PBS
Pbs: American Masters: Ella Fitzgerald
Jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald is featured on this PBS site. Find out about her life and musical career. Be sure to check out the interactive career timeline as well.
Blackdog Media
Classic Reader: The Jelly Bean by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Classic Reader provides numerous classic works from famous authors. First published in 1920 in the Metropolitan magazine, "The Jelly-Bean" was published again as part of Tales of the Jazz Age in 1922. This story was written by F. Scott...
Scott Alexander
Red Hot Jazz: Esther Bigeou
Information on the life and discography of Esther Bigeou.
Scott Alexander
History of Jazz Before 1930: Bessie Smith, 1895 1937
This page offers information about Bessie Smith's life and work, including several audio recordings.
Other
All About Jazz: Fletcher Henderson
A biography of Fletcher Henderson, including suggested listening and suggested reading materials.
Scott Alexander
Red Hot Jazz: Dorsey Brothers Orchestra
Brief history of the Dorsey Brothers' musical careers including a good sized discography collection.
Other
Off Jazz: Hat and Cane Tricks
Download videos clips of hat and cane movements used in dancing.
Curated OER
National Park Service: Buddy Bolden: Calling His Children Home
One of the early cornet players, Buddy Bolden was a key figure in the early development of jazz. Read about his life and career in this well written site.
Rutgers University
Rutgers University: Fats Waller Forever
This digital exhibit provides a basic overview of Fats Waller and his music. Divided into sections that cover Life and Times, Ed Kirkeby Collection, the music, recordings, European and US tours, notes, and more.
Smithsonian Institution
National Postal Museum: Art of the Stamp: Thelonious Monk
View the artwork for a U.S. postage stamp issued in 1995 to commemorate Thelonious monk, one of the founders of modern jazz. With a short biographical passage.
Other
G. Schirmer, Inc.: Edward K. (Duke) Ellington
Brief biography of the famous American Jazz composer, pianist, and band leader, Duke Ellington (1899-1974 CE). The site describes "Duke's" personal and professional life.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Guide to Black History: Duke Ellington
Biography of Duke Ellington, one of the originators of big band jazz, and a noted composer.
Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Comission
Explore Pa History: William Strayhorn
Examine the historical contributions made to the jazz world by this noted composer and arranger from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Other
The Official Poncho Sanchez Website
Prominent Latin jazz musician Poncho Sanchez's website contains a biography, discography, and photo/video gallery.
Other
I Was Doing All Right
Read about a trumpet player's insights and experiences with jazz improvisation. This is a large blog site with a lot of great information and ideas concerning improvisation.
New York Times
New York Times: Ellington at 100
Celebrating the life and career of jazz legend Duke Ellington, this New York Times site features many articles about him. With a slideshow and pictures, you will learn all about this giant of jazz.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Art Pepper
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Art Pepper, an American jazz musician noted for the beauty of his sound and his improvisations on alto saxophone, and a major figure in the 1950s in West Coast jazz (see cool jazz).
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Bunk Johnson
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Bunk Johnson, a black American jazz trumpeter, one of the first musicians to play jazz and a principal figure of the 1940s traditional jazz revival.
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.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Sun Ra
Read about black American jazz composer and keyboard player, Sun Ra, who led a free jazz big band known for its innovative instrumentation and the theatricality of its performances.
John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: Arts Edge: Fats Waller
This resource presents a brief biography about jazz pianist and composer Fats Waller. Also featured in this resource are a couple of audio clips of his music.
John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: Arts Edge: Eubie Blake
Jazz composer and pianist Eubie Blake is written about in this resource. It features a brief biography about his career and music.
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."
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