Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Coleman Hawkins
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Coleman Hawkins, an American jazz musician whose improvisational mastery of the tenor saxophone, which had previously been viewed as little more than a novelty, helped establish it as one...
Scott Alexander
Red Hot jazz.com: Tom Brown's "Jass" Band
Stop here at RedHotJazz.com for some early history of Dixieland jazz, dating to the early 1900's and one of the first known jazz bands.
Black Past
Black Past: Fitzgerald, Ella
This encyclopedia entry details the life of Ella Fitzgerald, the incredible jazz singer.
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.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Robert "Bob" Fosse Was Born
This site is provided for by America's Library. Most of the dance that is seen today in music videos and dance clubs came from a man who lived more that 80 years ago. Learn more about this dance legend at this site from the Library of...
PBS
Pbs American Masters: Sarah Vaughan
An informative biography of jazz singer Sarah Vaughan (1924-1990 CE) is presented highlighting her long musical career.
OpenStax
Open Stax: Catherine Schmidt Jones: Listening to Ragtime
An excellent resource explaining the details that characterize ragtime music. From the rhythms to the typical form, this site gives a great overview of this early style of jazz.
National Humanities Center
National Humanities Center: America in Class: America in the 1920s: Only Yesterday Year by Year
The National Humanities Center presents collections of primary resources compatible with the Common Core State Standards - historical documents, literary texts, and works of art - thematically organized with notes and discussion...
PBS
Pbs: People and Discoveries: Kdka Begins to Broadcast 1920
This site from PBS details the history of radio and KDKA (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) the first radio station to offer programming. Mentions: advertising, NBC Radio, mass culture.
Varsity Tutors
Varsity Tutors: Web English Teacher: Langston Hughes
This resource focuses on the works of famous African-American author, Langston Hughes.
Scott Alexander
Red Hot Jazz: Esther Bigeou
Information on the life and discography of Esther Bigeou.
Digital History
Digital History: Low Brow and Middle Brow Culture
A good overview of the popular culture in the Jazz Age. Read about the kinds of entertainment and literature enjoyed by the middle class in the 1920s.
Digital History
Digital History: The 1920s an Overview
A brief overview of what is in store for America in the 1920s, the Jazz Age. Read about the rise of consumerism, the clash of values, and the rise of fearing the "other."
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Harlem Renaissance
The Harlem Renaissance influenced not only African American culture in the Jazz Age, but all of American culture. Read about some of the shining stars of African American literature and music of the age.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Guide to Black History: James Reese Europe
This entry from Encyclopedia Brittanica's Guide to Black History features James Reese Europe, an American bandleader, arranger, composer, a major figure in the transition from ragtime to jazz. This site, rich in detail and breadth of...
Digital History
Digital History: Immigration Restriction
A brief discussion about the views toward immigration before and after World War I. It gives the background of the Immigration Act of 1924.
Smithsonian Institution
National Postal Museum: Art of the Stamp: Mickey Mouse
View the artwork for a U.S. postage stamp issued in 2004 to commemorate Mickey Mouse's debut in "Steamboat Willie". With a short passage on Mickey's legendary 75 year history.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Radio Fever
Radio created a mass entertainment culture that could bridge the gap between those in California and those in New York. Read about the advent of radio stations, and the companies that owned them. See why the federal government had to...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Decade That Roared
A very brief overview of the decade between the end of World War I and the Great Depression.
PBS
Pbs: Cole Porter: You're the Top
A high school lesson plan designed to delve deeper into the life of Cole Porter and the meaning in his music.
Curated OER
Red Hot jazz.com: Tom Brown's "Jass" Band
Stop here at RedHotJazz.com for some early history of Dixieland jazz, dating to the early 1900's and one of the first known jazz bands.
Curated OER
Red Hot Jazz: Louis Armstrong Orchestra
Includes brief history of Louis Armstrong and his orchestra, a photo, and a complete discography list.
OpenStax
Open Stax: Catherine Schmidt Jones: Ragtime
An early form of jazz, Ragtime music is discussed in this web site. Touching on its origins to its lasting influence, you will be sure to learn more about it here.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Mary Lou Williams
Biographical sketch of jazz pianist, Mary Lou Williams, who performed with and composed for many of the great jazz artists of the 1940s and '50s.