Overview of the life of a musician, the training neccessary to succeed, related careers, a career profile, organizations for membership, and the quality of life that can be expected.

An in-depth page covering the nature, training, qualifications, and working conditions of musicians.

A poem from Emily Dickinson, "Musicians Wrestle Everywhere", is provided on this site. Students may listen to this poem read aloud by Bobby Allen and can access a printable version of this piece.

An in-depth look into hearing loss in the lives of musicians.

Biography of jazz musician, singer and songwriter, Esperanza Spalding.

This PBS biography about trumpeter and jazz musician Dizzy Gillespie includes photos, multiple audio features, and links within the text to other famous musicians.

A biography of Vince Gill, a country musician who has won numerous Grammy Awards. Includes a profile, videos, and a photo gallery.

Explores comprehensive biographical details on superstar blues and soul musician, Janis Joplin, a 1995 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes a timeline of key events, recommended reading list, and essential songs.

Uncover biographical facts about African American jazz musician, Fletcher Henderson, who formed the first big band orchestra in the early 1920s.

Brush up on the life of legendary soul musician, Ray Charles, who was declared legally blind at age seven and because of this wore dark glasses that would become his trademark. The song most associated with him, "Georgia on My Mind",...

Biographical details on soul musician James Brown, a 1986 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes a timeline and key songs.

PBS presents a biography of the "Father of soul," Ray Charles. He was an internationally famed musician, combining jazz, country, gospel, soul, and R&B in a way that was truly unique.

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

Explore interesting biographical details on Midwest rock and roll musician, Bob Seger, a 2004 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes a timeline of key events, recommended reading list, and essential songs.

Biographical details on jazz musician Miles Davis, a 2006 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes a timeline and key songs.

Read biographical facts on the great soul musician and songwriter, Curtis Mayfield who was once a member of the group called the "Impressions".

Often known as the "Empress of the Blues," Bessie Smith influenced entire generations of blues, jazz, and rock musicians and was the highest-paid black entertainer of her time. This website will provide more information about Smith's...

The story of Woody Guthrie, the folk musician who wrote the score for the 1930s and the Great Depression.

This site offers dozens of reviews of African recordings, new and re-released. Well-known musicians Zap Mama and Femi Kuti, as well as up and coming ones, are reviewed. Links to individual Web sites and audio files are also featured here.

Provides complete biographical details on the "King of the Blues", musician B.B. King, a 1987 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes a timeline of key events, essential songs, and recommended reading list.

Features complete biographical details on blues musician Big Joe Turner, a 1987 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes a timeline of key events, essential songs, and recommended reading list.

Covers extensive biographical details on successful soul musician, Curtis Mayfield, a 1999 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes a timeline of key events, recommended reading list, and essential songs.

Provides comprehensive biographical details on soul musician Marvin Gaye, a 1987 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes a timeline of key events, essential songs, and recommended reading list.

Explore this PBS site to learn much information about the life of famous Reggae musician, Bob Marley. Focus includes not only his music, but his religious and political views as well. Included is a career timeline.