songs.

This entry from Encyclopedia Brittanica's Guide to Black History features Berry Gordy, Jr., an American businessman, founder of the Motown Record Corporation (1959), which became the most successful black-owned music company in the...

This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Alicia Keys, an American singer-songwriter, pianist, and actress, who achieved enormous success in the early 2000s with her blend of R&B and soul music.

Brief information on the career of one of the popular "girl groups" of the early 1960s, the Shirelles.