Ralph Ellison was a musician who later became a writer. His book Invisible Man is written like a jazz composition. In this lesson, students will interpret key themes and concepts in Invisible Man that are also found in jazz music.

This concise encyclopedia article tells about Wynton Marsalis as both a classical and jazz musician. There is a link to his own website.

In this encyclopedia entry, you learn about Charles Mingus, jazz bassist and composer.

This entry features Sun Ra, a black American jazz composer and keyboard player who led a free jazz big band known for its innovative instrumentation and the theatricality of its performances.

PBS profiles American jazz singer and actress Lena Horne's life and music. Includes video.

Considered the "King Of Ragtime", Scott Joplin is introduced in this informative web page. Learn more about his background and his music.

This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Rex Stewart, a black American jazz musician unique for playing the cornet, rather than the trumpet, in big bands as well as small groups throughout his career. His mastery of expressive...

This resource describes how William Grant Still (1895-1978 CE) started out playing the violin and then began teaching himself to play other string instruments as well as the oboe, clarinet, and saxophone. His most famous work is...