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.

Article explores the influence of jazz on African American literature from the early history of jazz, noted jazz artists, the black-white tensions within jazz, to its literary influence after World War II.

Examines the progression from Ragtime and New Orleans jazz to Big Band.

This site was developed by a college jazz educator based on one of her improvisation classes. Material suitable educators or the student who is serious about learning jazz improvisation.

Red Hot Jazz offers a biography, filmography, suggested reading, and links to many of Sidney Bechet's contemporaries as well as to other sites.

Lots of information on Benny Goodman with links to related subjects: his music, his band members, his bands and orchestras.

This site from Red Hot Jazz contains a good biography of Louis Armstrong, arguably the most influential jazz musician. Very interesting and informative, also includes a picture.

Includes brief history of Louis Armstrong and his orchestra, a photo, and a complete discography list.

A comprehensive overview with many interesting facts and information on the Jazz Age, a period in U.S. history associated with exuberance and the introduction of jazz music.

This site offers a short biography of the great musical composer Glenn Miller. Includes information on his backgrounds, as well as his musical achievements.

This is a research paper debating whether or not acid jazz is a continuation of traditional jazz music. It provides a history of how acid jazz started and includes many references for more research.

A lengthy article discussing the validity of Acid Jazz as a genre.

Ben Webster was one of the first important saxophone players to come out of Duke Ellington's orchestra. Read a biography, view pictures and see a discography of this 1974 Down Beat Hall of Fame inductee.

Information on the life the work of Abbey Lincoln. This article discusses her philosophy on jazz and the spirituality of music.

Providing information part of a PBS presentation, "Jazz: A Film by Ken Burns," this website offers a brief article on Wynton Marsalis, a musician known for his accomplishments in both jazz and classical music.

Red Hot Jazz outlines the origins of jazz, taking a look at the blend of cultures that existed in New Orleans at the turn of the century when jazz first emerged as a unique musical form. Includes links to additional information about...

Brief history of the Dorsey Brothers' musical careers including a good sized discography collection.

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.

A biography of Tommy Dorsey with links to his contemporaries, a discography, filmography, and suggested reading.

This site is an extensive biography of World War I African American soldier and jazz musician Lieutenant James Reese Europe. It includes much detail about Europe's life, experience in the military, and success as a bandleader. Photos,...

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.

Learn about playing the flute at this website, which is geared toward young students who are thinking about playing a musical instrument. Includes background information on this woodwind, and links to more information.

This website, intended for young students wishing to play a musical instrument, discusses the "pros and cons" of playing the trumpet or cornet. The site provides background information on these brass instruments.

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