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
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.
My Hero Project
My Hero: Scott Joplin
This article includes information on the life and musical contributions of Scott Joplin, the composer who gave us such songs as "The Entertainer" and "The Maple Leaf Rag."
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.
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.
John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: Arts Edge: Fletcher Henderson
This resource highlights the career of big band leader Fletcher Henderson, by providing a brief overview of his life and music. It includes a few audio clips of his music.
Library of Congress
Loc: African American Odyssey: Harlem Renaissance and the Flowering of Creativity
A description of the African-American literary and musical boom known as the Harlem Renaissance after World War I and before World War II. Profiles some of the prominent figures involved in the movement.
Arlington Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery Website: James Reese Europe
This unofficial site about those interred in Arlington National Cemetery offers a brief biography of James Reese Europe, African American jazz musician who was the leader of the military band attached to the 369th Infantry Regiment, the...
Smithsonian Institution
National Portrait Gallery: Josephine Baker: Image and Icon
A slideshow of more than a dozen photographic, drawn, and printed portraits of Josephine Baker, set to the music of Duke Ellington. An evocative encapsulation of Jazz Age celebrity.
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: Fats Waller
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Fats Waller, an American pianist and composer who was one of the few outstanding jazz musicians to win wide commercial fame, though this was achieved at a cost of obscuring his purely...
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Horace Silver
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Horace Silver, an American jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader, exemplary performer of what came to be called the hard bop style of the 1950s and '60s. The style was an extension of...
PBS
Pbs: American Masters: Cole Porter
Cole Porter is discussed in this brief biography. It touches on the highlights of his life and career.
Library of Congress
Loc: First Lady of Song, Ella Fitzgerald
This article about the life and music of Ella Fitzgerald explores major moments in the jazz singer's career.
Library and Archives Canada
Library and Archives Canada: Willie Eckstein, Pianist and Composer (1888 1963)
Willie Eckstein was also known as "The Boy Paderewski" or "Mr. Fingers" for his prodigious talent as a pianist. Trained as a classical pianist, he performed vaudeville and as an accompanist to silent movies, often attracting more...
Classical Net
Classical Net: Aaron Copland, 1900 1990
A good biography, with a good list of works, make this worthwhile, with links to related composers and at least one work, "Appalachian Spring."
Danuta Bois
Distinguished Women of Past and Present: Billie Holiday
This is a very brief encyclopedia article on the life and music of Billie Holiday (1915-1959).
University of Michigan
University of Michigan: Chico's Salsa Virtual Tour
This multimedia tour of Salsa dancing includes general background information, a chronology of salsa, sound and video clips, biographies on salsa artists, and resources for further reading and research. Also included is a "Salsa...
PBS
Pbs American Masters: Duke Ellington
Duke Ellington was one of the most successful big band leaders of all time. Read about his life and music and learn more about his influences on the jazz world.
Scott Alexander
Lucille Bogan ( Bessie Jackson)
Information on the life and discography of blues artist Lucille Bogan, also known as Bessie Jackson. Includes audio samples.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Louisiana
This article provides a brief overview of Louisiana, followed by numerous in depth articles regarding relevant events and traditions from this state.
Other popular searches
- Jazz Music Lesson Plans
- Jazz Musicians
- Blues and Jazz Musicians
- Art and Music Jazz
- Jazz Music Bulletin Boards
- History of Jazz Music
- Jazz Music Origins
- Canadian Jazz Musicians
- Jazz Music for Listening
- Cover Lessons Jazz Music
- Free Jazz Music
- Jazz Music Lessons