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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Access an article in the "New York Times" from June 14, 1986, announcing the death of jazz musician, Benny Goodman.

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

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.

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,...

This page offers information about Bessie Smith's life and work, including several audio recordings.

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.

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

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

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