Jazz is a form of American music that grew out of African-American musical traditions at the beginning of the 20th century. For years jazz was improvised and taught orally, and even today jazz solos are often improvised. Jazz can be played by individuals, small groups, or concert ensembles.

Dahl, Linda. Stormy Weather : The Music and Lives of a Century of Jazzwomen. New York: Pantheon Books, 1984.

A chronicle of communities of women jazz musicians from the 1890's to the 1980's with an analysis of jazz as an art form and subculture in which success for women depends on mutual support and recognition found only within a group of women. With a chronology of jazzwomen, their work, and their lives as well as a bibliography and discography. Music -- CALL NUMBER: 785.42 D131, S885, 1984

Gourse, Leslie. Madame Jazz : Contemporary Women Instrumentalists. New York: Oxford University Press, 1995.

A new publication which reports on the current status of women jazz musicians as compared to their status in the 1970's. With stories told by current string players, horn players, drummers, and women involved in the business end of jazz music. Music -- CALL NUMBER: 781.65082 G716, M178, 1995

Gourse, Leslie. Sassy : The Life of Sarah Vaughan. New York: C. Scribner's Sons, 1993.

Sassy, as she was called, is the subject of this biography which begins in the early 40's at Mount Zion Baptist Church in the organist's chair and goes through to the 80's in the role of internationally renown jazz singer. Her family life and her struggle with lung cancer are described as well. Includes a discography, videography, and bibliography. Lilly -- CALL NUMBER: 782.42165 V369, G716, 1993

Nicholson, Stuart. Ella Fitzgerald : A Biography of the First Lady of Jazz. New York: C. Scribner's Sons, 1994.

An account of the life of a classic jazz singer based on interviews with the singer. Seeks to correct the misconceptions and fill in the gap of her childhood, a subject about which little was previously said. Told in two to four year blocks and includes a discography. Music -- CALL NUMBER: 782.42165 F553, N628, 1994

Eskin, Virginia. Fluffy Ruffle Girls: Women in Ragtime. Saxonville, MS: Northeastern Records, 1992.

23 tracks by 14 composers prominent from the 1890's to World War I that were mostly played in their own homes. Interpreted by Virginia Eskin with a brief history of women in ragtime and biographical sketches of the composers represented. Music Media Center -- CALL NUMBER: CD 1316

Fitzgerald, Ella. The Complete Ella Fitzgerald Song Books. New York: Verve Records, 1993.

An actual bound book comes with this set of discs which includes a track list, essays about Fitzgerald and the songwriters whose songs she has interpreted (Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, George Gershwin and others), a song index, discography, and loads of photos in a visually appealing design. Music Media Center -- CALL NUMBER: CD 2827

Vaughan, Sarah. You're Mine You, Germany: s.n., 1995.

11 tracks sung by "the divine one" and arranged and conducted by Quincy Jones with instrumental accompaniment. Music Media Center -- CALL NUMBER: CD 3165

The Women: Classic Female Jazz Artists 1939-1952. New York: Bluebird; Manufactured and distributed by BMG Music, 1990.

This disc comprises 13 artists, individuals and groups, 23 tracks, an essay on women in jazz, and biographical sketches on the performers. Most of the music included was written in the first half of the 20th century. Music Media Center -- CALL NUMBER: CD 410

Young, Karen. Karen Young. Montreal: Radio Canada International, 1981.

Canadian jazz musician, Karen Young along with a jazz ensemble recorded 9 songs: her own music and that of other composers such as Gershwin and Charlie Parker. With program notes in English and French. Lilly A-V Sound disc -- CALL NUMBER: RC557

International Sweethearts of Rhythm America's Hottest All-Girl Band. New York: Cinema Guild, 1986.

A 30 minute color and black and white video about the six women vocalists, trumpet player, trombone player, and saxophonists in a ground-breaking "all girl band". A documentary with interviews and archival footage. Lilly A-V Video cassette -- CALL NUMBER: 3188

Sarah Vaughan, The Divine One. New York, N.Y.: BMG Video, 1991.

This video recounts her debut at the Apollo Theater as well as live performances in nightclubs, concert halls, and jazz festivals. Includes interviews with family, friends, and fellow musicians. Music Media Center -- CALL NUMBER: VC 183

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