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Website
PBS

Pbs: Duke Ellington's Washington

For Students 9th - 10th
This site explores the life of Duke Ellington, as well as the strong African-American community that flourished in Washington, D.C., during the time that Ellington lived there (1899-1923).
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Lesson Plan
PBS

Pbs: The Blues Classroom

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Access the educational resources developed by a Seattle-based museum to supplement the PBS documentary series "The Blues." Includes background essays on the blues; biographies, video clips, and sound clips from the series; a blues...
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Unit Plan
John F. Kennedy Center

The Kennedy Center: Blues Journey

For Students 9th - 10th
Trace the history of the blues in America through the play, Blues Journey, based on the book by Walter Dean Myers. You can see video clips of the stage play, listen to blues radio shows, and learn about different types of blues music.
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Handout
Georgia Humanities Council and the University of Georgia Press.

New Georgia Encyclopedia: Blues Music: Overview

For Students 9th - 10th
Overview and definition of blues music that developed in the southern United States in the early nineteenth century. Performers from Georgia include Ray Charles, Ma Rainey, Little Richard, and the Allman Brothers.
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Article
Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of American History: History Wired: Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington

For Students 9th - 10th
Learn about the great big band leader Duke Ellington at this informative website. This site highlights his life and career in a well written article.
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Lesson Plan
Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of American History: Smithsonian Jazz: Duke Ellington

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
This site provides audio clips, photos, and biographical information of this legendary composer and performer. A match game teaches and tests your knowledge of Ellington.
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Handout
Songwriters Hall of Fame

Songwriters Hall of Fame: Duke Ellington

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource provides information about Duke Ellington.
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Article
Scott Alexander

History of Jazz Before 1930: Bessie Smith, 1895 1937

For Students 9th - 10th
This page offers information about Bessie Smith's life and work, including several audio recordings.
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Website
Other

Africlassical: Black History and Classical Music

For Students 9th - 10th
Africlassical profiles musicians and composers of African descent since the time of Mozart.
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Graphic
Smithsonian Institution

National Postal Museum: Art of the Stamp: Duke Ellington

For Students 9th - 10th
View the artwork for a U.S. postage stamp issued in 1986 to commemorate famous jazz musician Duke Ellington. Includes a short biographical passage.
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Website
New York Times

New York Times: Ellington at 100

For Students 9th - 10th
Celebrating the life and career of jazz legend Duke Ellington, this New York Times site features many articles about him. With a slideshow and pictures, you will learn all about this giant of jazz.