This encyclopedia entry offers a brief look at Quincy Jones, who began as a jazz trumpet player, but has expanded his career beyond music into film and television. There are links to websites for more information.

This article and audio report [9:05] covers the origins of American cowboy folk songs. Uses popups. Also includes a brief video clip of a 19th century folk song being performed.

This in-depth resource presents a history of the American West from pre-Columbian times until World War I with profiles, documents, and images. It encourages visitors to link these into patterns of historical meaning for themselves....

Celebrate Black Heritage Month by studying this extraordinary vocalist who transcended a troubled childhood to become an American treasure. Create a musical timeline of the noteworthy events in Ella's life. Explore her sensational lyrics...

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.

Photos, documents, music, and stories help students deepen their understanding of the rituals and customs of various cultures throughout American history.

This lesson plan supplements a study of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird. The lesson is designed to help learners understand the impact of Jim Crow Laws and their impact of oppression on African Americans. Blues music is shared to help...

With this timeline, learn about how the history of slavery, Jim Crow laws and other forms of racial oppression impacted the rise of jazz in America. Also highlights the achievements of women, including Viola Smith in this world of music....

Explore and analyze "Lift Every Voice and Sing" , a poem by James Weldon Johnson, which was set to music and is considered the "Black National Anthem."

A detailed biography of Scott Joplin's life, with a resource list and a lengthy bibliography that includes his musical compositions.

Langston Hughes is known mainly for his rhythmic poems set to music. This site gives an in-depth look at his background, including biographical information, what he wrote about, who influenced him, and his level of success.

Blues artist B.B. King biography provides an overivew of King's life and musical career. Site contains two videos of King performing.

The Georgia Sea Island Singers are carrying on the tradition of their ancestors by performing chants, work songs, and gospel songs all over the world.

Entry, from an online encyclopedia of African American history, for Josephine Baker.

In this encyclopedia entry, you read about the rap group, Public Enemy, their songs, and the evolution of their message. There is a link to a website for more information.

Brief biography of famous singer and Grammy winner Ella Fitzgerald.

An extraordinary curriculum unit to teach blues and all its cultural implications.

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.

An online exhibit of representative art from the Harlem Renaissance.

Article from the U.S. Department of Defense commemorating James Reese Europe for both his contribution to the 369th Infantry Regiment in World War I and his place in jazz history before and after the war.

Your student will discover more about the life and work of Robert Johnson with this informative lesson plan. This resource features lesson plans, web resources, and more.

A brief biography and photograph of legendary blues guitarist, Robert Johnson.

PBS provides an overview and highlights of the life of jazz great, Louis Armstrong.

This encyclopedia article gives a brief biography of Andre Watts, the first internationally known black classical pianist.