Library of Congress
Loc: African Immigration: Africans in America: Life in a Slave Society
An excellent overview of the African American experience in America beginning with West Africa during the slave trade, through emancipation and reconstruction, to "New beginnings."
Rutgers University
One More Once: A Celebration of the Life of Count Basie
Here is a truly wonderful site devoted to the life and music of Count Basie. A musicography tracks his creations through the decades of his life, and there are also photo essays to add celebrity interest to this excellent site.
PBS
Pbs: Biography of Dizzy Gillespie
This PBS biography about trumpeter and jazz musician Dizzy Gillespie includes photos, multiple audio features, and links within the text to other famous musicians.
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History: Documents Gallery: Ellington and Strayhorn
Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, two of the greatest jazz composers, collaborated on hundreds of works. As you explore this exhibition, you will have an opportunity to view original music scores, listen to audio clips, and view videos...
American Academy of Achievement
Academy of Achievement: b.b. King
Blues artist B.B. King biography provides an overivew of King's life and musical career. Site contains two videos of King performing.
PBS
Pbs American Masters: James Brown
The career of "The Godfather of soul," is highlighted in this biographical sketch from PBS. One of the greatest performers in the 20th century, James Brown influenced the direction of black cultural music and dance. View video clips of...
PBS
Pbs: Independent Lens: Life, Music, Photos of M. Hinton
Jazz bassist Milt Hinton is also known for the many photographs he has taken of legendary musicians. This site by PBS provides a biography, music samples and some of the pictures taken by this talented man.
Georgia Humanities Council and the University of Georgia Press.
New Georgia Encyclopedia: "Little Richard" Penniman
This resource is a comprehensive reference tool for learning about the life and career of Little Richard, "the architect of rock and roll." He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 and also won a Grammy Lifetime...
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.
PBS
Pbs American Masters: Scientific American: Following Muddy's Trail
This site has a lesson plan on Muddy Waters focused on the American Masters documentary about him. Parallels the Great Migration with the growth of the blues music movement in America. Click on Muddy's name to access a detailed biography...
Other
Experience Hendrix: The Official Jimi Hendrix Website
This is the official Jimi Hendrix website. Here you will find much information on this rock legend including audio, articles and pictures.
PBS
Pbs: American Masters: Lena Horne
PBS profiles American jazz singer and actress Lena Horne's life and music. Includes video.
PBS
Classics for Kids: Scott Joplin
A short biography of Scott Joplin (1868-1917 CE). Click to the past radio shows to hear his music and learn more about this famous composer.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Dizzy Gillespie
Dizzie Gillespie helped create a new form of modern jazz called be-bop. It was the predecessor of hip-hop that is so popular today.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: James Brown
Biographical details on soul musician James Brown, a 1986 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes a timeline and key songs.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Little Richard
Presents comprehensive biographical details on "the architect of rock and roll", Little Richard, a 1986 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes a timeline of key events and essential songs list.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Little Walter
Provides biographical details on Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2008 inductee "Little Walter". Known for his sound of blues harmonica, he was a key contributor to the music of Muddy Waters. Includes timeline and song list.
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.
Black Past
Black Past: Henderson, Fletcher Hamilton, Jr.
This is a brief encyclopedia entry about Fletcher Henderson, jazz musician.
New York Times
New York Times: Interactive: Jimi Hendrix
An interactive synopsis, by "New York Times" art desk staff writer Ben Sisario, of a 2006 biography about Jimi Hendrix called "Room Full of Mirrors." Narrated in a slideshow format, the site highlights episodes of Hendrix's career and...
Smithsonian Institution
National Postal Museum: Art of the Stamp: Thelonious Monk
View the artwork for a U.S. postage stamp issued in 1995 to commemorate Thelonious monk, one of the founders of modern jazz. With a short biographical passage.
Other
Afgen.com: Scott Joplin
A reasonable biography from Afgen.com of Scott Joplin with some audio to go along with it. Not too detailed, but plenty of information.
Curated OER
National Park Service: New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park: Sidney Bechet
Discover more about the life of jazz pioneer Sidney Bechet with this well written site. With his colorful personality and unique style, you will appreciate the contributions this musician had toward the development of jazz.
OpenStax
Open Stax: Catherine Schmidt Jones: Scott Joplin
Considered the "King Of Ragtime", Scott Joplin is introduced in this informative web page. Learn more about his background and his music.