Penguin Books
Up Close: Ella Fitzgerald
A reading of Tanya Lee Stones' biography of Ella Fitzgerald lets middle schoolers get up close and personal with the First Lady of Jazz. Stone recounts details of Fitzgerald's life from her early days through her experiences as a teenage...
Black Past
Black Past: Robeson, Paul
This encyclopedia entry tells about Paul Robeson, famous baritone, and his struggles for racial equality. A link to a website for more information on African-Americans is provided.
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...
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: 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.
Other
Usps: Ella Fitzgerald: First Lady of Song
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...
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Archie Shepp
Learn about the life of Archie Shepp, African American tenor saxophonist, composer, dramatist, teacher, and pioneer of the free jazz movement.
Black Past
Black Past: Henderson, Fletcher Hamilton, Jr.
This is a brief encyclopedia entry about Fletcher Henderson, jazz musician.
Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Comission
Explore Pa History: Billy Eckstine
Learn of the historical contributions of jazz musician, band leader, and Pennsylvania native, Billy Eckstine in this succinct biography.
John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: Arts Edge: William Grant Still
Read about composer William Grant Still in this resource. This brief biography highlights the career of this African American composer.
PBS
Pbs American Experience: How Marian Anderson Became the Voice of the Century
Explore the life of singer Marian Anderson and her triumphant 1939 concert at the Lincoln Memorial.
Georgia Humanities Council and the University of Georgia Press.
New Georgia Encyclopedia: Isaac Hayes (B. 1942)
Overview of the life and career of soul musician Isaac Hayes who was the first African American to win an Academy Award for Best original Song for the "Theme from Shaft."
Other
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: Charley Pride
Provides the life story of African American country music superstar, Charley Pride, a 2000 inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Click on the arrows to listen to him singing three songs.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Curtis Mayfield
Career highlights of African American singer, songwriter, and producer Curtis Mayfield.
Georgia Humanities Council and the University of Georgia Press.
New Georgia Encyclopedia: Ray Charles (1930 2004)
Brush up on the life of legendary soul musician, Ray Charles, who was declared legally blind at age seven and because of this wore dark glasses that would become his trademark. The song most associated with him, "Georgia on My Mind",...
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: Curtis Mayfield (1942 1999)
Read biographical facts on the great soul musician and songwriter, Curtis Mayfield who was once a member of the group called the "Impressions".
National Women’s History Museum
National Women's History Museum: Hazel Scott
Jazz pianist and singer Hazel Scott was not only the first African-American woman to host her own television show, but she also bravely stood up to the House Un-American Activities Committee and the Hollywood studio machine.
Black Past
Black Past: Marsalis, Wynton
This concise encyclopedia article tells about Wynton Marsalis as both a classical and jazz musician. There is a link to his own website.
Black Past
Black Past: Remembered and Reclaimed: Josephine Baker
Entry, from an online encyclopedia of African American history, for Josephine Baker.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Ella Fitzgerald
Brief biography of famous singer and Grammy winner Ella Fitzgerald.
John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: Arts Edge: James P. Johnson
Stride pianist James P. Johnson is featured in this resource with a brief biography highlighting his career. It includes an audio clip showcasing his piano playing style.
Black Past
Black Past: Watts, Andre
This encyclopedia article gives a brief biography of Andre Watts, the first internationally known black classical pianist.
Black Past
Black Past: Monk, Thelonius
This encyclopedia entry gives a brief account of Thelonius Monk, jazz pianist, and his influence on the jazz scene.