eBook
OpenStax

Open Stax: Prosperity and Cold War Fears 1945 60: Popular Culture and Mass Media

For Students 11th - 12th
Examines the impact that rock and roll music, movies and the invention of television had on America in the 1950s.
Handout
Songwriters Hall of Fame

Songwriters Hall of Fame: John Lennon

For Students 9th - 10th
One of the major forces of The Beatles, John Lennon had a very successful musical career. This site features a biography, a discography, a timeline and an audio clip.
Handout
PBS

Pbs American Masters: James Brown

For Students 9th - 10th
The career of "The Godfather of soul," is highlighted in this biographical sketch from PBS. One of the greatest performers in the 20th century, James Brown influenced the direction of black cultural music and dance. View video clips of...
Graphic
New York Times

New York Times: Interactive: Jimi Hendrix

For Students 9th - 10th
An interactive synopsis, by "New York Times" art desk staff writer Ben Sisario, of a 2006 biography about Jimi Hendrix called "Room Full of Mirrors." Narrated in a slideshow format, the site highlights episodes of Hendrix's career and...
Handout
Mocomi & Anibrain Digital Technologies

Mocomi: Paul Mc Cartney

For Students 3rd - 8th
Interesting biographical information about Paul McCartney, the "most successful musician, and composer in popular music history".
Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Bo Diddley

For Students 9th - 10th
Life and musical career of the influential Bo Diddley.
Graphic
Curated OER

The Beatles (Rock Group)

For Students Pre-K - 1st
the Beatles (rock group)
Website
Other

History of Rock and Roll: Technology

For Students 9th - 10th
This site offers a history of audio formats. Follow the links and learn about the 45 RPM, 33 RPM, and the jukebox.
Article
PBS

Pbs Culture Shock: Elvis Presley 1956

For Students 9th - 10th
Elvis' television appearances shocked the public through his provocative dancing. This site describes the controversy.
Handout
Songwriters Hall of Fame

Songwriters Hall of Fame: James Taylor

For Students 9th - 10th
Read about the musical contributions singer-songwriter James Taylor has given to the world of rock music. This site includes a biography, discography, and an audio clip.
Lesson Plan
National Endowment for the Humanities

Neh: Edsit Ement: Learning the Blues

For Teachers 9th - 10th
This lesson plan introduces students to the blues. The origin and development of the blues is explored as well as its distinctive structure.
Website
Other

Ray Charles Online

For Students 9th - 10th
This personal website of Ray Charles contains a very interesting autobiography, including discussions with the artist on how he writes and arranges music in his head, how soul music and rock and roll originated, and much more.
Website
Other

Elvis Presley

For Students 9th - 10th
The official site for Elvis Presley, from Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. Read a biography, an overview of his achievements, frequently asked questions, and what notable others have said of him. Good explanations of the roots of his...
Website
Classical Bands

Classicbands

For Students 9th - 10th
Features biographies of classic rock bands along with rock history and lists of top 40 songs, best selling records, and much more classic rock trivia.
Website
John F. Kennedy Center

The Kennedy Center: Brian Wilson

For Students 9th - 10th
Learn many biographical facts about composer and singer, Brian Wilson. As a member of American band, The Beach Boys, he helped define California "surf" music.
Handout
Songwriters Hall of Fame

Songwriters Hall of Fame: Sir Elton John

For Students 9th - 10th
As one of the first rock artists to use the piano as a lead instrument instead of the guitar, Elton John has had a very successful musical career. Learn more about him and his music with this biography, discography and more.
Handout
Classical Bands

Classicbands:the Bee Gees

For Students 9th - 10th
One of the most popular British pop bands of the 1960s and 70s, the Bee Gees also dominated the music of the disco era. They went on to writing major hits for other artists.
Article
Other

Accordions Worldwide: The Tex Mex Sound

For Students 9th - 10th
This site explains the origins of Tex-Mex music and gives background on its leading contributers.
Handout
Wikimedia

Wikipedia: Jarabe De Palo

For Students 9th - 10th
A biography and discography of the popular Spanish rock band, Jarabe de Palo. Includes a bit about the meaning of their name as well.
Handout
Wikimedia

Wikipedia: Heroes Del Silencio

For Students 9th - 10th
A brief introduction to the Spanish rock group Heroes del Silencio. External links to the lead singer's, Enrique Bunbury, site which is in Spanish.
Handout
PBS

Pbs American Masters: Aretha Franklin

For Students 9th - 10th
Learn much about "The first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame". PBS portrays the life of "Queen of Soul," Aretha Franklin.
Interactive
PBS

Pbs Kids: Don't Buy It: Get Media Smart!: Create a Pop Star

For Students 3rd - 5th
Follow the story line to create a pop star. You must make good financial choices to achieve success. You can also quiz yourself about commercials and other uses of music.
Website
John F. Kennedy Center

The Kennedy Center: Smokey Robinson

For Students 9th - 10th
Read enlightening biographical details on the life and career of Motown singing star, Smokey Robinson, whose music has been described as "poetry".
Handout
Songwriters Hall of Fame

Songwriters Hall of Fame: Sting

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource provides information about Sting and his contributions to the music industry.

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