Audio
NPR: National Public Radio

Npr: Remembering Max Roach, Rhythmic Innovator

9th - 10th
Believing that the drums could do more than just keep a beat, Max Roach developed a melodic style for percussion. You can read about his jazz career on this NPR website, as well as hear music showing his innovative technique.
Audio
NPR: National Public Radio

Npr: Sidney Bechet, "Soprano Sax King"

9th - 10th
Sidney Bechet made the soprano sax a jazz instrument. Read his biography and listen to his profile on NPR. You can click to hear some of his arrangements.
Audio
NPR: National Public Radio

Npr: Erroll Garner: "The Joy of Genius"

9th - 10th
Read a brief biography of the jazz pianist and composer, Erroll Garner. You can click to hear the profile on NPR and also hear several of Erroll Garner's compositions.
Audio
NPR: National Public Radio

Npr: Mary Lou Williams, "Perpetually Contemporary"

9th - 10th
Gaining total respect from her jazz contemporaries, Mary Lou Williams, mainly a jazz pianist, was competent in all aspects of music. Read her biography and listen to the segment about her on NPR Jazz profiles. You can click to hear some...
Audio
NPR: National Public Radio

Npr: Louis Armstrong: "The Trumpeter"

9th - 10th
For all his jazz credentials, Louis Armstrong was first and foremost a trumpet player. Read about his career, listen to the NPR Jazz Profile program about his trumpet playing, and click to hear some of his work.