Curated OER
National Park Service: New Orleans Jazz Nat'l Historical Park: Louis Armstrong
A major figure in jazz, Louis Armstrong is considered the father of jazz. Learn about his early days in New Orleans and how he developed into one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Louis Armstrong
Offers interesting biographical details on jazz musician, Louis Armstrong, a 1990 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes a timeline of key events and essential songs list.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Bobby Mc Ferrin
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Bobby McFerrin, an American musician noted for his tremendous vocal control and improvisational ability. He often sang a cappella, mixing folk songs, 1960s rock and soul tunes, and jazz...
PBS
Pbs: Sweet Old Song (The Music of Howard "Louie Bluie" Armstrong)
Learn about and listen to jazz, blues, folk, and country musician Howard "Louie Bluie" Armstrong and his roots in America's musical past. "Sweet Old Song" tells the story of the music and art partnership between Armstrong and his...
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Marvin Gaye
Provides comprehensive biographical details on soul musician Marvin Gaye, a 1987 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes a timeline of key events, essential songs, and recommended reading list.
Other
Jazz Roots: James Reese Europe
This site is a detailed account of Lieutenant Jim Europe's life as a musician, his performances in New York City, and his impact upon the music scene. Includes links to relevant people, photos, and a personal account by a witness of...
PBS
Pbs: Jazz: Biographies: James Reese Europe
Short but informative biography of jazz musician James Reese Europe (1881-1919) from Ken Burns' PBS documentary, Jazz.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Duke Ellington
Explore the fascinating life of a founding father of jazz music. Duke Ellington (1899-1974 CE) was a gifted musician and composer from an early age. This website provides you with a detailed account of his life and his accomplishments.
Classical Net
Classical Net: Scott Joplin
This well-written biography of Scott Joplin not only provides his progress as a musician but also the personal events in his life which influenced his music. Includes links to a complete list of Joplin's works, a MIDI archive, and site...
Other
Chuck Berry Official Site
Biographical profile, photos, song lyrics, awards, achievements, and fast facts about the life and career of Chuck Berry.
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.
Georgia Humanities Council and the University of Georgia Press.
New Georgia Encyclopedia: Blues Music: Overview
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.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Ray Charles
A brief biography of Ray Charles. Includes a timeline of his life and a list of his biggest hits.
Songwriters Hall of Fame
Songwriters Hall of Fame: Duke Ellington
This resource provides information about Duke Ellington.
Songwriters Hall of Fame
Songwriters Hall of Fame: Chuck Berry
This resource provides information about Chuck Berry.
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...
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: 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.
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.
George Mason University
Chnm: Eubie Blake and Ragtime
This site contains a great interview with the pioneer of ragtime music, Eubie Blake. It also contains an audio clip of the interview.
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.
Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Comission
Explore Pa History: Paul Robeson
Examine the life of renown scholar, athlete, singer and actor Paul Robeson and his influence on Pennsylvania's history.
Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Comission
Explore Pa History: Paul Robeson
Examine the life of renown scholar, athlete, singer and actor Paul Robeson and his influence on Pennsylvania's history.
Smithsonian Institution
National Postal Museum: Art of the Stamp: Marian Anderson
View the artwork for a U.S. postage stamp issued in 2005 to commemorate classical singer Marian Anderson. With a short passage on her awards and international singing career.