Article
Scott Alexander

Red Hot Jazz: Esther Bigeou

For Students 9th - 10th
Information on the life and discography of Esther Bigeou.
Lesson Plan
Yale University

Yale New Haven Teachers Institute: A Guide Through the Culture of the Blues

For Teachers 9th - 10th
An extraordinary curriculum unit to teach blues and all its cultural implications.
Website
Other

Koko Taylor Talks About Her Subjects

For Students 9th - 10th
Article and interview first published in Clockwork Review about Koko Taylor's, "Queen of the Blues", career.
Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Leadbelly

For Students 9th - 10th
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Leadbelly, an American folk-blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist whose ability to perform a vast repertoire of songs, in conjunction with his notoriously violent life, made him a legend.
Handout
John F. Kennedy Center

The Kennedy Center: Arts Edge: Bessie Smith

For Students 9th - 10th
Known as the "Empress of the Blues", Bessie Smith was one of the greatest blues singers. Read a brief biography of her career as well as view a video performance of her singing with the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra with this resource.