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.

Part of the larger site, Jazz by PBS and Ken Burns, this page highlights the life of Teddy Wilson, one of the first black musicians to play with prominently white artists. Biographical information is from the New Grove Dictionary of Jazz.

By challenging conventional links between black women's lives and their art, Ella Fitzgerald made space for imagination, virtuosity, and play.

Information on the life and discography of blues artist Lucille Bogan, also known as Bessie Jackson. Includes audio samples.

Information on the life and discography of blues singer/songwriter, Virginia Liston.

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

Red Hot Jazz offers a biography of jazz great, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" Morton, with selections of Morton's compositions and arrangements in Real Audio format.

Learn about the great big band leader Duke Ellington at this informative website. This site highlights his life and career in a well written article.