Anderson, Marian (1899-1993) African-American contralto. One of the most highly respected singers of opera and spirituals, Toscanini is said to have told her, "A voice like yours is heard only once in a hundred years." Return to 1939, 1952, 1955 Anderson, Thomas Jefferson (1928- ) African-American composer. He received his Ph.D. in composition from the University of Iowa in 1958; he also taught in High Point public schools (1951-54) and at Tufts University (1971-). Currently, he is retired and living in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Return to 1928, 1978 Armstrong, Louis (c1898-1971) Jazz trumpeter, singer, and bandleader; popularly known as "Satchmo" (short for "Satchel Mouth"). One of the most popular and important figures in the history of jazz music. Return to 1925, 1960, 1964, 1971 Arvey, Verna (1910-1987) Arvey was also Still's librettist on several of his works, including A Bayou Legend and the author of a biography on Still entitled In One Lifetime (Fayetteville, Ark.: University of Arkansas Press, 1984). Return to 1910, 1939 Bailey, Pearl (Mae) (1918-1990) Popular nightclub singer; she starred in the first all-Black version of Hello, Dolly! in 1967, and also appeared in numerous films, plays, and frequently on television. Return to 1918, 1946, 1970, 1990 Baker, David (1931- ) African-American composer and jazz musician. He played trombone with many of the leading jazz bands of the day and his compositions fuse modern techniques with jazz. Return to 1968 Basie, Count (1904-1984) Jazz bandleader and pianist; he led one of the most important big bands in jazz history, giving many important musicians their first national exposure. Return to 1937, 1957, 1984 Battle, Kathleen (1948- ) African-American soprano/opera singer who has sung with major American and European opera companies and orchestras. Return to 1972 Belafonte, Harry (1927- ) Actor and singer. Began career as a singer in New York clubs, then appeared in shows and films. Known also for his folk music performances (Grammy awards 1960, 1961, and 1965) Return to 1954 Berry, Chuck (1926- ) Rock singer, song writer and guitarist. His early hits topped rhythm-and-blues, country-and-western and pop music charts. He was one of the first black rock-and-roll singers to achieve widespread popularity. Films: Rock, rock, rock; American hot wax. Return to 1955 Bethune, Blind Tom (1849-1908) Born a slave, his prodigious musical talent allowed him to tour extensively in the late nineteenth century and he was one of the most well-known pianists and composers of his day. Return to 1898 Blake, Eubie (1883-1983) Jazz pianist, dancer, and composer; both of his parents had been slaves. He composed popular and serious music and remained active as a performer throughout his long life. Return to 1921, 1969, 1983 Boatwright, McHenry (1928- ) African-American bass-baritone opera singer, especially known for his interpretation. He made his Metropolitan Opera debut in Schuller's The Visitation and has recorded Porgy and Bess Return to 1956 Bonds, Margaret Allison (1913-1972) African-American composer, pianist and teacher. In 1932 she won the Wanamaker prize (composition) for the song, Sea Ghost. She was the first black soloist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in Florence Price's piano concerto. Later in her career, she made arrangements of spirituals for Leontyne Price. Return to 1933, 1961 Brice, Carol (1918-1985) African-American contralto known for opera and concert performances. She was the first black American to win the Naumberg award. She was awarded a Grammy for a recording of Porgy and Bess. Other recordings include Bach arias, De Falla's El amor brujo, Mahler's Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen, and the operas Regina and Saratoga. Return to 1918 Brown, James (1928- ) African-American popular singer, songwriter and band leader. In 1963 he made a recording of a concert at the Apollo Theader that sold over one million copies (James Brown Show) Return to 1956, 1968 Bumbry, Grace (1937- ) African-American mezzo-soprano/soprano especially known for her interpretation of the operatic roles Carmen and Amneris. She was the first black performer to appear at Bayreuth (Germany) Return to 1961 Burleigh, Henry Thacker (1866-1949) Composer and singer, pupil of Antonín Dvorák. He is known primarily for his songs and arrangements, especially arrangements of spirituals for solo voice and piano. Return to 1916, 1917 Caesar, Shirley (1938- ) Internationally known gospel singer. Return to 1938, 1960 Chadwick, George Whitefield One of the leading composers of the "Boston Classicist" school. Return to 1922 Checker, Chubby (1941- ) Singer. Films: Twist around the clock; Don't knock the twist (Grammy: Rock & roll, 1961) Return to 1960 Cole, Nat "King" (1917-1965) Pianist and singer. His early career as a pianist in jazz combos was somewhat overshadowed by his singing career in the 1950s and 1960s, when he became one of the most popular and well-loved singers in the world, appearing frequently on radio and television. Return to 1917, 1943, 1956, 1965 Cole, Bob (Robert) (1863-1911) African-American lyricist, composer and vaudeville performer. He joined forces with Billy Johnson, J. Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson to produce hit songs. He was one of the first blacks to become part of "white" musical entertainment (in "blackface") Return to 1898, 1906 Coleman, Ornette (1930- ) Jazz saxophonist and composer. Return to 1960 Cook, Will Marion (1869-1944) Composer and conductor. He studied conducting at the Oberlin Conservatory and later studied violin with the famous German violinist, Joseph Joachim. After a short career as a concert violinst, he became famous for his musical comedy productions. Return to 1895, 1898 Davis, Gussie Lord (1863-1899) African-American songwriter. He became one of the top Tin Pan Alley songwriters. Return to 1895 Davis, Miles (1926-1991) Trumpeter and bandleader. One of the founders of "cool" jazz, a reaction to the more frenetic pace of bebop; Davis also led the way into experiments with modal music and the fusion of jazz and rock music. Return to 1970 Dawson, Mary Cardwell (1894-1962) African-American opera director and teacher. She founded the Cardwell School of Music in Pittsburg, the Cardwell Dawson Choir as well as the National Negro Opera Company. Return to 1941 Dawson, William Levi (1898-1990) African-American composer; he studied and later taught at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. He is especially remembered for conducting the famous Tuskegee Institute Choir. Return to 1934, 1990 Dett, R. Nathaniel (1882-1943) African-American composer, pianist, and conductor; he directed the well-known Hampton Institute Choir, which toured internationally, and was involved in preserving black folk music. Return to 1913, 1920 Dixon, Dean (1915-1976) Return to 1948, 1970 Domino, "Fats" (Antoine Domino) (1928- ) Pianist, singer, songwriter. Known especially for his particular boogie-woogie style. Return to 1955 Dorsey, "Georgia Tom" Thomas (1899-1993) African-American blues singer, gospel songwriter and pianist. He was very influential in the gospel song movement. Return to 1921, 1927 Dunbar, Paul Laurence (1872-1906) African-American poet, author of the poems used by William Grant Still in the Afro-American Symphony Return to 1896, 1898 Ellington, Duke (1899-1974) Jazz composer, bandleader, and pianist; one of the leading figures in Big Band jazz during the 1930s and 1940s. Return to 1899, 1931, 1932, 1965, 1974 Europe, James (1881-1919) African-American composer, conductor, and bandleader; Europe's orchestras included traditional symphonic instruments and such instruments as mandolins, banjos, harp-guitars, and saxophones, specializing in music by black composers. He was stabbed to death by one of his drummers in 1919, at the height of his musical popularity. Return to 1912, 1918 Fitzgerald, Ella (1918- ) Jazz singer; she worked with most of the leading performers and groups of the day. She is especially well-known for her scat-singing and vocal improvisations. Grammys: vocal (1958, 1959, 1960, 1962), jazz vocal (1958, 1959, 1976, 1979), vocal album (1960) Return to 1934 Franklin, Aretha (1942-- ) Singer and recording artist. Grammys: rhythm & blues (1967), rhythm & blues vocal (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974), gospel (1972) Return to 1987 Garner, Errol L (1921-1977) Jazz pianist. He was completely self-taught and never learned to read music. His style was unique and called for a level of virtuosity seldom approached since. Return to 1950 Gillespie, Dizzy (1917-1993) Jazz trumpeter and bandleader, one of the founders of the bebop jazz style. His nickname is said to have come from his wild playing and facial expressions. Return to 1944 Hampton, Lionel (1909- ) Drums and vibraharp. Worked with Les Hite, Eddie Elkins, Benny Goodman Quartet, Louis Armstrong and organized his own band that had international tours. Documentary film: No maps on my taps. Return to 1936 Handy, W[illiam] C[hristopher] (1873-1958) The "Father of the Blues"; as a composer, he helped bridge the lighter ragtime sound to the more direct emotional appeal of the blues. His two most famous compositions are "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues." Return to 1909, 1912, 1914, 1916, 1919, 1921, 1928 Hanson, Howard (1896-1981) American composer, conductor, and educator; he helped the Eastman School of Music achieve national prominence during his long tenure there. Return to 1931 Hines, Earl (1905-1983) Composer, jazz pianist and band leader. First of a small number of pianists whose playing had an impact on the direction of jazz. He formed his own band and also recorded with Louis Armstrong. Return to 1945 Holiday, Billie (1915-1959) Jazz singer. Billie Holiday is considered to be one of the foremost female jazz singers and "master of the blues." Return to 1938 Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Anderson, Thomas Jefferson (1928- ) African-American composer. He received his Ph.D. in composition from the University of Iowa in 1958; he also taught in High Point public schools (1951-54) and at Tufts University (1971-). Currently, he is retired and living in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Return to 1928, 1978 Armstrong, Louis (c1898-1971) Jazz trumpeter, singer, and bandleader; popularly known as "Satchmo" (short for "Satchel Mouth"). One of the most popular and important figures in the history of jazz music. Return to 1925, 1960, 1964, 1971 Arvey, Verna (1910-1987) Arvey was also Still's librettist on several of his works, including A Bayou Legend and the author of a biography on Still entitled In One Lifetime (Fayetteville, Ark.: University of Arkansas Press, 1984). Return to 1910, 1939 Bailey, Pearl (Mae) (1918-1990) Popular nightclub singer; she starred in the first all-Black version of Hello, Dolly! in 1967, and also appeared in numerous films, plays, and frequently on television. Return to 1918, 1946, 1970, 1990 Baker, David (1931- ) African-American composer and jazz musician. He played trombone with many of the leading jazz bands of the day and his compositions fuse modern techniques with jazz. Return to 1968 Basie, Count (1904-1984) Jazz bandleader and pianist; he led one of the most important big bands in jazz history, giving many important musicians their first national exposure. Return to 1937, 1957, 1984 Battle, Kathleen (1948- ) African-American soprano/opera singer who has sung with major American and European opera companies and orchestras. Return to 1972 Belafonte, Harry (1927- ) Actor and singer. Began career as a singer in New York clubs, then appeared in shows and films. Known also for his folk music performances (Grammy awards 1960, 1961, and 1965) Return to 1954 Berry, Chuck (1926- ) Rock singer, song writer and guitarist. His early hits topped rhythm-and-blues, country-and-western and pop music charts. He was one of the first black rock-and-roll singers to achieve widespread popularity. Films: Rock, rock, rock; American hot wax. Return to 1955 Bethune, Blind Tom (1849-1908) Born a slave, his prodigious musical talent allowed him to tour extensively in the late nineteenth century and he was one of the most well-known pianists and composers of his day. Return to 1898 Blake, Eubie (1883-1983) Jazz pianist, dancer, and composer; both of his parents had been slaves. He composed popular and serious music and remained active as a performer throughout his long life. Return to 1921, 1969, 1983 Boatwright, McHenry (1928- ) African-American bass-baritone opera singer, especially known for his interpretation. He made his Metropolitan Opera debut in Schuller's The Visitation and has recorded Porgy and Bess Return to 1956 Bonds, Margaret Allison (1913-1972) African-American composer, pianist and teacher. In 1932 she won the Wanamaker prize (composition) for the song, Sea Ghost. She was the first black soloist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in Florence Price's piano concerto. Later in her career, she made arrangements of spirituals for Leontyne Price. Return to 1933, 1961 Brice, Carol (1918-1985) African-American contralto known for opera and concert performances. She was the first black American to win the Naumberg award. She was awarded a Grammy for a recording of Porgy and Bess. Other recordings include Bach arias, De Falla's El amor brujo, Mahler's Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen, and the operas Regina and Saratoga. Return to 1918 Brown, James (1928- ) African-American popular singer, songwriter and band leader. In 1963 he made a recording of a concert at the Apollo Theader that sold over one million copies (James Brown Show) Return to 1956, 1968 Bumbry, Grace (1937- ) African-American mezzo-soprano/soprano especially known for her interpretation of the operatic roles Carmen and Amneris. She was the first black performer to appear at Bayreuth (Germany) Return to 1961 Burleigh, Henry Thacker (1866-1949) Composer and singer, pupil of Antonín Dvorák. He is known primarily for his songs and arrangements, especially arrangements of spirituals for solo voice and piano. Return to 1916, 1917 Caesar, Shirley (1938- ) Internationally known gospel singer. Return to 1938, 1960 Chadwick, George Whitefield One of the leading composers of the "Boston Classicist" school. Return to 1922 Checker, Chubby (1941- ) Singer. Films: Twist around the clock; Don't knock the twist (Grammy: Rock & roll, 1961) Return to 1960 Cole, Nat "King" (1917-1965) Pianist and singer. His early career as a pianist in jazz combos was somewhat overshadowed by his singing career in the 1950s and 1960s, when he became one of the most popular and well-loved singers in the world, appearing frequently on radio and television. Return to 1917, 1943, 1956, 1965 Cole, Bob (Robert) (1863-1911) African-American lyricist, composer and vaudeville performer. He joined forces with Billy Johnson, J. Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson to produce hit songs. He was one of the first blacks to become part of "white" musical entertainment (in "blackface") Return to 1898, 1906 Coleman, Ornette (1930- ) Jazz saxophonist and composer. Return to 1960 Cook, Will Marion (1869-1944) Composer and conductor. He studied conducting at the Oberlin Conservatory and later studied violin with the famous German violinist, Joseph Joachim. After a short career as a concert violinst, he became famous for his musical comedy productions. Return to 1895, 1898 Davis, Gussie Lord (1863-1899) African-American songwriter. He became one of the top Tin Pan Alley songwriters. Return to 1895 Davis, Miles (1926-1991) Trumpeter and bandleader. One of the founders of "cool" jazz, a reaction to the more frenetic pace of bebop; Davis also led the way into experiments with modal music and the fusion of jazz and rock music. Return to 1970 Dawson, Mary Cardwell (1894-1962) African-American opera director and teacher. She founded the Cardwell School of Music in Pittsburg, the Cardwell Dawson Choir as well as the National Negro Opera Company. Return to 1941 Dawson, William Levi (1898-1990) African-American composer; he studied and later taught at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. He is especially remembered for conducting the famous Tuskegee Institute Choir. Return to 1934, 1990 Dett, R. Nathaniel (1882-1943) African-American composer, pianist, and conductor; he directed the well-known Hampton Institute Choir, which toured internationally, and was involved in preserving black folk music. Return to 1913, 1920 Dixon, Dean (1915-1976) Return to 1948, 1970 Domino, "Fats" (Antoine Domino) (1928- ) Pianist, singer, songwriter. Known especially for his particular boogie-woogie style. Return to 1955 Dorsey, "Georgia Tom" Thomas (1899-1993) African-American blues singer, gospel songwriter and pianist. He was very influential in the gospel song movement. Return to 1921, 1927 Dunbar, Paul Laurence (1872-1906) African-American poet, author of the poems used by William Grant Still in the Afro-American Symphony Return to 1896, 1898 Ellington, Duke (1899-1974) Jazz composer, bandleader, and pianist; one of the leading figures in Big Band jazz during the 1930s and 1940s. Return to 1899, 1931, 1932, 1965, 1974 Europe, James (1881-1919) African-American composer, conductor, and bandleader; Europe's orchestras included traditional symphonic instruments and such instruments as mandolins, banjos, harp-guitars, and saxophones, specializing in music by black composers. He was stabbed to death by one of his drummers in 1919, at the height of his musical popularity. Return to 1912, 1918 Fitzgerald, Ella (1918- ) Jazz singer; she worked with most of the leading performers and groups of the day. She is especially well-known for her scat-singing and vocal improvisations. Grammys: vocal (1958, 1959, 1960, 1962), jazz vocal (1958, 1959, 1976, 1979), vocal album (1960) Return to 1934 Franklin, Aretha (1942-- ) Singer and recording artist. Grammys: rhythm & blues (1967), rhythm & blues vocal (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974), gospel (1972) Return to 1987 Garner, Errol L (1921-1977) Jazz pianist. He was completely self-taught and never learned to read music. His style was unique and called for a level of virtuosity seldom approached since. Return to 1950 Gillespie, Dizzy (1917-1993) Jazz trumpeter and bandleader, one of the founders of the bebop jazz style. His nickname is said to have come from his wild playing and facial expressions. Return to 1944 Hampton, Lionel (1909- ) Drums and vibraharp. Worked with Les Hite, Eddie Elkins, Benny Goodman Quartet, Louis Armstrong and organized his own band that had international tours. Documentary film: No maps on my taps. Return to 1936 Handy, W[illiam] C[hristopher] (1873-1958) The "Father of the Blues"; as a composer, he helped bridge the lighter ragtime sound to the more direct emotional appeal of the blues. His two most famous compositions are "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues." Return to 1909, 1912, 1914, 1916, 1919, 1921, 1928 Hanson, Howard (1896-1981) American composer, conductor, and educator; he helped the Eastman School of Music achieve national prominence during his long tenure there. Return to 1931 Hines, Earl (1905-1983) Composer, jazz pianist and band leader. First of a small number of pianists whose playing had an impact on the direction of jazz. He formed his own band and also recorded with Louis Armstrong. Return to 1945 Holiday, Billie (1915-1959) Jazz singer. Billie Holiday is considered to be one of the foremost female jazz singers and "master of the blues." Return to 1938 Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Armstrong, Louis (c1898-1971) Jazz trumpeter, singer, and bandleader; popularly known as "Satchmo" (short for "Satchel Mouth"). One of the most popular and important figures in the history of jazz music. Return to 1925, 1960, 1964, 1971 Arvey, Verna (1910-1987) Arvey was also Still's librettist on several of his works, including A Bayou Legend and the author of a biography on Still entitled In One Lifetime (Fayetteville, Ark.: University of Arkansas Press, 1984). Return to 1910, 1939 Bailey, Pearl (Mae) (1918-1990) Popular nightclub singer; she starred in the first all-Black version of Hello, Dolly! in 1967, and also appeared in numerous films, plays, and frequently on television. Return to 1918, 1946, 1970, 1990 Baker, David (1931- ) African-American composer and jazz musician. He played trombone with many of the leading jazz bands of the day and his compositions fuse modern techniques with jazz. Return to 1968 Basie, Count (1904-1984) Jazz bandleader and pianist; he led one of the most important big bands in jazz history, giving many important musicians their first national exposure. Return to 1937, 1957, 1984 Battle, Kathleen (1948- ) African-American soprano/opera singer who has sung with major American and European opera companies and orchestras. Return to 1972 Belafonte, Harry (1927- ) Actor and singer. Began career as a singer in New York clubs, then appeared in shows and films. Known also for his folk music performances (Grammy awards 1960, 1961, and 1965) Return to 1954 Berry, Chuck (1926- ) Rock singer, song writer and guitarist. His early hits topped rhythm-and-blues, country-and-western and pop music charts. He was one of the first black rock-and-roll singers to achieve widespread popularity. Films: Rock, rock, rock; American hot wax. Return to 1955 Bethune, Blind Tom (1849-1908) Born a slave, his prodigious musical talent allowed him to tour extensively in the late nineteenth century and he was one of the most well-known pianists and composers of his day. Return to 1898 Blake, Eubie (1883-1983) Jazz pianist, dancer, and composer; both of his parents had been slaves. He composed popular and serious music and remained active as a performer throughout his long life. Return to 1921, 1969, 1983 Boatwright, McHenry (1928- ) African-American bass-baritone opera singer, especially known for his interpretation. He made his Metropolitan Opera debut in Schuller's The Visitation and has recorded Porgy and Bess Return to 1956 Bonds, Margaret Allison (1913-1972) African-American composer, pianist and teacher. In 1932 she won the Wanamaker prize (composition) for the song, Sea Ghost. She was the first black soloist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in Florence Price's piano concerto. Later in her career, she made arrangements of spirituals for Leontyne Price. Return to 1933, 1961 Brice, Carol (1918-1985) African-American contralto known for opera and concert performances. She was the first black American to win the Naumberg award. She was awarded a Grammy for a recording of Porgy and Bess. Other recordings include Bach arias, De Falla's El amor brujo, Mahler's Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen, and the operas Regina and Saratoga. Return to 1918 Brown, James (1928- ) African-American popular singer, songwriter and band leader. In 1963 he made a recording of a concert at the Apollo Theader that sold over one million copies (James Brown Show) Return to 1956, 1968 Bumbry, Grace (1937- ) African-American mezzo-soprano/soprano especially known for her interpretation of the operatic roles Carmen and Amneris. She was the first black performer to appear at Bayreuth (Germany) Return to 1961 Burleigh, Henry Thacker (1866-1949) Composer and singer, pupil of Antonín Dvorák. He is known primarily for his songs and arrangements, especially arrangements of spirituals for solo voice and piano. Return to 1916, 1917 Caesar, Shirley (1938- ) Internationally known gospel singer. Return to 1938, 1960 Chadwick, George Whitefield One of the leading composers of the "Boston Classicist" school. Return to 1922 Checker, Chubby (1941- ) Singer. Films: Twist around the clock; Don't knock the twist (Grammy: Rock & roll, 1961) Return to 1960 Cole, Nat "King" (1917-1965) Pianist and singer. His early career as a pianist in jazz combos was somewhat overshadowed by his singing career in the 1950s and 1960s, when he became one of the most popular and well-loved singers in the world, appearing frequently on radio and television. Return to 1917, 1943, 1956, 1965 Cole, Bob (Robert) (1863-1911) African-American lyricist, composer and vaudeville performer. He joined forces with Billy Johnson, J. Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson to produce hit songs. He was one of the first blacks to become part of "white" musical entertainment (in "blackface") Return to 1898, 1906 Coleman, Ornette (1930- ) Jazz saxophonist and composer. Return to 1960 Cook, Will Marion (1869-1944) Composer and conductor. He studied conducting at the Oberlin Conservatory and later studied violin with the famous German violinist, Joseph Joachim. After a short career as a concert violinst, he became famous for his musical comedy productions. Return to 1895, 1898 Davis, Gussie Lord (1863-1899) African-American songwriter. He became one of the top Tin Pan Alley songwriters. Return to 1895 Davis, Miles (1926-1991) Trumpeter and bandleader. One of the founders of "cool" jazz, a reaction to the more frenetic pace of bebop; Davis also led the way into experiments with modal music and the fusion of jazz and rock music. Return to 1970 Dawson, Mary Cardwell (1894-1962) African-American opera director and teacher. She founded the Cardwell School of Music in Pittsburg, the Cardwell Dawson Choir as well as the National Negro Opera Company. Return to 1941 Dawson, William Levi (1898-1990) African-American composer; he studied and later taught at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. He is especially remembered for conducting the famous Tuskegee Institute Choir. Return to 1934, 1990 Dett, R. Nathaniel (1882-1943) African-American composer, pianist, and conductor; he directed the well-known Hampton Institute Choir, which toured internationally, and was involved in preserving black folk music. Return to 1913, 1920 Dixon, Dean (1915-1976) Return to 1948, 1970 Domino, "Fats" (Antoine Domino) (1928- ) Pianist, singer, songwriter. Known especially for his particular boogie-woogie style. Return to 1955 Dorsey, "Georgia Tom" Thomas (1899-1993) African-American blues singer, gospel songwriter and pianist. He was very influential in the gospel song movement. Return to 1921, 1927 Dunbar, Paul Laurence (1872-1906) African-American poet, author of the poems used by William Grant Still in the Afro-American Symphony Return to 1896, 1898 Ellington, Duke (1899-1974) Jazz composer, bandleader, and pianist; one of the leading figures in Big Band jazz during the 1930s and 1940s. Return to 1899, 1931, 1932, 1965, 1974 Europe, James (1881-1919) African-American composer, conductor, and bandleader; Europe's orchestras included traditional symphonic instruments and such instruments as mandolins, banjos, harp-guitars, and saxophones, specializing in music by black composers. He was stabbed to death by one of his drummers in 1919, at the height of his musical popularity. Return to 1912, 1918 Fitzgerald, Ella (1918- ) Jazz singer; she worked with most of the leading performers and groups of the day. She is especially well-known for her scat-singing and vocal improvisations. Grammys: vocal (1958, 1959, 1960, 1962), jazz vocal (1958, 1959, 1976, 1979), vocal album (1960) Return to 1934 Franklin, Aretha (1942-- ) Singer and recording artist. Grammys: rhythm & blues (1967), rhythm & blues vocal (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974), gospel (1972) Return to 1987 Garner, Errol L (1921-1977) Jazz pianist. He was completely self-taught and never learned to read music. His style was unique and called for a level of virtuosity seldom approached since. Return to 1950 Gillespie, Dizzy (1917-1993) Jazz trumpeter and bandleader, one of the founders of the bebop jazz style. His nickname is said to have come from his wild playing and facial expressions. Return to 1944 Hampton, Lionel (1909- ) Drums and vibraharp. Worked with Les Hite, Eddie Elkins, Benny Goodman Quartet, Louis Armstrong and organized his own band that had international tours. Documentary film: No maps on my taps. Return to 1936 Handy, W[illiam] C[hristopher] (1873-1958) The "Father of the Blues"; as a composer, he helped bridge the lighter ragtime sound to the more direct emotional appeal of the blues. His two most famous compositions are "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues." Return to 1909, 1912, 1914, 1916, 1919, 1921, 1928 Hanson, Howard (1896-1981) American composer, conductor, and educator; he helped the Eastman School of Music achieve national prominence during his long tenure there. Return to 1931 Hines, Earl (1905-1983) Composer, jazz pianist and band leader. First of a small number of pianists whose playing had an impact on the direction of jazz. He formed his own band and also recorded with Louis Armstrong. Return to 1945 Holiday, Billie (1915-1959) Jazz singer. Billie Holiday is considered to be one of the foremost female jazz singers and "master of the blues." Return to 1938 Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Arvey, Verna (1910-1987) Arvey was also Still's librettist on several of his works, including A Bayou Legend and the author of a biography on Still entitled In One Lifetime (Fayetteville, Ark.: University of Arkansas Press, 1984). Return to 1910, 1939 Bailey, Pearl (Mae) (1918-1990) Popular nightclub singer; she starred in the first all-Black version of Hello, Dolly! in 1967, and also appeared in numerous films, plays, and frequently on television. Return to 1918, 1946, 1970, 1990 Baker, David (1931- ) African-American composer and jazz musician. He played trombone with many of the leading jazz bands of the day and his compositions fuse modern techniques with jazz. Return to 1968 Basie, Count (1904-1984) Jazz bandleader and pianist; he led one of the most important big bands in jazz history, giving many important musicians their first national exposure. Return to 1937, 1957, 1984 Battle, Kathleen (1948- ) African-American soprano/opera singer who has sung with major American and European opera companies and orchestras. Return to 1972 Belafonte, Harry (1927- ) Actor and singer. Began career as a singer in New York clubs, then appeared in shows and films. Known also for his folk music performances (Grammy awards 1960, 1961, and 1965) Return to 1954 Berry, Chuck (1926- ) Rock singer, song writer and guitarist. His early hits topped rhythm-and-blues, country-and-western and pop music charts. He was one of the first black rock-and-roll singers to achieve widespread popularity. Films: Rock, rock, rock; American hot wax. Return to 1955 Bethune, Blind Tom (1849-1908) Born a slave, his prodigious musical talent allowed him to tour extensively in the late nineteenth century and he was one of the most well-known pianists and composers of his day. Return to 1898 Blake, Eubie (1883-1983) Jazz pianist, dancer, and composer; both of his parents had been slaves. He composed popular and serious music and remained active as a performer throughout his long life. Return to 1921, 1969, 1983 Boatwright, McHenry (1928- ) African-American bass-baritone opera singer, especially known for his interpretation. He made his Metropolitan Opera debut in Schuller's The Visitation and has recorded Porgy and Bess Return to 1956 Bonds, Margaret Allison (1913-1972) African-American composer, pianist and teacher. In 1932 she won the Wanamaker prize (composition) for the song, Sea Ghost. She was the first black soloist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in Florence Price's piano concerto. Later in her career, she made arrangements of spirituals for Leontyne Price. Return to 1933, 1961 Brice, Carol (1918-1985) African-American contralto known for opera and concert performances. She was the first black American to win the Naumberg award. She was awarded a Grammy for a recording of Porgy and Bess. Other recordings include Bach arias, De Falla's El amor brujo, Mahler's Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen, and the operas Regina and Saratoga. Return to 1918 Brown, James (1928- ) African-American popular singer, songwriter and band leader. In 1963 he made a recording of a concert at the Apollo Theader that sold over one million copies (James Brown Show) Return to 1956, 1968 Bumbry, Grace (1937- ) African-American mezzo-soprano/soprano especially known for her interpretation of the operatic roles Carmen and Amneris. She was the first black performer to appear at Bayreuth (Germany) Return to 1961 Burleigh, Henry Thacker (1866-1949) Composer and singer, pupil of Antonín Dvorák. He is known primarily for his songs and arrangements, especially arrangements of spirituals for solo voice and piano. Return to 1916, 1917 Caesar, Shirley (1938- ) Internationally known gospel singer. Return to 1938, 1960 Chadwick, George Whitefield One of the leading composers of the "Boston Classicist" school. Return to 1922 Checker, Chubby (1941- ) Singer. Films: Twist around the clock; Don't knock the twist (Grammy: Rock & roll, 1961) Return to 1960 Cole, Nat "King" (1917-1965) Pianist and singer. His early career as a pianist in jazz combos was somewhat overshadowed by his singing career in the 1950s and 1960s, when he became one of the most popular and well-loved singers in the world, appearing frequently on radio and television. Return to 1917, 1943, 1956, 1965 Cole, Bob (Robert) (1863-1911) African-American lyricist, composer and vaudeville performer. He joined forces with Billy Johnson, J. Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson to produce hit songs. He was one of the first blacks to become part of "white" musical entertainment (in "blackface") Return to 1898, 1906 Coleman, Ornette (1930- ) Jazz saxophonist and composer. Return to 1960 Cook, Will Marion (1869-1944) Composer and conductor. He studied conducting at the Oberlin Conservatory and later studied violin with the famous German violinist, Joseph Joachim. After a short career as a concert violinst, he became famous for his musical comedy productions. Return to 1895, 1898 Davis, Gussie Lord (1863-1899) African-American songwriter. He became one of the top Tin Pan Alley songwriters. Return to 1895 Davis, Miles (1926-1991) Trumpeter and bandleader. One of the founders of "cool" jazz, a reaction to the more frenetic pace of bebop; Davis also led the way into experiments with modal music and the fusion of jazz and rock music. Return to 1970 Dawson, Mary Cardwell (1894-1962) African-American opera director and teacher. She founded the Cardwell School of Music in Pittsburg, the Cardwell Dawson Choir as well as the National Negro Opera Company. Return to 1941 Dawson, William Levi (1898-1990) African-American composer; he studied and later taught at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. He is especially remembered for conducting the famous Tuskegee Institute Choir. Return to 1934, 1990 Dett, R. Nathaniel (1882-1943) African-American composer, pianist, and conductor; he directed the well-known Hampton Institute Choir, which toured internationally, and was involved in preserving black folk music. Return to 1913, 1920 Dixon, Dean (1915-1976) Return to 1948, 1970 Domino, "Fats" (Antoine Domino) (1928- ) Pianist, singer, songwriter. Known especially for his particular boogie-woogie style. Return to 1955 Dorsey, "Georgia Tom" Thomas (1899-1993) African-American blues singer, gospel songwriter and pianist. He was very influential in the gospel song movement. Return to 1921, 1927 Dunbar, Paul Laurence (1872-1906) African-American poet, author of the poems used by William Grant Still in the Afro-American Symphony Return to 1896, 1898 Ellington, Duke (1899-1974) Jazz composer, bandleader, and pianist; one of the leading figures in Big Band jazz during the 1930s and 1940s. Return to 1899, 1931, 1932, 1965, 1974 Europe, James (1881-1919) African-American composer, conductor, and bandleader; Europe's orchestras included traditional symphonic instruments and such instruments as mandolins, banjos, harp-guitars, and saxophones, specializing in music by black composers. He was stabbed to death by one of his drummers in 1919, at the height of his musical popularity. Return to 1912, 1918 Fitzgerald, Ella (1918- ) Jazz singer; she worked with most of the leading performers and groups of the day. She is especially well-known for her scat-singing and vocal improvisations. Grammys: vocal (1958, 1959, 1960, 1962), jazz vocal (1958, 1959, 1976, 1979), vocal album (1960) Return to 1934 Franklin, Aretha (1942-- ) Singer and recording artist. Grammys: rhythm & blues (1967), rhythm & blues vocal (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974), gospel (1972) Return to 1987 Garner, Errol L (1921-1977) Jazz pianist. He was completely self-taught and never learned to read music. His style was unique and called for a level of virtuosity seldom approached since. Return to 1950 Gillespie, Dizzy (1917-1993) Jazz trumpeter and bandleader, one of the founders of the bebop jazz style. His nickname is said to have come from his wild playing and facial expressions. Return to 1944 Hampton, Lionel (1909- ) Drums and vibraharp. Worked with Les Hite, Eddie Elkins, Benny Goodman Quartet, Louis Armstrong and organized his own band that had international tours. Documentary film: No maps on my taps. Return to 1936 Handy, W[illiam] C[hristopher] (1873-1958) The "Father of the Blues"; as a composer, he helped bridge the lighter ragtime sound to the more direct emotional appeal of the blues. His two most famous compositions are "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues." Return to 1909, 1912, 1914, 1916, 1919, 1921, 1928 Hanson, Howard (1896-1981) American composer, conductor, and educator; he helped the Eastman School of Music achieve national prominence during his long tenure there. Return to 1931 Hines, Earl (1905-1983) Composer, jazz pianist and band leader. First of a small number of pianists whose playing had an impact on the direction of jazz. He formed his own band and also recorded with Louis Armstrong. Return to 1945 Holiday, Billie (1915-1959) Jazz singer. Billie Holiday is considered to be one of the foremost female jazz singers and "master of the blues." Return to 1938 Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Bailey, Pearl (Mae) (1918-1990) Popular nightclub singer; she starred in the first all-Black version of Hello, Dolly! in 1967, and also appeared in numerous films, plays, and frequently on television. Return to 1918, 1946, 1970, 1990 Baker, David (1931- ) African-American composer and jazz musician. He played trombone with many of the leading jazz bands of the day and his compositions fuse modern techniques with jazz. Return to 1968 Basie, Count (1904-1984) Jazz bandleader and pianist; he led one of the most important big bands in jazz history, giving many important musicians their first national exposure. Return to 1937, 1957, 1984 Battle, Kathleen (1948- ) African-American soprano/opera singer who has sung with major American and European opera companies and orchestras. Return to 1972 Belafonte, Harry (1927- ) Actor and singer. Began career as a singer in New York clubs, then appeared in shows and films. Known also for his folk music performances (Grammy awards 1960, 1961, and 1965) Return to 1954 Berry, Chuck (1926- ) Rock singer, song writer and guitarist. His early hits topped rhythm-and-blues, country-and-western and pop music charts. He was one of the first black rock-and-roll singers to achieve widespread popularity. Films: Rock, rock, rock; American hot wax. Return to 1955 Bethune, Blind Tom (1849-1908) Born a slave, his prodigious musical talent allowed him to tour extensively in the late nineteenth century and he was one of the most well-known pianists and composers of his day. Return to 1898 Blake, Eubie (1883-1983) Jazz pianist, dancer, and composer; both of his parents had been slaves. He composed popular and serious music and remained active as a performer throughout his long life. Return to 1921, 1969, 1983 Boatwright, McHenry (1928- ) African-American bass-baritone opera singer, especially known for his interpretation. He made his Metropolitan Opera debut in Schuller's The Visitation and has recorded Porgy and Bess Return to 1956 Bonds, Margaret Allison (1913-1972) African-American composer, pianist and teacher. In 1932 she won the Wanamaker prize (composition) for the song, Sea Ghost. She was the first black soloist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in Florence Price's piano concerto. Later in her career, she made arrangements of spirituals for Leontyne Price. Return to 1933, 1961 Brice, Carol (1918-1985) African-American contralto known for opera and concert performances. She was the first black American to win the Naumberg award. She was awarded a Grammy for a recording of Porgy and Bess. Other recordings include Bach arias, De Falla's El amor brujo, Mahler's Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen, and the operas Regina and Saratoga. Return to 1918 Brown, James (1928- ) African-American popular singer, songwriter and band leader. In 1963 he made a recording of a concert at the Apollo Theader that sold over one million copies (James Brown Show) Return to 1956, 1968 Bumbry, Grace (1937- ) African-American mezzo-soprano/soprano especially known for her interpretation of the operatic roles Carmen and Amneris. She was the first black performer to appear at Bayreuth (Germany) Return to 1961 Burleigh, Henry Thacker (1866-1949) Composer and singer, pupil of Antonín Dvorák. He is known primarily for his songs and arrangements, especially arrangements of spirituals for solo voice and piano. Return to 1916, 1917 Caesar, Shirley (1938- ) Internationally known gospel singer. Return to 1938, 1960 Chadwick, George Whitefield One of the leading composers of the "Boston Classicist" school. Return to 1922 Checker, Chubby (1941- ) Singer. Films: Twist around the clock; Don't knock the twist (Grammy: Rock & roll, 1961) Return to 1960 Cole, Nat "King" (1917-1965) Pianist and singer. His early career as a pianist in jazz combos was somewhat overshadowed by his singing career in the 1950s and 1960s, when he became one of the most popular and well-loved singers in the world, appearing frequently on radio and television. Return to 1917, 1943, 1956, 1965 Cole, Bob (Robert) (1863-1911) African-American lyricist, composer and vaudeville performer. He joined forces with Billy Johnson, J. Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson to produce hit songs. He was one of the first blacks to become part of "white" musical entertainment (in "blackface") Return to 1898, 1906 Coleman, Ornette (1930- ) Jazz saxophonist and composer. Return to 1960 Cook, Will Marion (1869-1944) Composer and conductor. He studied conducting at the Oberlin Conservatory and later studied violin with the famous German violinist, Joseph Joachim. After a short career as a concert violinst, he became famous for his musical comedy productions. Return to 1895, 1898 Davis, Gussie Lord (1863-1899) African-American songwriter. He became one of the top Tin Pan Alley songwriters. Return to 1895 Davis, Miles (1926-1991) Trumpeter and bandleader. One of the founders of "cool" jazz, a reaction to the more frenetic pace of bebop; Davis also led the way into experiments with modal music and the fusion of jazz and rock music. Return to 1970 Dawson, Mary Cardwell (1894-1962) African-American opera director and teacher. She founded the Cardwell School of Music in Pittsburg, the Cardwell Dawson Choir as well as the National Negro Opera Company. Return to 1941 Dawson, William Levi (1898-1990) African-American composer; he studied and later taught at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. He is especially remembered for conducting the famous Tuskegee Institute Choir. Return to 1934, 1990 Dett, R. Nathaniel (1882-1943) African-American composer, pianist, and conductor; he directed the well-known Hampton Institute Choir, which toured internationally, and was involved in preserving black folk music. Return to 1913, 1920 Dixon, Dean (1915-1976) Return to 1948, 1970 Domino, "Fats" (Antoine Domino) (1928- ) Pianist, singer, songwriter. Known especially for his particular boogie-woogie style. Return to 1955 Dorsey, "Georgia Tom" Thomas (1899-1993) African-American blues singer, gospel songwriter and pianist. He was very influential in the gospel song movement. Return to 1921, 1927 Dunbar, Paul Laurence (1872-1906) African-American poet, author of the poems used by William Grant Still in the Afro-American Symphony Return to 1896, 1898 Ellington, Duke (1899-1974) Jazz composer, bandleader, and pianist; one of the leading figures in Big Band jazz during the 1930s and 1940s. Return to 1899, 1931, 1932, 1965, 1974 Europe, James (1881-1919) African-American composer, conductor, and bandleader; Europe's orchestras included traditional symphonic instruments and such instruments as mandolins, banjos, harp-guitars, and saxophones, specializing in music by black composers. He was stabbed to death by one of his drummers in 1919, at the height of his musical popularity. Return to 1912, 1918 Fitzgerald, Ella (1918- ) Jazz singer; she worked with most of the leading performers and groups of the day. She is especially well-known for her scat-singing and vocal improvisations. Grammys: vocal (1958, 1959, 1960, 1962), jazz vocal (1958, 1959, 1976, 1979), vocal album (1960) Return to 1934 Franklin, Aretha (1942-- ) Singer and recording artist. Grammys: rhythm & blues (1967), rhythm & blues vocal (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974), gospel (1972) Return to 1987 Garner, Errol L (1921-1977) Jazz pianist. He was completely self-taught and never learned to read music. His style was unique and called for a level of virtuosity seldom approached since. Return to 1950 Gillespie, Dizzy (1917-1993) Jazz trumpeter and bandleader, one of the founders of the bebop jazz style. His nickname is said to have come from his wild playing and facial expressions. Return to 1944 Hampton, Lionel (1909- ) Drums and vibraharp. Worked with Les Hite, Eddie Elkins, Benny Goodman Quartet, Louis Armstrong and organized his own band that had international tours. Documentary film: No maps on my taps. Return to 1936 Handy, W[illiam] C[hristopher] (1873-1958) The "Father of the Blues"; as a composer, he helped bridge the lighter ragtime sound to the more direct emotional appeal of the blues. His two most famous compositions are "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues." Return to 1909, 1912, 1914, 1916, 1919, 1921, 1928 Hanson, Howard (1896-1981) American composer, conductor, and educator; he helped the Eastman School of Music achieve national prominence during his long tenure there. Return to 1931 Hines, Earl (1905-1983) Composer, jazz pianist and band leader. First of a small number of pianists whose playing had an impact on the direction of jazz. He formed his own band and also recorded with Louis Armstrong. Return to 1945 Holiday, Billie (1915-1959) Jazz singer. Billie Holiday is considered to be one of the foremost female jazz singers and "master of the blues." Return to 1938 Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Baker, David (1931- ) African-American composer and jazz musician. He played trombone with many of the leading jazz bands of the day and his compositions fuse modern techniques with jazz. Return to 1968 Basie, Count (1904-1984) Jazz bandleader and pianist; he led one of the most important big bands in jazz history, giving many important musicians their first national exposure. Return to 1937, 1957, 1984 Battle, Kathleen (1948- ) African-American soprano/opera singer who has sung with major American and European opera companies and orchestras. Return to 1972 Belafonte, Harry (1927- ) Actor and singer. Began career as a singer in New York clubs, then appeared in shows and films. Known also for his folk music performances (Grammy awards 1960, 1961, and 1965) Return to 1954 Berry, Chuck (1926- ) Rock singer, song writer and guitarist. His early hits topped rhythm-and-blues, country-and-western and pop music charts. He was one of the first black rock-and-roll singers to achieve widespread popularity. Films: Rock, rock, rock; American hot wax. Return to 1955 Bethune, Blind Tom (1849-1908) Born a slave, his prodigious musical talent allowed him to tour extensively in the late nineteenth century and he was one of the most well-known pianists and composers of his day. Return to 1898 Blake, Eubie (1883-1983) Jazz pianist, dancer, and composer; both of his parents had been slaves. He composed popular and serious music and remained active as a performer throughout his long life. Return to 1921, 1969, 1983 Boatwright, McHenry (1928- ) African-American bass-baritone opera singer, especially known for his interpretation. He made his Metropolitan Opera debut in Schuller's The Visitation and has recorded Porgy and Bess Return to 1956 Bonds, Margaret Allison (1913-1972) African-American composer, pianist and teacher. In 1932 she won the Wanamaker prize (composition) for the song, Sea Ghost. She was the first black soloist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in Florence Price's piano concerto. Later in her career, she made arrangements of spirituals for Leontyne Price. Return to 1933, 1961 Brice, Carol (1918-1985) African-American contralto known for opera and concert performances. She was the first black American to win the Naumberg award. She was awarded a Grammy for a recording of Porgy and Bess. Other recordings include Bach arias, De Falla's El amor brujo, Mahler's Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen, and the operas Regina and Saratoga. Return to 1918 Brown, James (1928- ) African-American popular singer, songwriter and band leader. In 1963 he made a recording of a concert at the Apollo Theader that sold over one million copies (James Brown Show) Return to 1956, 1968 Bumbry, Grace (1937- ) African-American mezzo-soprano/soprano especially known for her interpretation of the operatic roles Carmen and Amneris. She was the first black performer to appear at Bayreuth (Germany) Return to 1961 Burleigh, Henry Thacker (1866-1949) Composer and singer, pupil of Antonín Dvorák. He is known primarily for his songs and arrangements, especially arrangements of spirituals for solo voice and piano. Return to 1916, 1917 Caesar, Shirley (1938- ) Internationally known gospel singer. Return to 1938, 1960 Chadwick, George Whitefield One of the leading composers of the "Boston Classicist" school. Return to 1922 Checker, Chubby (1941- ) Singer. Films: Twist around the clock; Don't knock the twist (Grammy: Rock & roll, 1961) Return to 1960 Cole, Nat "King" (1917-1965) Pianist and singer. His early career as a pianist in jazz combos was somewhat overshadowed by his singing career in the 1950s and 1960s, when he became one of the most popular and well-loved singers in the world, appearing frequently on radio and television. Return to 1917, 1943, 1956, 1965 Cole, Bob (Robert) (1863-1911) African-American lyricist, composer and vaudeville performer. He joined forces with Billy Johnson, J. Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson to produce hit songs. He was one of the first blacks to become part of "white" musical entertainment (in "blackface") Return to 1898, 1906 Coleman, Ornette (1930- ) Jazz saxophonist and composer. Return to 1960 Cook, Will Marion (1869-1944) Composer and conductor. He studied conducting at the Oberlin Conservatory and later studied violin with the famous German violinist, Joseph Joachim. After a short career as a concert violinst, he became famous for his musical comedy productions. Return to 1895, 1898 Davis, Gussie Lord (1863-1899) African-American songwriter. He became one of the top Tin Pan Alley songwriters. Return to 1895 Davis, Miles (1926-1991) Trumpeter and bandleader. One of the founders of "cool" jazz, a reaction to the more frenetic pace of bebop; Davis also led the way into experiments with modal music and the fusion of jazz and rock music. Return to 1970 Dawson, Mary Cardwell (1894-1962) African-American opera director and teacher. She founded the Cardwell School of Music in Pittsburg, the Cardwell Dawson Choir as well as the National Negro Opera Company. Return to 1941 Dawson, William Levi (1898-1990) African-American composer; he studied and later taught at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. He is especially remembered for conducting the famous Tuskegee Institute Choir. Return to 1934, 1990 Dett, R. Nathaniel (1882-1943) African-American composer, pianist, and conductor; he directed the well-known Hampton Institute Choir, which toured internationally, and was involved in preserving black folk music. Return to 1913, 1920 Dixon, Dean (1915-1976) Return to 1948, 1970 Domino, "Fats" (Antoine Domino) (1928- ) Pianist, singer, songwriter. Known especially for his particular boogie-woogie style. Return to 1955 Dorsey, "Georgia Tom" Thomas (1899-1993) African-American blues singer, gospel songwriter and pianist. He was very influential in the gospel song movement. Return to 1921, 1927 Dunbar, Paul Laurence (1872-1906) African-American poet, author of the poems used by William Grant Still in the Afro-American Symphony Return to 1896, 1898 Ellington, Duke (1899-1974) Jazz composer, bandleader, and pianist; one of the leading figures in Big Band jazz during the 1930s and 1940s. Return to 1899, 1931, 1932, 1965, 1974 Europe, James (1881-1919) African-American composer, conductor, and bandleader; Europe's orchestras included traditional symphonic instruments and such instruments as mandolins, banjos, harp-guitars, and saxophones, specializing in music by black composers. He was stabbed to death by one of his drummers in 1919, at the height of his musical popularity. Return to 1912, 1918 Fitzgerald, Ella (1918- ) Jazz singer; she worked with most of the leading performers and groups of the day. She is especially well-known for her scat-singing and vocal improvisations. Grammys: vocal (1958, 1959, 1960, 1962), jazz vocal (1958, 1959, 1976, 1979), vocal album (1960) Return to 1934 Franklin, Aretha (1942-- ) Singer and recording artist. Grammys: rhythm & blues (1967), rhythm & blues vocal (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974), gospel (1972) Return to 1987 Garner, Errol L (1921-1977) Jazz pianist. He was completely self-taught and never learned to read music. His style was unique and called for a level of virtuosity seldom approached since. Return to 1950 Gillespie, Dizzy (1917-1993) Jazz trumpeter and bandleader, one of the founders of the bebop jazz style. His nickname is said to have come from his wild playing and facial expressions. Return to 1944 Hampton, Lionel (1909- ) Drums and vibraharp. Worked with Les Hite, Eddie Elkins, Benny Goodman Quartet, Louis Armstrong and organized his own band that had international tours. Documentary film: No maps on my taps. Return to 1936 Handy, W[illiam] C[hristopher] (1873-1958) The "Father of the Blues"; as a composer, he helped bridge the lighter ragtime sound to the more direct emotional appeal of the blues. His two most famous compositions are "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues." Return to 1909, 1912, 1914, 1916, 1919, 1921, 1928 Hanson, Howard (1896-1981) American composer, conductor, and educator; he helped the Eastman School of Music achieve national prominence during his long tenure there. Return to 1931 Hines, Earl (1905-1983) Composer, jazz pianist and band leader. First of a small number of pianists whose playing had an impact on the direction of jazz. He formed his own band and also recorded with Louis Armstrong. Return to 1945 Holiday, Billie (1915-1959) Jazz singer. Billie Holiday is considered to be one of the foremost female jazz singers and "master of the blues." Return to 1938 Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Basie, Count (1904-1984) Jazz bandleader and pianist; he led one of the most important big bands in jazz history, giving many important musicians their first national exposure. Return to 1937, 1957, 1984 Battle, Kathleen (1948- ) African-American soprano/opera singer who has sung with major American and European opera companies and orchestras. Return to 1972 Belafonte, Harry (1927- ) Actor and singer. Began career as a singer in New York clubs, then appeared in shows and films. Known also for his folk music performances (Grammy awards 1960, 1961, and 1965) Return to 1954 Berry, Chuck (1926- ) Rock singer, song writer and guitarist. His early hits topped rhythm-and-blues, country-and-western and pop music charts. He was one of the first black rock-and-roll singers to achieve widespread popularity. Films: Rock, rock, rock; American hot wax. Return to 1955 Bethune, Blind Tom (1849-1908) Born a slave, his prodigious musical talent allowed him to tour extensively in the late nineteenth century and he was one of the most well-known pianists and composers of his day. Return to 1898 Blake, Eubie (1883-1983) Jazz pianist, dancer, and composer; both of his parents had been slaves. He composed popular and serious music and remained active as a performer throughout his long life. Return to 1921, 1969, 1983 Boatwright, McHenry (1928- ) African-American bass-baritone opera singer, especially known for his interpretation. He made his Metropolitan Opera debut in Schuller's The Visitation and has recorded Porgy and Bess Return to 1956 Bonds, Margaret Allison (1913-1972) African-American composer, pianist and teacher. In 1932 she won the Wanamaker prize (composition) for the song, Sea Ghost. She was the first black soloist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in Florence Price's piano concerto. Later in her career, she made arrangements of spirituals for Leontyne Price. Return to 1933, 1961 Brice, Carol (1918-1985) African-American contralto known for opera and concert performances. She was the first black American to win the Naumberg award. She was awarded a Grammy for a recording of Porgy and Bess. Other recordings include Bach arias, De Falla's El amor brujo, Mahler's Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen, and the operas Regina and Saratoga. Return to 1918 Brown, James (1928- ) African-American popular singer, songwriter and band leader. In 1963 he made a recording of a concert at the Apollo Theader that sold over one million copies (James Brown Show) Return to 1956, 1968 Bumbry, Grace (1937- ) African-American mezzo-soprano/soprano especially known for her interpretation of the operatic roles Carmen and Amneris. She was the first black performer to appear at Bayreuth (Germany) Return to 1961 Burleigh, Henry Thacker (1866-1949) Composer and singer, pupil of Antonín Dvorák. He is known primarily for his songs and arrangements, especially arrangements of spirituals for solo voice and piano. Return to 1916, 1917 Caesar, Shirley (1938- ) Internationally known gospel singer. Return to 1938, 1960 Chadwick, George Whitefield One of the leading composers of the "Boston Classicist" school. Return to 1922 Checker, Chubby (1941- ) Singer. Films: Twist around the clock; Don't knock the twist (Grammy: Rock & roll, 1961) Return to 1960 Cole, Nat "King" (1917-1965) Pianist and singer. His early career as a pianist in jazz combos was somewhat overshadowed by his singing career in the 1950s and 1960s, when he became one of the most popular and well-loved singers in the world, appearing frequently on radio and television. Return to 1917, 1943, 1956, 1965 Cole, Bob (Robert) (1863-1911) African-American lyricist, composer and vaudeville performer. He joined forces with Billy Johnson, J. Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson to produce hit songs. He was one of the first blacks to become part of "white" musical entertainment (in "blackface") Return to 1898, 1906 Coleman, Ornette (1930- ) Jazz saxophonist and composer. Return to 1960 Cook, Will Marion (1869-1944) Composer and conductor. He studied conducting at the Oberlin Conservatory and later studied violin with the famous German violinist, Joseph Joachim. After a short career as a concert violinst, he became famous for his musical comedy productions. Return to 1895, 1898 Davis, Gussie Lord (1863-1899) African-American songwriter. He became one of the top Tin Pan Alley songwriters. Return to 1895 Davis, Miles (1926-1991) Trumpeter and bandleader. One of the founders of "cool" jazz, a reaction to the more frenetic pace of bebop; Davis also led the way into experiments with modal music and the fusion of jazz and rock music. Return to 1970 Dawson, Mary Cardwell (1894-1962) African-American opera director and teacher. She founded the Cardwell School of Music in Pittsburg, the Cardwell Dawson Choir as well as the National Negro Opera Company. Return to 1941 Dawson, William Levi (1898-1990) African-American composer; he studied and later taught at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. He is especially remembered for conducting the famous Tuskegee Institute Choir. Return to 1934, 1990 Dett, R. Nathaniel (1882-1943) African-American composer, pianist, and conductor; he directed the well-known Hampton Institute Choir, which toured internationally, and was involved in preserving black folk music. Return to 1913, 1920 Dixon, Dean (1915-1976) Return to 1948, 1970 Domino, "Fats" (Antoine Domino) (1928- ) Pianist, singer, songwriter. Known especially for his particular boogie-woogie style. Return to 1955 Dorsey, "Georgia Tom" Thomas (1899-1993) African-American blues singer, gospel songwriter and pianist. He was very influential in the gospel song movement. Return to 1921, 1927 Dunbar, Paul Laurence (1872-1906) African-American poet, author of the poems used by William Grant Still in the Afro-American Symphony Return to 1896, 1898 Ellington, Duke (1899-1974) Jazz composer, bandleader, and pianist; one of the leading figures in Big Band jazz during the 1930s and 1940s. Return to 1899, 1931, 1932, 1965, 1974 Europe, James (1881-1919) African-American composer, conductor, and bandleader; Europe's orchestras included traditional symphonic instruments and such instruments as mandolins, banjos, harp-guitars, and saxophones, specializing in music by black composers. He was stabbed to death by one of his drummers in 1919, at the height of his musical popularity. Return to 1912, 1918 Fitzgerald, Ella (1918- ) Jazz singer; she worked with most of the leading performers and groups of the day. She is especially well-known for her scat-singing and vocal improvisations. Grammys: vocal (1958, 1959, 1960, 1962), jazz vocal (1958, 1959, 1976, 1979), vocal album (1960) Return to 1934 Franklin, Aretha (1942-- ) Singer and recording artist. Grammys: rhythm & blues (1967), rhythm & blues vocal (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974), gospel (1972) Return to 1987 Garner, Errol L (1921-1977) Jazz pianist. He was completely self-taught and never learned to read music. His style was unique and called for a level of virtuosity seldom approached since. Return to 1950 Gillespie, Dizzy (1917-1993) Jazz trumpeter and bandleader, one of the founders of the bebop jazz style. His nickname is said to have come from his wild playing and facial expressions. Return to 1944 Hampton, Lionel (1909- ) Drums and vibraharp. Worked with Les Hite, Eddie Elkins, Benny Goodman Quartet, Louis Armstrong and organized his own band that had international tours. Documentary film: No maps on my taps. Return to 1936 Handy, W[illiam] C[hristopher] (1873-1958) The "Father of the Blues"; as a composer, he helped bridge the lighter ragtime sound to the more direct emotional appeal of the blues. His two most famous compositions are "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues." Return to 1909, 1912, 1914, 1916, 1919, 1921, 1928 Hanson, Howard (1896-1981) American composer, conductor, and educator; he helped the Eastman School of Music achieve national prominence during his long tenure there. Return to 1931 Hines, Earl (1905-1983) Composer, jazz pianist and band leader. First of a small number of pianists whose playing had an impact on the direction of jazz. He formed his own band and also recorded with Louis Armstrong. Return to 1945 Holiday, Billie (1915-1959) Jazz singer. Billie Holiday is considered to be one of the foremost female jazz singers and "master of the blues." Return to 1938 Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Battle, Kathleen (1948- ) African-American soprano/opera singer who has sung with major American and European opera companies and orchestras. Return to 1972 Belafonte, Harry (1927- ) Actor and singer. Began career as a singer in New York clubs, then appeared in shows and films. Known also for his folk music performances (Grammy awards 1960, 1961, and 1965) Return to 1954 Berry, Chuck (1926- ) Rock singer, song writer and guitarist. His early hits topped rhythm-and-blues, country-and-western and pop music charts. He was one of the first black rock-and-roll singers to achieve widespread popularity. Films: Rock, rock, rock; American hot wax. Return to 1955 Bethune, Blind Tom (1849-1908) Born a slave, his prodigious musical talent allowed him to tour extensively in the late nineteenth century and he was one of the most well-known pianists and composers of his day. Return to 1898 Blake, Eubie (1883-1983) Jazz pianist, dancer, and composer; both of his parents had been slaves. He composed popular and serious music and remained active as a performer throughout his long life. Return to 1921, 1969, 1983 Boatwright, McHenry (1928- ) African-American bass-baritone opera singer, especially known for his interpretation. He made his Metropolitan Opera debut in Schuller's The Visitation and has recorded Porgy and Bess Return to 1956 Bonds, Margaret Allison (1913-1972) African-American composer, pianist and teacher. In 1932 she won the Wanamaker prize (composition) for the song, Sea Ghost. She was the first black soloist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in Florence Price's piano concerto. Later in her career, she made arrangements of spirituals for Leontyne Price. Return to 1933, 1961 Brice, Carol (1918-1985) African-American contralto known for opera and concert performances. She was the first black American to win the Naumberg award. She was awarded a Grammy for a recording of Porgy and Bess. Other recordings include Bach arias, De Falla's El amor brujo, Mahler's Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen, and the operas Regina and Saratoga. Return to 1918 Brown, James (1928- ) African-American popular singer, songwriter and band leader. In 1963 he made a recording of a concert at the Apollo Theader that sold over one million copies (James Brown Show) Return to 1956, 1968 Bumbry, Grace (1937- ) African-American mezzo-soprano/soprano especially known for her interpretation of the operatic roles Carmen and Amneris. She was the first black performer to appear at Bayreuth (Germany) Return to 1961 Burleigh, Henry Thacker (1866-1949) Composer and singer, pupil of Antonín Dvorák. He is known primarily for his songs and arrangements, especially arrangements of spirituals for solo voice and piano. Return to 1916, 1917 Caesar, Shirley (1938- ) Internationally known gospel singer. Return to 1938, 1960 Chadwick, George Whitefield One of the leading composers of the "Boston Classicist" school. Return to 1922 Checker, Chubby (1941- ) Singer. Films: Twist around the clock; Don't knock the twist (Grammy: Rock & roll, 1961) Return to 1960 Cole, Nat "King" (1917-1965) Pianist and singer. His early career as a pianist in jazz combos was somewhat overshadowed by his singing career in the 1950s and 1960s, when he became one of the most popular and well-loved singers in the world, appearing frequently on radio and television. Return to 1917, 1943, 1956, 1965 Cole, Bob (Robert) (1863-1911) African-American lyricist, composer and vaudeville performer. He joined forces with Billy Johnson, J. Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson to produce hit songs. He was one of the first blacks to become part of "white" musical entertainment (in "blackface") Return to 1898, 1906 Coleman, Ornette (1930- ) Jazz saxophonist and composer. Return to 1960 Cook, Will Marion (1869-1944) Composer and conductor. He studied conducting at the Oberlin Conservatory and later studied violin with the famous German violinist, Joseph Joachim. After a short career as a concert violinst, he became famous for his musical comedy productions. Return to 1895, 1898 Davis, Gussie Lord (1863-1899) African-American songwriter. He became one of the top Tin Pan Alley songwriters. Return to 1895 Davis, Miles (1926-1991) Trumpeter and bandleader. One of the founders of "cool" jazz, a reaction to the more frenetic pace of bebop; Davis also led the way into experiments with modal music and the fusion of jazz and rock music. Return to 1970 Dawson, Mary Cardwell (1894-1962) African-American opera director and teacher. She founded the Cardwell School of Music in Pittsburg, the Cardwell Dawson Choir as well as the National Negro Opera Company. Return to 1941 Dawson, William Levi (1898-1990) African-American composer; he studied and later taught at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. He is especially remembered for conducting the famous Tuskegee Institute Choir. Return to 1934, 1990 Dett, R. Nathaniel (1882-1943) African-American composer, pianist, and conductor; he directed the well-known Hampton Institute Choir, which toured internationally, and was involved in preserving black folk music. Return to 1913, 1920 Dixon, Dean (1915-1976) Return to 1948, 1970 Domino, "Fats" (Antoine Domino) (1928- ) Pianist, singer, songwriter. Known especially for his particular boogie-woogie style. Return to 1955 Dorsey, "Georgia Tom" Thomas (1899-1993) African-American blues singer, gospel songwriter and pianist. He was very influential in the gospel song movement. Return to 1921, 1927 Dunbar, Paul Laurence (1872-1906) African-American poet, author of the poems used by William Grant Still in the Afro-American Symphony Return to 1896, 1898 Ellington, Duke (1899-1974) Jazz composer, bandleader, and pianist; one of the leading figures in Big Band jazz during the 1930s and 1940s. Return to 1899, 1931, 1932, 1965, 1974 Europe, James (1881-1919) African-American composer, conductor, and bandleader; Europe's orchestras included traditional symphonic instruments and such instruments as mandolins, banjos, harp-guitars, and saxophones, specializing in music by black composers. He was stabbed to death by one of his drummers in 1919, at the height of his musical popularity. Return to 1912, 1918 Fitzgerald, Ella (1918- ) Jazz singer; she worked with most of the leading performers and groups of the day. She is especially well-known for her scat-singing and vocal improvisations. Grammys: vocal (1958, 1959, 1960, 1962), jazz vocal (1958, 1959, 1976, 1979), vocal album (1960) Return to 1934 Franklin, Aretha (1942-- ) Singer and recording artist. Grammys: rhythm & blues (1967), rhythm & blues vocal (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974), gospel (1972) Return to 1987 Garner, Errol L (1921-1977) Jazz pianist. He was completely self-taught and never learned to read music. His style was unique and called for a level of virtuosity seldom approached since. Return to 1950 Gillespie, Dizzy (1917-1993) Jazz trumpeter and bandleader, one of the founders of the bebop jazz style. His nickname is said to have come from his wild playing and facial expressions. Return to 1944 Hampton, Lionel (1909- ) Drums and vibraharp. Worked with Les Hite, Eddie Elkins, Benny Goodman Quartet, Louis Armstrong and organized his own band that had international tours. Documentary film: No maps on my taps. Return to 1936 Handy, W[illiam] C[hristopher] (1873-1958) The "Father of the Blues"; as a composer, he helped bridge the lighter ragtime sound to the more direct emotional appeal of the blues. His two most famous compositions are "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues." Return to 1909, 1912, 1914, 1916, 1919, 1921, 1928 Hanson, Howard (1896-1981) American composer, conductor, and educator; he helped the Eastman School of Music achieve national prominence during his long tenure there. Return to 1931 Hines, Earl (1905-1983) Composer, jazz pianist and band leader. First of a small number of pianists whose playing had an impact on the direction of jazz. He formed his own band and also recorded with Louis Armstrong. Return to 1945 Holiday, Billie (1915-1959) Jazz singer. Billie Holiday is considered to be one of the foremost female jazz singers and "master of the blues." Return to 1938 Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Belafonte, Harry (1927- ) Actor and singer. Began career as a singer in New York clubs, then appeared in shows and films. Known also for his folk music performances (Grammy awards 1960, 1961, and 1965) Return to 1954 Berry, Chuck (1926- ) Rock singer, song writer and guitarist. His early hits topped rhythm-and-blues, country-and-western and pop music charts. He was one of the first black rock-and-roll singers to achieve widespread popularity. Films: Rock, rock, rock; American hot wax. Return to 1955 Bethune, Blind Tom (1849-1908) Born a slave, his prodigious musical talent allowed him to tour extensively in the late nineteenth century and he was one of the most well-known pianists and composers of his day. Return to 1898 Blake, Eubie (1883-1983) Jazz pianist, dancer, and composer; both of his parents had been slaves. He composed popular and serious music and remained active as a performer throughout his long life. Return to 1921, 1969, 1983 Boatwright, McHenry (1928- ) African-American bass-baritone opera singer, especially known for his interpretation. He made his Metropolitan Opera debut in Schuller's The Visitation and has recorded Porgy and Bess Return to 1956 Bonds, Margaret Allison (1913-1972) African-American composer, pianist and teacher. In 1932 she won the Wanamaker prize (composition) for the song, Sea Ghost. She was the first black soloist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in Florence Price's piano concerto. Later in her career, she made arrangements of spirituals for Leontyne Price. Return to 1933, 1961 Brice, Carol (1918-1985) African-American contralto known for opera and concert performances. She was the first black American to win the Naumberg award. She was awarded a Grammy for a recording of Porgy and Bess. Other recordings include Bach arias, De Falla's El amor brujo, Mahler's Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen, and the operas Regina and Saratoga. Return to 1918 Brown, James (1928- ) African-American popular singer, songwriter and band leader. In 1963 he made a recording of a concert at the Apollo Theader that sold over one million copies (James Brown Show) Return to 1956, 1968 Bumbry, Grace (1937- ) African-American mezzo-soprano/soprano especially known for her interpretation of the operatic roles Carmen and Amneris. She was the first black performer to appear at Bayreuth (Germany) Return to 1961 Burleigh, Henry Thacker (1866-1949) Composer and singer, pupil of Antonín Dvorák. He is known primarily for his songs and arrangements, especially arrangements of spirituals for solo voice and piano. Return to 1916, 1917 Caesar, Shirley (1938- ) Internationally known gospel singer. Return to 1938, 1960 Chadwick, George Whitefield One of the leading composers of the "Boston Classicist" school. Return to 1922 Checker, Chubby (1941- ) Singer. Films: Twist around the clock; Don't knock the twist (Grammy: Rock & roll, 1961) Return to 1960 Cole, Nat "King" (1917-1965) Pianist and singer. His early career as a pianist in jazz combos was somewhat overshadowed by his singing career in the 1950s and 1960s, when he became one of the most popular and well-loved singers in the world, appearing frequently on radio and television. Return to 1917, 1943, 1956, 1965 Cole, Bob (Robert) (1863-1911) African-American lyricist, composer and vaudeville performer. He joined forces with Billy Johnson, J. Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson to produce hit songs. He was one of the first blacks to become part of "white" musical entertainment (in "blackface") Return to 1898, 1906 Coleman, Ornette (1930- ) Jazz saxophonist and composer. Return to 1960 Cook, Will Marion (1869-1944) Composer and conductor. He studied conducting at the Oberlin Conservatory and later studied violin with the famous German violinist, Joseph Joachim. After a short career as a concert violinst, he became famous for his musical comedy productions. Return to 1895, 1898 Davis, Gussie Lord (1863-1899) African-American songwriter. He became one of the top Tin Pan Alley songwriters. Return to 1895 Davis, Miles (1926-1991) Trumpeter and bandleader. One of the founders of "cool" jazz, a reaction to the more frenetic pace of bebop; Davis also led the way into experiments with modal music and the fusion of jazz and rock music. Return to 1970 Dawson, Mary Cardwell (1894-1962) African-American opera director and teacher. She founded the Cardwell School of Music in Pittsburg, the Cardwell Dawson Choir as well as the National Negro Opera Company. Return to 1941 Dawson, William Levi (1898-1990) African-American composer; he studied and later taught at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. He is especially remembered for conducting the famous Tuskegee Institute Choir. Return to 1934, 1990 Dett, R. Nathaniel (1882-1943) African-American composer, pianist, and conductor; he directed the well-known Hampton Institute Choir, which toured internationally, and was involved in preserving black folk music. Return to 1913, 1920 Dixon, Dean (1915-1976) Return to 1948, 1970 Domino, "Fats" (Antoine Domino) (1928- ) Pianist, singer, songwriter. Known especially for his particular boogie-woogie style. Return to 1955 Dorsey, "Georgia Tom" Thomas (1899-1993) African-American blues singer, gospel songwriter and pianist. He was very influential in the gospel song movement. Return to 1921, 1927 Dunbar, Paul Laurence (1872-1906) African-American poet, author of the poems used by William Grant Still in the Afro-American Symphony Return to 1896, 1898 Ellington, Duke (1899-1974) Jazz composer, bandleader, and pianist; one of the leading figures in Big Band jazz during the 1930s and 1940s. Return to 1899, 1931, 1932, 1965, 1974 Europe, James (1881-1919) African-American composer, conductor, and bandleader; Europe's orchestras included traditional symphonic instruments and such instruments as mandolins, banjos, harp-guitars, and saxophones, specializing in music by black composers. He was stabbed to death by one of his drummers in 1919, at the height of his musical popularity. Return to 1912, 1918 Fitzgerald, Ella (1918- ) Jazz singer; she worked with most of the leading performers and groups of the day. She is especially well-known for her scat-singing and vocal improvisations. Grammys: vocal (1958, 1959, 1960, 1962), jazz vocal (1958, 1959, 1976, 1979), vocal album (1960) Return to 1934 Franklin, Aretha (1942-- ) Singer and recording artist. Grammys: rhythm & blues (1967), rhythm & blues vocal (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974), gospel (1972) Return to 1987 Garner, Errol L (1921-1977) Jazz pianist. He was completely self-taught and never learned to read music. His style was unique and called for a level of virtuosity seldom approached since. Return to 1950 Gillespie, Dizzy (1917-1993) Jazz trumpeter and bandleader, one of the founders of the bebop jazz style. His nickname is said to have come from his wild playing and facial expressions. Return to 1944 Hampton, Lionel (1909- ) Drums and vibraharp. Worked with Les Hite, Eddie Elkins, Benny Goodman Quartet, Louis Armstrong and organized his own band that had international tours. Documentary film: No maps on my taps. Return to 1936 Handy, W[illiam] C[hristopher] (1873-1958) The "Father of the Blues"; as a composer, he helped bridge the lighter ragtime sound to the more direct emotional appeal of the blues. His two most famous compositions are "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues." Return to 1909, 1912, 1914, 1916, 1919, 1921, 1928 Hanson, Howard (1896-1981) American composer, conductor, and educator; he helped the Eastman School of Music achieve national prominence during his long tenure there. Return to 1931 Hines, Earl (1905-1983) Composer, jazz pianist and band leader. First of a small number of pianists whose playing had an impact on the direction of jazz. He formed his own band and also recorded with Louis Armstrong. Return to 1945 Holiday, Billie (1915-1959) Jazz singer. Billie Holiday is considered to be one of the foremost female jazz singers and "master of the blues." Return to 1938 Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Berry, Chuck (1926- ) Rock singer, song writer and guitarist. His early hits topped rhythm-and-blues, country-and-western and pop music charts. He was one of the first black rock-and-roll singers to achieve widespread popularity. Films: Rock, rock, rock; American hot wax. Return to 1955 Bethune, Blind Tom (1849-1908) Born a slave, his prodigious musical talent allowed him to tour extensively in the late nineteenth century and he was one of the most well-known pianists and composers of his day. Return to 1898 Blake, Eubie (1883-1983) Jazz pianist, dancer, and composer; both of his parents had been slaves. He composed popular and serious music and remained active as a performer throughout his long life. Return to 1921, 1969, 1983 Boatwright, McHenry (1928- ) African-American bass-baritone opera singer, especially known for his interpretation. He made his Metropolitan Opera debut in Schuller's The Visitation and has recorded Porgy and Bess Return to 1956 Bonds, Margaret Allison (1913-1972) African-American composer, pianist and teacher. In 1932 she won the Wanamaker prize (composition) for the song, Sea Ghost. She was the first black soloist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in Florence Price's piano concerto. Later in her career, she made arrangements of spirituals for Leontyne Price. Return to 1933, 1961 Brice, Carol (1918-1985) African-American contralto known for opera and concert performances. She was the first black American to win the Naumberg award. She was awarded a Grammy for a recording of Porgy and Bess. Other recordings include Bach arias, De Falla's El amor brujo, Mahler's Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen, and the operas Regina and Saratoga. Return to 1918 Brown, James (1928- ) African-American popular singer, songwriter and band leader. In 1963 he made a recording of a concert at the Apollo Theader that sold over one million copies (James Brown Show) Return to 1956, 1968 Bumbry, Grace (1937- ) African-American mezzo-soprano/soprano especially known for her interpretation of the operatic roles Carmen and Amneris. She was the first black performer to appear at Bayreuth (Germany) Return to 1961 Burleigh, Henry Thacker (1866-1949) Composer and singer, pupil of Antonín Dvorák. He is known primarily for his songs and arrangements, especially arrangements of spirituals for solo voice and piano. Return to 1916, 1917 Caesar, Shirley (1938- ) Internationally known gospel singer. Return to 1938, 1960 Chadwick, George Whitefield One of the leading composers of the "Boston Classicist" school. Return to 1922 Checker, Chubby (1941- ) Singer. Films: Twist around the clock; Don't knock the twist (Grammy: Rock & roll, 1961) Return to 1960 Cole, Nat "King" (1917-1965) Pianist and singer. His early career as a pianist in jazz combos was somewhat overshadowed by his singing career in the 1950s and 1960s, when he became one of the most popular and well-loved singers in the world, appearing frequently on radio and television. Return to 1917, 1943, 1956, 1965 Cole, Bob (Robert) (1863-1911) African-American lyricist, composer and vaudeville performer. He joined forces with Billy Johnson, J. Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson to produce hit songs. He was one of the first blacks to become part of "white" musical entertainment (in "blackface") Return to 1898, 1906 Coleman, Ornette (1930- ) Jazz saxophonist and composer. Return to 1960 Cook, Will Marion (1869-1944) Composer and conductor. He studied conducting at the Oberlin Conservatory and later studied violin with the famous German violinist, Joseph Joachim. After a short career as a concert violinst, he became famous for his musical comedy productions. Return to 1895, 1898 Davis, Gussie Lord (1863-1899) African-American songwriter. He became one of the top Tin Pan Alley songwriters. Return to 1895 Davis, Miles (1926-1991) Trumpeter and bandleader. One of the founders of "cool" jazz, a reaction to the more frenetic pace of bebop; Davis also led the way into experiments with modal music and the fusion of jazz and rock music. Return to 1970 Dawson, Mary Cardwell (1894-1962) African-American opera director and teacher. She founded the Cardwell School of Music in Pittsburg, the Cardwell Dawson Choir as well as the National Negro Opera Company. Return to 1941 Dawson, William Levi (1898-1990) African-American composer; he studied and later taught at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. He is especially remembered for conducting the famous Tuskegee Institute Choir. Return to 1934, 1990 Dett, R. Nathaniel (1882-1943) African-American composer, pianist, and conductor; he directed the well-known Hampton Institute Choir, which toured internationally, and was involved in preserving black folk music. Return to 1913, 1920 Dixon, Dean (1915-1976) Return to 1948, 1970 Domino, "Fats" (Antoine Domino) (1928- ) Pianist, singer, songwriter. Known especially for his particular boogie-woogie style. Return to 1955 Dorsey, "Georgia Tom" Thomas (1899-1993) African-American blues singer, gospel songwriter and pianist. He was very influential in the gospel song movement. Return to 1921, 1927 Dunbar, Paul Laurence (1872-1906) African-American poet, author of the poems used by William Grant Still in the Afro-American Symphony Return to 1896, 1898 Ellington, Duke (1899-1974) Jazz composer, bandleader, and pianist; one of the leading figures in Big Band jazz during the 1930s and 1940s. Return to 1899, 1931, 1932, 1965, 1974 Europe, James (1881-1919) African-American composer, conductor, and bandleader; Europe's orchestras included traditional symphonic instruments and such instruments as mandolins, banjos, harp-guitars, and saxophones, specializing in music by black composers. He was stabbed to death by one of his drummers in 1919, at the height of his musical popularity. Return to 1912, 1918 Fitzgerald, Ella (1918- ) Jazz singer; she worked with most of the leading performers and groups of the day. She is especially well-known for her scat-singing and vocal improvisations. Grammys: vocal (1958, 1959, 1960, 1962), jazz vocal (1958, 1959, 1976, 1979), vocal album (1960) Return to 1934 Franklin, Aretha (1942-- ) Singer and recording artist. Grammys: rhythm & blues (1967), rhythm & blues vocal (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974), gospel (1972) Return to 1987 Garner, Errol L (1921-1977) Jazz pianist. He was completely self-taught and never learned to read music. His style was unique and called for a level of virtuosity seldom approached since. Return to 1950 Gillespie, Dizzy (1917-1993) Jazz trumpeter and bandleader, one of the founders of the bebop jazz style. His nickname is said to have come from his wild playing and facial expressions. Return to 1944 Hampton, Lionel (1909- ) Drums and vibraharp. Worked with Les Hite, Eddie Elkins, Benny Goodman Quartet, Louis Armstrong and organized his own band that had international tours. Documentary film: No maps on my taps. Return to 1936 Handy, W[illiam] C[hristopher] (1873-1958) The "Father of the Blues"; as a composer, he helped bridge the lighter ragtime sound to the more direct emotional appeal of the blues. His two most famous compositions are "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues." Return to 1909, 1912, 1914, 1916, 1919, 1921, 1928 Hanson, Howard (1896-1981) American composer, conductor, and educator; he helped the Eastman School of Music achieve national prominence during his long tenure there. Return to 1931 Hines, Earl (1905-1983) Composer, jazz pianist and band leader. First of a small number of pianists whose playing had an impact on the direction of jazz. He formed his own band and also recorded with Louis Armstrong. Return to 1945 Holiday, Billie (1915-1959) Jazz singer. Billie Holiday is considered to be one of the foremost female jazz singers and "master of the blues." Return to 1938 Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Bethune, Blind Tom (1849-1908) Born a slave, his prodigious musical talent allowed him to tour extensively in the late nineteenth century and he was one of the most well-known pianists and composers of his day. Return to 1898 Blake, Eubie (1883-1983) Jazz pianist, dancer, and composer; both of his parents had been slaves. He composed popular and serious music and remained active as a performer throughout his long life. Return to 1921, 1969, 1983 Boatwright, McHenry (1928- ) African-American bass-baritone opera singer, especially known for his interpretation. He made his Metropolitan Opera debut in Schuller's The Visitation and has recorded Porgy and Bess Return to 1956 Bonds, Margaret Allison (1913-1972) African-American composer, pianist and teacher. In 1932 she won the Wanamaker prize (composition) for the song, Sea Ghost. She was the first black soloist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in Florence Price's piano concerto. Later in her career, she made arrangements of spirituals for Leontyne Price. Return to 1933, 1961 Brice, Carol (1918-1985) African-American contralto known for opera and concert performances. She was the first black American to win the Naumberg award. She was awarded a Grammy for a recording of Porgy and Bess. Other recordings include Bach arias, De Falla's El amor brujo, Mahler's Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen, and the operas Regina and Saratoga. Return to 1918 Brown, James (1928- ) African-American popular singer, songwriter and band leader. In 1963 he made a recording of a concert at the Apollo Theader that sold over one million copies (James Brown Show) Return to 1956, 1968 Bumbry, Grace (1937- ) African-American mezzo-soprano/soprano especially known for her interpretation of the operatic roles Carmen and Amneris. She was the first black performer to appear at Bayreuth (Germany) Return to 1961 Burleigh, Henry Thacker (1866-1949) Composer and singer, pupil of Antonín Dvorák. He is known primarily for his songs and arrangements, especially arrangements of spirituals for solo voice and piano. Return to 1916, 1917 Caesar, Shirley (1938- ) Internationally known gospel singer. Return to 1938, 1960 Chadwick, George Whitefield One of the leading composers of the "Boston Classicist" school. Return to 1922 Checker, Chubby (1941- ) Singer. Films: Twist around the clock; Don't knock the twist (Grammy: Rock & roll, 1961) Return to 1960 Cole, Nat "King" (1917-1965) Pianist and singer. His early career as a pianist in jazz combos was somewhat overshadowed by his singing career in the 1950s and 1960s, when he became one of the most popular and well-loved singers in the world, appearing frequently on radio and television. Return to 1917, 1943, 1956, 1965 Cole, Bob (Robert) (1863-1911) African-American lyricist, composer and vaudeville performer. He joined forces with Billy Johnson, J. Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson to produce hit songs. He was one of the first blacks to become part of "white" musical entertainment (in "blackface") Return to 1898, 1906 Coleman, Ornette (1930- ) Jazz saxophonist and composer. Return to 1960 Cook, Will Marion (1869-1944) Composer and conductor. He studied conducting at the Oberlin Conservatory and later studied violin with the famous German violinist, Joseph Joachim. After a short career as a concert violinst, he became famous for his musical comedy productions. Return to 1895, 1898 Davis, Gussie Lord (1863-1899) African-American songwriter. He became one of the top Tin Pan Alley songwriters. Return to 1895 Davis, Miles (1926-1991) Trumpeter and bandleader. One of the founders of "cool" jazz, a reaction to the more frenetic pace of bebop; Davis also led the way into experiments with modal music and the fusion of jazz and rock music. Return to 1970 Dawson, Mary Cardwell (1894-1962) African-American opera director and teacher. She founded the Cardwell School of Music in Pittsburg, the Cardwell Dawson Choir as well as the National Negro Opera Company. Return to 1941 Dawson, William Levi (1898-1990) African-American composer; he studied and later taught at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. He is especially remembered for conducting the famous Tuskegee Institute Choir. Return to 1934, 1990 Dett, R. Nathaniel (1882-1943) African-American composer, pianist, and conductor; he directed the well-known Hampton Institute Choir, which toured internationally, and was involved in preserving black folk music. Return to 1913, 1920 Dixon, Dean (1915-1976) Return to 1948, 1970 Domino, "Fats" (Antoine Domino) (1928- ) Pianist, singer, songwriter. Known especially for his particular boogie-woogie style. Return to 1955 Dorsey, "Georgia Tom" Thomas (1899-1993) African-American blues singer, gospel songwriter and pianist. He was very influential in the gospel song movement. Return to 1921, 1927 Dunbar, Paul Laurence (1872-1906) African-American poet, author of the poems used by William Grant Still in the Afro-American Symphony Return to 1896, 1898 Ellington, Duke (1899-1974) Jazz composer, bandleader, and pianist; one of the leading figures in Big Band jazz during the 1930s and 1940s. Return to 1899, 1931, 1932, 1965, 1974 Europe, James (1881-1919) African-American composer, conductor, and bandleader; Europe's orchestras included traditional symphonic instruments and such instruments as mandolins, banjos, harp-guitars, and saxophones, specializing in music by black composers. He was stabbed to death by one of his drummers in 1919, at the height of his musical popularity. Return to 1912, 1918 Fitzgerald, Ella (1918- ) Jazz singer; she worked with most of the leading performers and groups of the day. She is especially well-known for her scat-singing and vocal improvisations. Grammys: vocal (1958, 1959, 1960, 1962), jazz vocal (1958, 1959, 1976, 1979), vocal album (1960) Return to 1934 Franklin, Aretha (1942-- ) Singer and recording artist. Grammys: rhythm & blues (1967), rhythm & blues vocal (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974), gospel (1972) Return to 1987 Garner, Errol L (1921-1977) Jazz pianist. He was completely self-taught and never learned to read music. His style was unique and called for a level of virtuosity seldom approached since. Return to 1950 Gillespie, Dizzy (1917-1993) Jazz trumpeter and bandleader, one of the founders of the bebop jazz style. His nickname is said to have come from his wild playing and facial expressions. Return to 1944 Hampton, Lionel (1909- ) Drums and vibraharp. Worked with Les Hite, Eddie Elkins, Benny Goodman Quartet, Louis Armstrong and organized his own band that had international tours. Documentary film: No maps on my taps. Return to 1936 Handy, W[illiam] C[hristopher] (1873-1958) The "Father of the Blues"; as a composer, he helped bridge the lighter ragtime sound to the more direct emotional appeal of the blues. His two most famous compositions are "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues." Return to 1909, 1912, 1914, 1916, 1919, 1921, 1928 Hanson, Howard (1896-1981) American composer, conductor, and educator; he helped the Eastman School of Music achieve national prominence during his long tenure there. Return to 1931 Hines, Earl (1905-1983) Composer, jazz pianist and band leader. First of a small number of pianists whose playing had an impact on the direction of jazz. He formed his own band and also recorded with Louis Armstrong. Return to 1945 Holiday, Billie (1915-1959) Jazz singer. Billie Holiday is considered to be one of the foremost female jazz singers and "master of the blues." Return to 1938 Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Blake, Eubie (1883-1983) Jazz pianist, dancer, and composer; both of his parents had been slaves. He composed popular and serious music and remained active as a performer throughout his long life. Return to 1921, 1969, 1983 Boatwright, McHenry (1928- ) African-American bass-baritone opera singer, especially known for his interpretation. He made his Metropolitan Opera debut in Schuller's The Visitation and has recorded Porgy and Bess Return to 1956 Bonds, Margaret Allison (1913-1972) African-American composer, pianist and teacher. In 1932 she won the Wanamaker prize (composition) for the song, Sea Ghost. She was the first black soloist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in Florence Price's piano concerto. Later in her career, she made arrangements of spirituals for Leontyne Price. Return to 1933, 1961 Brice, Carol (1918-1985) African-American contralto known for opera and concert performances. She was the first black American to win the Naumberg award. She was awarded a Grammy for a recording of Porgy and Bess. Other recordings include Bach arias, De Falla's El amor brujo, Mahler's Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen, and the operas Regina and Saratoga. Return to 1918 Brown, James (1928- ) African-American popular singer, songwriter and band leader. In 1963 he made a recording of a concert at the Apollo Theader that sold over one million copies (James Brown Show) Return to 1956, 1968 Bumbry, Grace (1937- ) African-American mezzo-soprano/soprano especially known for her interpretation of the operatic roles Carmen and Amneris. She was the first black performer to appear at Bayreuth (Germany) Return to 1961 Burleigh, Henry Thacker (1866-1949) Composer and singer, pupil of Antonín Dvorák. He is known primarily for his songs and arrangements, especially arrangements of spirituals for solo voice and piano. Return to 1916, 1917 Caesar, Shirley (1938- ) Internationally known gospel singer. Return to 1938, 1960 Chadwick, George Whitefield One of the leading composers of the "Boston Classicist" school. Return to 1922 Checker, Chubby (1941- ) Singer. Films: Twist around the clock; Don't knock the twist (Grammy: Rock & roll, 1961) Return to 1960 Cole, Nat "King" (1917-1965) Pianist and singer. His early career as a pianist in jazz combos was somewhat overshadowed by his singing career in the 1950s and 1960s, when he became one of the most popular and well-loved singers in the world, appearing frequently on radio and television. Return to 1917, 1943, 1956, 1965 Cole, Bob (Robert) (1863-1911) African-American lyricist, composer and vaudeville performer. He joined forces with Billy Johnson, J. Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson to produce hit songs. He was one of the first blacks to become part of "white" musical entertainment (in "blackface") Return to 1898, 1906 Coleman, Ornette (1930- ) Jazz saxophonist and composer. Return to 1960 Cook, Will Marion (1869-1944) Composer and conductor. He studied conducting at the Oberlin Conservatory and later studied violin with the famous German violinist, Joseph Joachim. After a short career as a concert violinst, he became famous for his musical comedy productions. Return to 1895, 1898 Davis, Gussie Lord (1863-1899) African-American songwriter. He became one of the top Tin Pan Alley songwriters. Return to 1895 Davis, Miles (1926-1991) Trumpeter and bandleader. One of the founders of "cool" jazz, a reaction to the more frenetic pace of bebop; Davis also led the way into experiments with modal music and the fusion of jazz and rock music. Return to 1970 Dawson, Mary Cardwell (1894-1962) African-American opera director and teacher. She founded the Cardwell School of Music in Pittsburg, the Cardwell Dawson Choir as well as the National Negro Opera Company. Return to 1941 Dawson, William Levi (1898-1990) African-American composer; he studied and later taught at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. He is especially remembered for conducting the famous Tuskegee Institute Choir. Return to 1934, 1990 Dett, R. Nathaniel (1882-1943) African-American composer, pianist, and conductor; he directed the well-known Hampton Institute Choir, which toured internationally, and was involved in preserving black folk music. Return to 1913, 1920 Dixon, Dean (1915-1976) Return to 1948, 1970 Domino, "Fats" (Antoine Domino) (1928- ) Pianist, singer, songwriter. Known especially for his particular boogie-woogie style. Return to 1955 Dorsey, "Georgia Tom" Thomas (1899-1993) African-American blues singer, gospel songwriter and pianist. He was very influential in the gospel song movement. Return to 1921, 1927 Dunbar, Paul Laurence (1872-1906) African-American poet, author of the poems used by William Grant Still in the Afro-American Symphony Return to 1896, 1898 Ellington, Duke (1899-1974) Jazz composer, bandleader, and pianist; one of the leading figures in Big Band jazz during the 1930s and 1940s. Return to 1899, 1931, 1932, 1965, 1974 Europe, James (1881-1919) African-American composer, conductor, and bandleader; Europe's orchestras included traditional symphonic instruments and such instruments as mandolins, banjos, harp-guitars, and saxophones, specializing in music by black composers. He was stabbed to death by one of his drummers in 1919, at the height of his musical popularity. Return to 1912, 1918 Fitzgerald, Ella (1918- ) Jazz singer; she worked with most of the leading performers and groups of the day. She is especially well-known for her scat-singing and vocal improvisations. Grammys: vocal (1958, 1959, 1960, 1962), jazz vocal (1958, 1959, 1976, 1979), vocal album (1960) Return to 1934 Franklin, Aretha (1942-- ) Singer and recording artist. Grammys: rhythm & blues (1967), rhythm & blues vocal (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974), gospel (1972) Return to 1987 Garner, Errol L (1921-1977) Jazz pianist. He was completely self-taught and never learned to read music. His style was unique and called for a level of virtuosity seldom approached since. Return to 1950 Gillespie, Dizzy (1917-1993) Jazz trumpeter and bandleader, one of the founders of the bebop jazz style. His nickname is said to have come from his wild playing and facial expressions. Return to 1944 Hampton, Lionel (1909- ) Drums and vibraharp. Worked with Les Hite, Eddie Elkins, Benny Goodman Quartet, Louis Armstrong and organized his own band that had international tours. Documentary film: No maps on my taps. Return to 1936 Handy, W[illiam] C[hristopher] (1873-1958) The "Father of the Blues"; as a composer, he helped bridge the lighter ragtime sound to the more direct emotional appeal of the blues. His two most famous compositions are "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues." Return to 1909, 1912, 1914, 1916, 1919, 1921, 1928 Hanson, Howard (1896-1981) American composer, conductor, and educator; he helped the Eastman School of Music achieve national prominence during his long tenure there. Return to 1931 Hines, Earl (1905-1983) Composer, jazz pianist and band leader. First of a small number of pianists whose playing had an impact on the direction of jazz. He formed his own band and also recorded with Louis Armstrong. Return to 1945 Holiday, Billie (1915-1959) Jazz singer. Billie Holiday is considered to be one of the foremost female jazz singers and "master of the blues." Return to 1938 Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Boatwright, McHenry (1928- ) African-American bass-baritone opera singer, especially known for his interpretation. He made his Metropolitan Opera debut in Schuller's The Visitation and has recorded Porgy and Bess Return to 1956 Bonds, Margaret Allison (1913-1972) African-American composer, pianist and teacher. In 1932 she won the Wanamaker prize (composition) for the song, Sea Ghost. She was the first black soloist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in Florence Price's piano concerto. Later in her career, she made arrangements of spirituals for Leontyne Price. Return to 1933, 1961 Brice, Carol (1918-1985) African-American contralto known for opera and concert performances. She was the first black American to win the Naumberg award. She was awarded a Grammy for a recording of Porgy and Bess. Other recordings include Bach arias, De Falla's El amor brujo, Mahler's Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen, and the operas Regina and Saratoga. Return to 1918 Brown, James (1928- ) African-American popular singer, songwriter and band leader. In 1963 he made a recording of a concert at the Apollo Theader that sold over one million copies (James Brown Show) Return to 1956, 1968 Bumbry, Grace (1937- ) African-American mezzo-soprano/soprano especially known for her interpretation of the operatic roles Carmen and Amneris. She was the first black performer to appear at Bayreuth (Germany) Return to 1961 Burleigh, Henry Thacker (1866-1949) Composer and singer, pupil of Antonín Dvorák. He is known primarily for his songs and arrangements, especially arrangements of spirituals for solo voice and piano. Return to 1916, 1917 Caesar, Shirley (1938- ) Internationally known gospel singer. Return to 1938, 1960 Chadwick, George Whitefield One of the leading composers of the "Boston Classicist" school. Return to 1922 Checker, Chubby (1941- ) Singer. Films: Twist around the clock; Don't knock the twist (Grammy: Rock & roll, 1961) Return to 1960 Cole, Nat "King" (1917-1965) Pianist and singer. His early career as a pianist in jazz combos was somewhat overshadowed by his singing career in the 1950s and 1960s, when he became one of the most popular and well-loved singers in the world, appearing frequently on radio and television. Return to 1917, 1943, 1956, 1965 Cole, Bob (Robert) (1863-1911) African-American lyricist, composer and vaudeville performer. He joined forces with Billy Johnson, J. Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson to produce hit songs. He was one of the first blacks to become part of "white" musical entertainment (in "blackface") Return to 1898, 1906 Coleman, Ornette (1930- ) Jazz saxophonist and composer. Return to 1960 Cook, Will Marion (1869-1944) Composer and conductor. He studied conducting at the Oberlin Conservatory and later studied violin with the famous German violinist, Joseph Joachim. After a short career as a concert violinst, he became famous for his musical comedy productions. Return to 1895, 1898 Davis, Gussie Lord (1863-1899) African-American songwriter. He became one of the top Tin Pan Alley songwriters. Return to 1895 Davis, Miles (1926-1991) Trumpeter and bandleader. One of the founders of "cool" jazz, a reaction to the more frenetic pace of bebop; Davis also led the way into experiments with modal music and the fusion of jazz and rock music. Return to 1970 Dawson, Mary Cardwell (1894-1962) African-American opera director and teacher. She founded the Cardwell School of Music in Pittsburg, the Cardwell Dawson Choir as well as the National Negro Opera Company. Return to 1941 Dawson, William Levi (1898-1990) African-American composer; he studied and later taught at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. He is especially remembered for conducting the famous Tuskegee Institute Choir. Return to 1934, 1990 Dett, R. Nathaniel (1882-1943) African-American composer, pianist, and conductor; he directed the well-known Hampton Institute Choir, which toured internationally, and was involved in preserving black folk music. Return to 1913, 1920 Dixon, Dean (1915-1976) Return to 1948, 1970 Domino, "Fats" (Antoine Domino) (1928- ) Pianist, singer, songwriter. Known especially for his particular boogie-woogie style. Return to 1955 Dorsey, "Georgia Tom" Thomas (1899-1993) African-American blues singer, gospel songwriter and pianist. He was very influential in the gospel song movement. Return to 1921, 1927 Dunbar, Paul Laurence (1872-1906) African-American poet, author of the poems used by William Grant Still in the Afro-American Symphony Return to 1896, 1898 Ellington, Duke (1899-1974) Jazz composer, bandleader, and pianist; one of the leading figures in Big Band jazz during the 1930s and 1940s. Return to 1899, 1931, 1932, 1965, 1974 Europe, James (1881-1919) African-American composer, conductor, and bandleader; Europe's orchestras included traditional symphonic instruments and such instruments as mandolins, banjos, harp-guitars, and saxophones, specializing in music by black composers. He was stabbed to death by one of his drummers in 1919, at the height of his musical popularity. Return to 1912, 1918 Fitzgerald, Ella (1918- ) Jazz singer; she worked with most of the leading performers and groups of the day. She is especially well-known for her scat-singing and vocal improvisations. Grammys: vocal (1958, 1959, 1960, 1962), jazz vocal (1958, 1959, 1976, 1979), vocal album (1960) Return to 1934 Franklin, Aretha (1942-- ) Singer and recording artist. Grammys: rhythm & blues (1967), rhythm & blues vocal (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974), gospel (1972) Return to 1987 Garner, Errol L (1921-1977) Jazz pianist. He was completely self-taught and never learned to read music. His style was unique and called for a level of virtuosity seldom approached since. Return to 1950 Gillespie, Dizzy (1917-1993) Jazz trumpeter and bandleader, one of the founders of the bebop jazz style. His nickname is said to have come from his wild playing and facial expressions. Return to 1944 Hampton, Lionel (1909- ) Drums and vibraharp. Worked with Les Hite, Eddie Elkins, Benny Goodman Quartet, Louis Armstrong and organized his own band that had international tours. Documentary film: No maps on my taps. Return to 1936 Handy, W[illiam] C[hristopher] (1873-1958) The "Father of the Blues"; as a composer, he helped bridge the lighter ragtime sound to the more direct emotional appeal of the blues. His two most famous compositions are "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues." Return to 1909, 1912, 1914, 1916, 1919, 1921, 1928 Hanson, Howard (1896-1981) American composer, conductor, and educator; he helped the Eastman School of Music achieve national prominence during his long tenure there. Return to 1931 Hines, Earl (1905-1983) Composer, jazz pianist and band leader. First of a small number of pianists whose playing had an impact on the direction of jazz. He formed his own band and also recorded with Louis Armstrong. Return to 1945 Holiday, Billie (1915-1959) Jazz singer. Billie Holiday is considered to be one of the foremost female jazz singers and "master of the blues." Return to 1938 Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Bonds, Margaret Allison (1913-1972) African-American composer, pianist and teacher. In 1932 she won the Wanamaker prize (composition) for the song, Sea Ghost. She was the first black soloist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in Florence Price's piano concerto. Later in her career, she made arrangements of spirituals for Leontyne Price. Return to 1933, 1961 Brice, Carol (1918-1985) African-American contralto known for opera and concert performances. She was the first black American to win the Naumberg award. She was awarded a Grammy for a recording of Porgy and Bess. Other recordings include Bach arias, De Falla's El amor brujo, Mahler's Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen, and the operas Regina and Saratoga. Return to 1918 Brown, James (1928- ) African-American popular singer, songwriter and band leader. In 1963 he made a recording of a concert at the Apollo Theader that sold over one million copies (James Brown Show) Return to 1956, 1968 Bumbry, Grace (1937- ) African-American mezzo-soprano/soprano especially known for her interpretation of the operatic roles Carmen and Amneris. She was the first black performer to appear at Bayreuth (Germany) Return to 1961 Burleigh, Henry Thacker (1866-1949) Composer and singer, pupil of Antonín Dvorák. He is known primarily for his songs and arrangements, especially arrangements of spirituals for solo voice and piano. Return to 1916, 1917 Caesar, Shirley (1938- ) Internationally known gospel singer. Return to 1938, 1960 Chadwick, George Whitefield One of the leading composers of the "Boston Classicist" school. Return to 1922 Checker, Chubby (1941- ) Singer. Films: Twist around the clock; Don't knock the twist (Grammy: Rock & roll, 1961) Return to 1960 Cole, Nat "King" (1917-1965) Pianist and singer. His early career as a pianist in jazz combos was somewhat overshadowed by his singing career in the 1950s and 1960s, when he became one of the most popular and well-loved singers in the world, appearing frequently on radio and television. Return to 1917, 1943, 1956, 1965 Cole, Bob (Robert) (1863-1911) African-American lyricist, composer and vaudeville performer. He joined forces with Billy Johnson, J. Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson to produce hit songs. He was one of the first blacks to become part of "white" musical entertainment (in "blackface") Return to 1898, 1906 Coleman, Ornette (1930- ) Jazz saxophonist and composer. Return to 1960 Cook, Will Marion (1869-1944) Composer and conductor. He studied conducting at the Oberlin Conservatory and later studied violin with the famous German violinist, Joseph Joachim. After a short career as a concert violinst, he became famous for his musical comedy productions. Return to 1895, 1898 Davis, Gussie Lord (1863-1899) African-American songwriter. He became one of the top Tin Pan Alley songwriters. Return to 1895 Davis, Miles (1926-1991) Trumpeter and bandleader. One of the founders of "cool" jazz, a reaction to the more frenetic pace of bebop; Davis also led the way into experiments with modal music and the fusion of jazz and rock music. Return to 1970 Dawson, Mary Cardwell (1894-1962) African-American opera director and teacher. She founded the Cardwell School of Music in Pittsburg, the Cardwell Dawson Choir as well as the National Negro Opera Company. Return to 1941 Dawson, William Levi (1898-1990) African-American composer; he studied and later taught at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. He is especially remembered for conducting the famous Tuskegee Institute Choir. Return to 1934, 1990 Dett, R. Nathaniel (1882-1943) African-American composer, pianist, and conductor; he directed the well-known Hampton Institute Choir, which toured internationally, and was involved in preserving black folk music. Return to 1913, 1920 Dixon, Dean (1915-1976) Return to 1948, 1970 Domino, "Fats" (Antoine Domino) (1928- ) Pianist, singer, songwriter. Known especially for his particular boogie-woogie style. Return to 1955 Dorsey, "Georgia Tom" Thomas (1899-1993) African-American blues singer, gospel songwriter and pianist. He was very influential in the gospel song movement. Return to 1921, 1927 Dunbar, Paul Laurence (1872-1906) African-American poet, author of the poems used by William Grant Still in the Afro-American Symphony Return to 1896, 1898 Ellington, Duke (1899-1974) Jazz composer, bandleader, and pianist; one of the leading figures in Big Band jazz during the 1930s and 1940s. Return to 1899, 1931, 1932, 1965, 1974 Europe, James (1881-1919) African-American composer, conductor, and bandleader; Europe's orchestras included traditional symphonic instruments and such instruments as mandolins, banjos, harp-guitars, and saxophones, specializing in music by black composers. He was stabbed to death by one of his drummers in 1919, at the height of his musical popularity. Return to 1912, 1918 Fitzgerald, Ella (1918- ) Jazz singer; she worked with most of the leading performers and groups of the day. She is especially well-known for her scat-singing and vocal improvisations. Grammys: vocal (1958, 1959, 1960, 1962), jazz vocal (1958, 1959, 1976, 1979), vocal album (1960) Return to 1934 Franklin, Aretha (1942-- ) Singer and recording artist. Grammys: rhythm & blues (1967), rhythm & blues vocal (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974), gospel (1972) Return to 1987 Garner, Errol L (1921-1977) Jazz pianist. He was completely self-taught and never learned to read music. His style was unique and called for a level of virtuosity seldom approached since. Return to 1950 Gillespie, Dizzy (1917-1993) Jazz trumpeter and bandleader, one of the founders of the bebop jazz style. His nickname is said to have come from his wild playing and facial expressions. Return to 1944 Hampton, Lionel (1909- ) Drums and vibraharp. Worked with Les Hite, Eddie Elkins, Benny Goodman Quartet, Louis Armstrong and organized his own band that had international tours. Documentary film: No maps on my taps. Return to 1936 Handy, W[illiam] C[hristopher] (1873-1958) The "Father of the Blues"; as a composer, he helped bridge the lighter ragtime sound to the more direct emotional appeal of the blues. His two most famous compositions are "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues." Return to 1909, 1912, 1914, 1916, 1919, 1921, 1928 Hanson, Howard (1896-1981) American composer, conductor, and educator; he helped the Eastman School of Music achieve national prominence during his long tenure there. Return to 1931 Hines, Earl (1905-1983) Composer, jazz pianist and band leader. First of a small number of pianists whose playing had an impact on the direction of jazz. He formed his own band and also recorded with Louis Armstrong. Return to 1945 Holiday, Billie (1915-1959) Jazz singer. Billie Holiday is considered to be one of the foremost female jazz singers and "master of the blues." Return to 1938 Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Brice, Carol (1918-1985) African-American contralto known for opera and concert performances. She was the first black American to win the Naumberg award. She was awarded a Grammy for a recording of Porgy and Bess. Other recordings include Bach arias, De Falla's El amor brujo, Mahler's Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen, and the operas Regina and Saratoga. Return to 1918 Brown, James (1928- ) African-American popular singer, songwriter and band leader. In 1963 he made a recording of a concert at the Apollo Theader that sold over one million copies (James Brown Show) Return to 1956, 1968 Bumbry, Grace (1937- ) African-American mezzo-soprano/soprano especially known for her interpretation of the operatic roles Carmen and Amneris. She was the first black performer to appear at Bayreuth (Germany) Return to 1961 Burleigh, Henry Thacker (1866-1949) Composer and singer, pupil of Antonín Dvorák. He is known primarily for his songs and arrangements, especially arrangements of spirituals for solo voice and piano. Return to 1916, 1917 Caesar, Shirley (1938- ) Internationally known gospel singer. Return to 1938, 1960 Chadwick, George Whitefield One of the leading composers of the "Boston Classicist" school. Return to 1922 Checker, Chubby (1941- ) Singer. Films: Twist around the clock; Don't knock the twist (Grammy: Rock & roll, 1961) Return to 1960 Cole, Nat "King" (1917-1965) Pianist and singer. His early career as a pianist in jazz combos was somewhat overshadowed by his singing career in the 1950s and 1960s, when he became one of the most popular and well-loved singers in the world, appearing frequently on radio and television. Return to 1917, 1943, 1956, 1965 Cole, Bob (Robert) (1863-1911) African-American lyricist, composer and vaudeville performer. He joined forces with Billy Johnson, J. Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson to produce hit songs. He was one of the first blacks to become part of "white" musical entertainment (in "blackface") Return to 1898, 1906 Coleman, Ornette (1930- ) Jazz saxophonist and composer. Return to 1960 Cook, Will Marion (1869-1944) Composer and conductor. He studied conducting at the Oberlin Conservatory and later studied violin with the famous German violinist, Joseph Joachim. After a short career as a concert violinst, he became famous for his musical comedy productions. Return to 1895, 1898 Davis, Gussie Lord (1863-1899) African-American songwriter. He became one of the top Tin Pan Alley songwriters. Return to 1895 Davis, Miles (1926-1991) Trumpeter and bandleader. One of the founders of "cool" jazz, a reaction to the more frenetic pace of bebop; Davis also led the way into experiments with modal music and the fusion of jazz and rock music. Return to 1970 Dawson, Mary Cardwell (1894-1962) African-American opera director and teacher. She founded the Cardwell School of Music in Pittsburg, the Cardwell Dawson Choir as well as the National Negro Opera Company. Return to 1941 Dawson, William Levi (1898-1990) African-American composer; he studied and later taught at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. He is especially remembered for conducting the famous Tuskegee Institute Choir. Return to 1934, 1990 Dett, R. Nathaniel (1882-1943) African-American composer, pianist, and conductor; he directed the well-known Hampton Institute Choir, which toured internationally, and was involved in preserving black folk music. Return to 1913, 1920 Dixon, Dean (1915-1976) Return to 1948, 1970 Domino, "Fats" (Antoine Domino) (1928- ) Pianist, singer, songwriter. Known especially for his particular boogie-woogie style. Return to 1955 Dorsey, "Georgia Tom" Thomas (1899-1993) African-American blues singer, gospel songwriter and pianist. He was very influential in the gospel song movement. Return to 1921, 1927 Dunbar, Paul Laurence (1872-1906) African-American poet, author of the poems used by William Grant Still in the Afro-American Symphony Return to 1896, 1898 Ellington, Duke (1899-1974) Jazz composer, bandleader, and pianist; one of the leading figures in Big Band jazz during the 1930s and 1940s. Return to 1899, 1931, 1932, 1965, 1974 Europe, James (1881-1919) African-American composer, conductor, and bandleader; Europe's orchestras included traditional symphonic instruments and such instruments as mandolins, banjos, harp-guitars, and saxophones, specializing in music by black composers. He was stabbed to death by one of his drummers in 1919, at the height of his musical popularity. Return to 1912, 1918 Fitzgerald, Ella (1918- ) Jazz singer; she worked with most of the leading performers and groups of the day. She is especially well-known for her scat-singing and vocal improvisations. Grammys: vocal (1958, 1959, 1960, 1962), jazz vocal (1958, 1959, 1976, 1979), vocal album (1960) Return to 1934 Franklin, Aretha (1942-- ) Singer and recording artist. Grammys: rhythm & blues (1967), rhythm & blues vocal (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974), gospel (1972) Return to 1987 Garner, Errol L (1921-1977) Jazz pianist. He was completely self-taught and never learned to read music. His style was unique and called for a level of virtuosity seldom approached since. Return to 1950 Gillespie, Dizzy (1917-1993) Jazz trumpeter and bandleader, one of the founders of the bebop jazz style. His nickname is said to have come from his wild playing and facial expressions. Return to 1944 Hampton, Lionel (1909- ) Drums and vibraharp. Worked with Les Hite, Eddie Elkins, Benny Goodman Quartet, Louis Armstrong and organized his own band that had international tours. Documentary film: No maps on my taps. Return to 1936 Handy, W[illiam] C[hristopher] (1873-1958) The "Father of the Blues"; as a composer, he helped bridge the lighter ragtime sound to the more direct emotional appeal of the blues. His two most famous compositions are "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues." Return to 1909, 1912, 1914, 1916, 1919, 1921, 1928 Hanson, Howard (1896-1981) American composer, conductor, and educator; he helped the Eastman School of Music achieve national prominence during his long tenure there. Return to 1931 Hines, Earl (1905-1983) Composer, jazz pianist and band leader. First of a small number of pianists whose playing had an impact on the direction of jazz. He formed his own band and also recorded with Louis Armstrong. Return to 1945 Holiday, Billie (1915-1959) Jazz singer. Billie Holiday is considered to be one of the foremost female jazz singers and "master of the blues." Return to 1938 Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Brown, James (1928- ) African-American popular singer, songwriter and band leader. In 1963 he made a recording of a concert at the Apollo Theader that sold over one million copies (James Brown Show) Return to 1956, 1968 Bumbry, Grace (1937- ) African-American mezzo-soprano/soprano especially known for her interpretation of the operatic roles Carmen and Amneris. She was the first black performer to appear at Bayreuth (Germany) Return to 1961 Burleigh, Henry Thacker (1866-1949) Composer and singer, pupil of Antonín Dvorák. He is known primarily for his songs and arrangements, especially arrangements of spirituals for solo voice and piano. Return to 1916, 1917 Caesar, Shirley (1938- ) Internationally known gospel singer. Return to 1938, 1960 Chadwick, George Whitefield One of the leading composers of the "Boston Classicist" school. Return to 1922 Checker, Chubby (1941- ) Singer. Films: Twist around the clock; Don't knock the twist (Grammy: Rock & roll, 1961) Return to 1960 Cole, Nat "King" (1917-1965) Pianist and singer. His early career as a pianist in jazz combos was somewhat overshadowed by his singing career in the 1950s and 1960s, when he became one of the most popular and well-loved singers in the world, appearing frequently on radio and television. Return to 1917, 1943, 1956, 1965 Cole, Bob (Robert) (1863-1911) African-American lyricist, composer and vaudeville performer. He joined forces with Billy Johnson, J. Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson to produce hit songs. He was one of the first blacks to become part of "white" musical entertainment (in "blackface") Return to 1898, 1906 Coleman, Ornette (1930- ) Jazz saxophonist and composer. Return to 1960 Cook, Will Marion (1869-1944) Composer and conductor. He studied conducting at the Oberlin Conservatory and later studied violin with the famous German violinist, Joseph Joachim. After a short career as a concert violinst, he became famous for his musical comedy productions. Return to 1895, 1898 Davis, Gussie Lord (1863-1899) African-American songwriter. He became one of the top Tin Pan Alley songwriters. Return to 1895 Davis, Miles (1926-1991) Trumpeter and bandleader. One of the founders of "cool" jazz, a reaction to the more frenetic pace of bebop; Davis also led the way into experiments with modal music and the fusion of jazz and rock music. Return to 1970 Dawson, Mary Cardwell (1894-1962) African-American opera director and teacher. She founded the Cardwell School of Music in Pittsburg, the Cardwell Dawson Choir as well as the National Negro Opera Company. Return to 1941 Dawson, William Levi (1898-1990) African-American composer; he studied and later taught at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. He is especially remembered for conducting the famous Tuskegee Institute Choir. Return to 1934, 1990 Dett, R. Nathaniel (1882-1943) African-American composer, pianist, and conductor; he directed the well-known Hampton Institute Choir, which toured internationally, and was involved in preserving black folk music. Return to 1913, 1920 Dixon, Dean (1915-1976) Return to 1948, 1970 Domino, "Fats" (Antoine Domino) (1928- ) Pianist, singer, songwriter. Known especially for his particular boogie-woogie style. Return to 1955 Dorsey, "Georgia Tom" Thomas (1899-1993) African-American blues singer, gospel songwriter and pianist. He was very influential in the gospel song movement. Return to 1921, 1927 Dunbar, Paul Laurence (1872-1906) African-American poet, author of the poems used by William Grant Still in the Afro-American Symphony Return to 1896, 1898 Ellington, Duke (1899-1974) Jazz composer, bandleader, and pianist; one of the leading figures in Big Band jazz during the 1930s and 1940s. Return to 1899, 1931, 1932, 1965, 1974 Europe, James (1881-1919) African-American composer, conductor, and bandleader; Europe's orchestras included traditional symphonic instruments and such instruments as mandolins, banjos, harp-guitars, and saxophones, specializing in music by black composers. He was stabbed to death by one of his drummers in 1919, at the height of his musical popularity. Return to 1912, 1918 Fitzgerald, Ella (1918- ) Jazz singer; she worked with most of the leading performers and groups of the day. She is especially well-known for her scat-singing and vocal improvisations. Grammys: vocal (1958, 1959, 1960, 1962), jazz vocal (1958, 1959, 1976, 1979), vocal album (1960) Return to 1934 Franklin, Aretha (1942-- ) Singer and recording artist. Grammys: rhythm & blues (1967), rhythm & blues vocal (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974), gospel (1972) Return to 1987 Garner, Errol L (1921-1977) Jazz pianist. He was completely self-taught and never learned to read music. His style was unique and called for a level of virtuosity seldom approached since. Return to 1950 Gillespie, Dizzy (1917-1993) Jazz trumpeter and bandleader, one of the founders of the bebop jazz style. His nickname is said to have come from his wild playing and facial expressions. Return to 1944 Hampton, Lionel (1909- ) Drums and vibraharp. Worked with Les Hite, Eddie Elkins, Benny Goodman Quartet, Louis Armstrong and organized his own band that had international tours. Documentary film: No maps on my taps. Return to 1936 Handy, W[illiam] C[hristopher] (1873-1958) The "Father of the Blues"; as a composer, he helped bridge the lighter ragtime sound to the more direct emotional appeal of the blues. His two most famous compositions are "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues." Return to 1909, 1912, 1914, 1916, 1919, 1921, 1928 Hanson, Howard (1896-1981) American composer, conductor, and educator; he helped the Eastman School of Music achieve national prominence during his long tenure there. Return to 1931 Hines, Earl (1905-1983) Composer, jazz pianist and band leader. First of a small number of pianists whose playing had an impact on the direction of jazz. He formed his own band and also recorded with Louis Armstrong. Return to 1945 Holiday, Billie (1915-1959) Jazz singer. Billie Holiday is considered to be one of the foremost female jazz singers and "master of the blues." Return to 1938 Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Bumbry, Grace (1937- ) African-American mezzo-soprano/soprano especially known for her interpretation of the operatic roles Carmen and Amneris. She was the first black performer to appear at Bayreuth (Germany) Return to 1961 Burleigh, Henry Thacker (1866-1949) Composer and singer, pupil of Antonín Dvorák. He is known primarily for his songs and arrangements, especially arrangements of spirituals for solo voice and piano. Return to 1916, 1917 Caesar, Shirley (1938- ) Internationally known gospel singer. Return to 1938, 1960 Chadwick, George Whitefield One of the leading composers of the "Boston Classicist" school. Return to 1922 Checker, Chubby (1941- ) Singer. Films: Twist around the clock; Don't knock the twist (Grammy: Rock & roll, 1961) Return to 1960 Cole, Nat "King" (1917-1965) Pianist and singer. His early career as a pianist in jazz combos was somewhat overshadowed by his singing career in the 1950s and 1960s, when he became one of the most popular and well-loved singers in the world, appearing frequently on radio and television. Return to 1917, 1943, 1956, 1965 Cole, Bob (Robert) (1863-1911) African-American lyricist, composer and vaudeville performer. He joined forces with Billy Johnson, J. Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson to produce hit songs. He was one of the first blacks to become part of "white" musical entertainment (in "blackface") Return to 1898, 1906 Coleman, Ornette (1930- ) Jazz saxophonist and composer. Return to 1960 Cook, Will Marion (1869-1944) Composer and conductor. He studied conducting at the Oberlin Conservatory and later studied violin with the famous German violinist, Joseph Joachim. After a short career as a concert violinst, he became famous for his musical comedy productions. Return to 1895, 1898 Davis, Gussie Lord (1863-1899) African-American songwriter. He became one of the top Tin Pan Alley songwriters. Return to 1895 Davis, Miles (1926-1991) Trumpeter and bandleader. One of the founders of "cool" jazz, a reaction to the more frenetic pace of bebop; Davis also led the way into experiments with modal music and the fusion of jazz and rock music. Return to 1970 Dawson, Mary Cardwell (1894-1962) African-American opera director and teacher. She founded the Cardwell School of Music in Pittsburg, the Cardwell Dawson Choir as well as the National Negro Opera Company. Return to 1941 Dawson, William Levi (1898-1990) African-American composer; he studied and later taught at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. He is especially remembered for conducting the famous Tuskegee Institute Choir. Return to 1934, 1990 Dett, R. Nathaniel (1882-1943) African-American composer, pianist, and conductor; he directed the well-known Hampton Institute Choir, which toured internationally, and was involved in preserving black folk music. Return to 1913, 1920 Dixon, Dean (1915-1976) Return to 1948, 1970 Domino, "Fats" (Antoine Domino) (1928- ) Pianist, singer, songwriter. Known especially for his particular boogie-woogie style. Return to 1955 Dorsey, "Georgia Tom" Thomas (1899-1993) African-American blues singer, gospel songwriter and pianist. He was very influential in the gospel song movement. Return to 1921, 1927 Dunbar, Paul Laurence (1872-1906) African-American poet, author of the poems used by William Grant Still in the Afro-American Symphony Return to 1896, 1898 Ellington, Duke (1899-1974) Jazz composer, bandleader, and pianist; one of the leading figures in Big Band jazz during the 1930s and 1940s. Return to 1899, 1931, 1932, 1965, 1974 Europe, James (1881-1919) African-American composer, conductor, and bandleader; Europe's orchestras included traditional symphonic instruments and such instruments as mandolins, banjos, harp-guitars, and saxophones, specializing in music by black composers. He was stabbed to death by one of his drummers in 1919, at the height of his musical popularity. Return to 1912, 1918 Fitzgerald, Ella (1918- ) Jazz singer; she worked with most of the leading performers and groups of the day. She is especially well-known for her scat-singing and vocal improvisations. Grammys: vocal (1958, 1959, 1960, 1962), jazz vocal (1958, 1959, 1976, 1979), vocal album (1960) Return to 1934 Franklin, Aretha (1942-- ) Singer and recording artist. Grammys: rhythm & blues (1967), rhythm & blues vocal (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974), gospel (1972) Return to 1987 Garner, Errol L (1921-1977) Jazz pianist. He was completely self-taught and never learned to read music. His style was unique and called for a level of virtuosity seldom approached since. Return to 1950 Gillespie, Dizzy (1917-1993) Jazz trumpeter and bandleader, one of the founders of the bebop jazz style. His nickname is said to have come from his wild playing and facial expressions. Return to 1944 Hampton, Lionel (1909- ) Drums and vibraharp. Worked with Les Hite, Eddie Elkins, Benny Goodman Quartet, Louis Armstrong and organized his own band that had international tours. Documentary film: No maps on my taps. Return to 1936 Handy, W[illiam] C[hristopher] (1873-1958) The "Father of the Blues"; as a composer, he helped bridge the lighter ragtime sound to the more direct emotional appeal of the blues. His two most famous compositions are "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues." Return to 1909, 1912, 1914, 1916, 1919, 1921, 1928 Hanson, Howard (1896-1981) American composer, conductor, and educator; he helped the Eastman School of Music achieve national prominence during his long tenure there. Return to 1931 Hines, Earl (1905-1983) Composer, jazz pianist and band leader. First of a small number of pianists whose playing had an impact on the direction of jazz. He formed his own band and also recorded with Louis Armstrong. Return to 1945 Holiday, Billie (1915-1959) Jazz singer. Billie Holiday is considered to be one of the foremost female jazz singers and "master of the blues." Return to 1938 Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Burleigh, Henry Thacker (1866-1949) Composer and singer, pupil of Antonín Dvorák. He is known primarily for his songs and arrangements, especially arrangements of spirituals for solo voice and piano. Return to 1916, 1917 Caesar, Shirley (1938- ) Internationally known gospel singer. Return to 1938, 1960 Chadwick, George Whitefield One of the leading composers of the "Boston Classicist" school. Return to 1922 Checker, Chubby (1941- ) Singer. Films: Twist around the clock; Don't knock the twist (Grammy: Rock & roll, 1961) Return to 1960 Cole, Nat "King" (1917-1965) Pianist and singer. His early career as a pianist in jazz combos was somewhat overshadowed by his singing career in the 1950s and 1960s, when he became one of the most popular and well-loved singers in the world, appearing frequently on radio and television. Return to 1917, 1943, 1956, 1965 Cole, Bob (Robert) (1863-1911) African-American lyricist, composer and vaudeville performer. He joined forces with Billy Johnson, J. Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson to produce hit songs. He was one of the first blacks to become part of "white" musical entertainment (in "blackface") Return to 1898, 1906 Coleman, Ornette (1930- ) Jazz saxophonist and composer. Return to 1960 Cook, Will Marion (1869-1944) Composer and conductor. He studied conducting at the Oberlin Conservatory and later studied violin with the famous German violinist, Joseph Joachim. After a short career as a concert violinst, he became famous for his musical comedy productions. Return to 1895, 1898 Davis, Gussie Lord (1863-1899) African-American songwriter. He became one of the top Tin Pan Alley songwriters. Return to 1895 Davis, Miles (1926-1991) Trumpeter and bandleader. One of the founders of "cool" jazz, a reaction to the more frenetic pace of bebop; Davis also led the way into experiments with modal music and the fusion of jazz and rock music. Return to 1970 Dawson, Mary Cardwell (1894-1962) African-American opera director and teacher. She founded the Cardwell School of Music in Pittsburg, the Cardwell Dawson Choir as well as the National Negro Opera Company. Return to 1941 Dawson, William Levi (1898-1990) African-American composer; he studied and later taught at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. He is especially remembered for conducting the famous Tuskegee Institute Choir. Return to 1934, 1990 Dett, R. Nathaniel (1882-1943) African-American composer, pianist, and conductor; he directed the well-known Hampton Institute Choir, which toured internationally, and was involved in preserving black folk music. Return to 1913, 1920 Dixon, Dean (1915-1976) Return to 1948, 1970 Domino, "Fats" (Antoine Domino) (1928- ) Pianist, singer, songwriter. Known especially for his particular boogie-woogie style. Return to 1955 Dorsey, "Georgia Tom" Thomas (1899-1993) African-American blues singer, gospel songwriter and pianist. He was very influential in the gospel song movement. Return to 1921, 1927 Dunbar, Paul Laurence (1872-1906) African-American poet, author of the poems used by William Grant Still in the Afro-American Symphony Return to 1896, 1898 Ellington, Duke (1899-1974) Jazz composer, bandleader, and pianist; one of the leading figures in Big Band jazz during the 1930s and 1940s. Return to 1899, 1931, 1932, 1965, 1974 Europe, James (1881-1919) African-American composer, conductor, and bandleader; Europe's orchestras included traditional symphonic instruments and such instruments as mandolins, banjos, harp-guitars, and saxophones, specializing in music by black composers. He was stabbed to death by one of his drummers in 1919, at the height of his musical popularity. Return to 1912, 1918 Fitzgerald, Ella (1918- ) Jazz singer; she worked with most of the leading performers and groups of the day. She is especially well-known for her scat-singing and vocal improvisations. Grammys: vocal (1958, 1959, 1960, 1962), jazz vocal (1958, 1959, 1976, 1979), vocal album (1960) Return to 1934 Franklin, Aretha (1942-- ) Singer and recording artist. Grammys: rhythm & blues (1967), rhythm & blues vocal (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974), gospel (1972) Return to 1987 Garner, Errol L (1921-1977) Jazz pianist. He was completely self-taught and never learned to read music. His style was unique and called for a level of virtuosity seldom approached since. Return to 1950 Gillespie, Dizzy (1917-1993) Jazz trumpeter and bandleader, one of the founders of the bebop jazz style. His nickname is said to have come from his wild playing and facial expressions. Return to 1944 Hampton, Lionel (1909- ) Drums and vibraharp. Worked with Les Hite, Eddie Elkins, Benny Goodman Quartet, Louis Armstrong and organized his own band that had international tours. Documentary film: No maps on my taps. Return to 1936 Handy, W[illiam] C[hristopher] (1873-1958) The "Father of the Blues"; as a composer, he helped bridge the lighter ragtime sound to the more direct emotional appeal of the blues. His two most famous compositions are "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues." Return to 1909, 1912, 1914, 1916, 1919, 1921, 1928 Hanson, Howard (1896-1981) American composer, conductor, and educator; he helped the Eastman School of Music achieve national prominence during his long tenure there. Return to 1931 Hines, Earl (1905-1983) Composer, jazz pianist and band leader. First of a small number of pianists whose playing had an impact on the direction of jazz. He formed his own band and also recorded with Louis Armstrong. Return to 1945 Holiday, Billie (1915-1959) Jazz singer. Billie Holiday is considered to be one of the foremost female jazz singers and "master of the blues." Return to 1938 Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Caesar, Shirley (1938- ) Internationally known gospel singer. Return to 1938, 1960 Chadwick, George Whitefield One of the leading composers of the "Boston Classicist" school. Return to 1922 Checker, Chubby (1941- ) Singer. Films: Twist around the clock; Don't knock the twist (Grammy: Rock & roll, 1961) Return to 1960 Cole, Nat "King" (1917-1965) Pianist and singer. His early career as a pianist in jazz combos was somewhat overshadowed by his singing career in the 1950s and 1960s, when he became one of the most popular and well-loved singers in the world, appearing frequently on radio and television. Return to 1917, 1943, 1956, 1965 Cole, Bob (Robert) (1863-1911) African-American lyricist, composer and vaudeville performer. He joined forces with Billy Johnson, J. Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson to produce hit songs. He was one of the first blacks to become part of "white" musical entertainment (in "blackface") Return to 1898, 1906 Coleman, Ornette (1930- ) Jazz saxophonist and composer. Return to 1960 Cook, Will Marion (1869-1944) Composer and conductor. He studied conducting at the Oberlin Conservatory and later studied violin with the famous German violinist, Joseph Joachim. After a short career as a concert violinst, he became famous for his musical comedy productions. Return to 1895, 1898 Davis, Gussie Lord (1863-1899) African-American songwriter. He became one of the top Tin Pan Alley songwriters. Return to 1895 Davis, Miles (1926-1991) Trumpeter and bandleader. One of the founders of "cool" jazz, a reaction to the more frenetic pace of bebop; Davis also led the way into experiments with modal music and the fusion of jazz and rock music. Return to 1970 Dawson, Mary Cardwell (1894-1962) African-American opera director and teacher. She founded the Cardwell School of Music in Pittsburg, the Cardwell Dawson Choir as well as the National Negro Opera Company. Return to 1941 Dawson, William Levi (1898-1990) African-American composer; he studied and later taught at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. He is especially remembered for conducting the famous Tuskegee Institute Choir. Return to 1934, 1990 Dett, R. Nathaniel (1882-1943) African-American composer, pianist, and conductor; he directed the well-known Hampton Institute Choir, which toured internationally, and was involved in preserving black folk music. Return to 1913, 1920 Dixon, Dean (1915-1976) Return to 1948, 1970 Domino, "Fats" (Antoine Domino) (1928- ) Pianist, singer, songwriter. Known especially for his particular boogie-woogie style. Return to 1955 Dorsey, "Georgia Tom" Thomas (1899-1993) African-American blues singer, gospel songwriter and pianist. He was very influential in the gospel song movement. Return to 1921, 1927 Dunbar, Paul Laurence (1872-1906) African-American poet, author of the poems used by William Grant Still in the Afro-American Symphony Return to 1896, 1898 Ellington, Duke (1899-1974) Jazz composer, bandleader, and pianist; one of the leading figures in Big Band jazz during the 1930s and 1940s. Return to 1899, 1931, 1932, 1965, 1974 Europe, James (1881-1919) African-American composer, conductor, and bandleader; Europe's orchestras included traditional symphonic instruments and such instruments as mandolins, banjos, harp-guitars, and saxophones, specializing in music by black composers. He was stabbed to death by one of his drummers in 1919, at the height of his musical popularity. Return to 1912, 1918 Fitzgerald, Ella (1918- ) Jazz singer; she worked with most of the leading performers and groups of the day. She is especially well-known for her scat-singing and vocal improvisations. Grammys: vocal (1958, 1959, 1960, 1962), jazz vocal (1958, 1959, 1976, 1979), vocal album (1960) Return to 1934 Franklin, Aretha (1942-- ) Singer and recording artist. Grammys: rhythm & blues (1967), rhythm & blues vocal (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974), gospel (1972) Return to 1987 Garner, Errol L (1921-1977) Jazz pianist. He was completely self-taught and never learned to read music. His style was unique and called for a level of virtuosity seldom approached since. Return to 1950 Gillespie, Dizzy (1917-1993) Jazz trumpeter and bandleader, one of the founders of the bebop jazz style. His nickname is said to have come from his wild playing and facial expressions. Return to 1944 Hampton, Lionel (1909- ) Drums and vibraharp. Worked with Les Hite, Eddie Elkins, Benny Goodman Quartet, Louis Armstrong and organized his own band that had international tours. Documentary film: No maps on my taps. Return to 1936 Handy, W[illiam] C[hristopher] (1873-1958) The "Father of the Blues"; as a composer, he helped bridge the lighter ragtime sound to the more direct emotional appeal of the blues. His two most famous compositions are "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues." Return to 1909, 1912, 1914, 1916, 1919, 1921, 1928 Hanson, Howard (1896-1981) American composer, conductor, and educator; he helped the Eastman School of Music achieve national prominence during his long tenure there. Return to 1931 Hines, Earl (1905-1983) Composer, jazz pianist and band leader. First of a small number of pianists whose playing had an impact on the direction of jazz. He formed his own band and also recorded with Louis Armstrong. Return to 1945 Holiday, Billie (1915-1959) Jazz singer. Billie Holiday is considered to be one of the foremost female jazz singers and "master of the blues." Return to 1938 Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Chadwick, George Whitefield One of the leading composers of the "Boston Classicist" school. Return to 1922 Checker, Chubby (1941- ) Singer. Films: Twist around the clock; Don't knock the twist (Grammy: Rock & roll, 1961) Return to 1960 Cole, Nat "King" (1917-1965) Pianist and singer. His early career as a pianist in jazz combos was somewhat overshadowed by his singing career in the 1950s and 1960s, when he became one of the most popular and well-loved singers in the world, appearing frequently on radio and television. Return to 1917, 1943, 1956, 1965 Cole, Bob (Robert) (1863-1911) African-American lyricist, composer and vaudeville performer. He joined forces with Billy Johnson, J. Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson to produce hit songs. He was one of the first blacks to become part of "white" musical entertainment (in "blackface") Return to 1898, 1906 Coleman, Ornette (1930- ) Jazz saxophonist and composer. Return to 1960 Cook, Will Marion (1869-1944) Composer and conductor. He studied conducting at the Oberlin Conservatory and later studied violin with the famous German violinist, Joseph Joachim. After a short career as a concert violinst, he became famous for his musical comedy productions. Return to 1895, 1898 Davis, Gussie Lord (1863-1899) African-American songwriter. He became one of the top Tin Pan Alley songwriters. Return to 1895 Davis, Miles (1926-1991) Trumpeter and bandleader. One of the founders of "cool" jazz, a reaction to the more frenetic pace of bebop; Davis also led the way into experiments with modal music and the fusion of jazz and rock music. Return to 1970 Dawson, Mary Cardwell (1894-1962) African-American opera director and teacher. She founded the Cardwell School of Music in Pittsburg, the Cardwell Dawson Choir as well as the National Negro Opera Company. Return to 1941 Dawson, William Levi (1898-1990) African-American composer; he studied and later taught at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. He is especially remembered for conducting the famous Tuskegee Institute Choir. Return to 1934, 1990 Dett, R. Nathaniel (1882-1943) African-American composer, pianist, and conductor; he directed the well-known Hampton Institute Choir, which toured internationally, and was involved in preserving black folk music. Return to 1913, 1920 Dixon, Dean (1915-1976) Return to 1948, 1970 Domino, "Fats" (Antoine Domino) (1928- ) Pianist, singer, songwriter. Known especially for his particular boogie-woogie style. Return to 1955 Dorsey, "Georgia Tom" Thomas (1899-1993) African-American blues singer, gospel songwriter and pianist. He was very influential in the gospel song movement. Return to 1921, 1927 Dunbar, Paul Laurence (1872-1906) African-American poet, author of the poems used by William Grant Still in the Afro-American Symphony Return to 1896, 1898 Ellington, Duke (1899-1974) Jazz composer, bandleader, and pianist; one of the leading figures in Big Band jazz during the 1930s and 1940s. Return to 1899, 1931, 1932, 1965, 1974 Europe, James (1881-1919) African-American composer, conductor, and bandleader; Europe's orchestras included traditional symphonic instruments and such instruments as mandolins, banjos, harp-guitars, and saxophones, specializing in music by black composers. He was stabbed to death by one of his drummers in 1919, at the height of his musical popularity. Return to 1912, 1918 Fitzgerald, Ella (1918- ) Jazz singer; she worked with most of the leading performers and groups of the day. She is especially well-known for her scat-singing and vocal improvisations. Grammys: vocal (1958, 1959, 1960, 1962), jazz vocal (1958, 1959, 1976, 1979), vocal album (1960) Return to 1934 Franklin, Aretha (1942-- ) Singer and recording artist. Grammys: rhythm & blues (1967), rhythm & blues vocal (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974), gospel (1972) Return to 1987 Garner, Errol L (1921-1977) Jazz pianist. He was completely self-taught and never learned to read music. His style was unique and called for a level of virtuosity seldom approached since. Return to 1950 Gillespie, Dizzy (1917-1993) Jazz trumpeter and bandleader, one of the founders of the bebop jazz style. His nickname is said to have come from his wild playing and facial expressions. Return to 1944 Hampton, Lionel (1909- ) Drums and vibraharp. Worked with Les Hite, Eddie Elkins, Benny Goodman Quartet, Louis Armstrong and organized his own band that had international tours. Documentary film: No maps on my taps. Return to 1936 Handy, W[illiam] C[hristopher] (1873-1958) The "Father of the Blues"; as a composer, he helped bridge the lighter ragtime sound to the more direct emotional appeal of the blues. His two most famous compositions are "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues." Return to 1909, 1912, 1914, 1916, 1919, 1921, 1928 Hanson, Howard (1896-1981) American composer, conductor, and educator; he helped the Eastman School of Music achieve national prominence during his long tenure there. Return to 1931 Hines, Earl (1905-1983) Composer, jazz pianist and band leader. First of a small number of pianists whose playing had an impact on the direction of jazz. He formed his own band and also recorded with Louis Armstrong. Return to 1945 Holiday, Billie (1915-1959) Jazz singer. Billie Holiday is considered to be one of the foremost female jazz singers and "master of the blues." Return to 1938 Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Checker, Chubby (1941- ) Singer. Films: Twist around the clock; Don't knock the twist (Grammy: Rock & roll, 1961) Return to 1960 Cole, Nat "King" (1917-1965) Pianist and singer. His early career as a pianist in jazz combos was somewhat overshadowed by his singing career in the 1950s and 1960s, when he became one of the most popular and well-loved singers in the world, appearing frequently on radio and television. Return to 1917, 1943, 1956, 1965 Cole, Bob (Robert) (1863-1911) African-American lyricist, composer and vaudeville performer. He joined forces with Billy Johnson, J. Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson to produce hit songs. He was one of the first blacks to become part of "white" musical entertainment (in "blackface") Return to 1898, 1906 Coleman, Ornette (1930- ) Jazz saxophonist and composer. Return to 1960 Cook, Will Marion (1869-1944) Composer and conductor. He studied conducting at the Oberlin Conservatory and later studied violin with the famous German violinist, Joseph Joachim. After a short career as a concert violinst, he became famous for his musical comedy productions. Return to 1895, 1898 Davis, Gussie Lord (1863-1899) African-American songwriter. He became one of the top Tin Pan Alley songwriters. Return to 1895 Davis, Miles (1926-1991) Trumpeter and bandleader. One of the founders of "cool" jazz, a reaction to the more frenetic pace of bebop; Davis also led the way into experiments with modal music and the fusion of jazz and rock music. Return to 1970 Dawson, Mary Cardwell (1894-1962) African-American opera director and teacher. She founded the Cardwell School of Music in Pittsburg, the Cardwell Dawson Choir as well as the National Negro Opera Company. Return to 1941 Dawson, William Levi (1898-1990) African-American composer; he studied and later taught at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. He is especially remembered for conducting the famous Tuskegee Institute Choir. Return to 1934, 1990 Dett, R. Nathaniel (1882-1943) African-American composer, pianist, and conductor; he directed the well-known Hampton Institute Choir, which toured internationally, and was involved in preserving black folk music. Return to 1913, 1920 Dixon, Dean (1915-1976) Return to 1948, 1970 Domino, "Fats" (Antoine Domino) (1928- ) Pianist, singer, songwriter. Known especially for his particular boogie-woogie style. Return to 1955 Dorsey, "Georgia Tom" Thomas (1899-1993) African-American blues singer, gospel songwriter and pianist. He was very influential in the gospel song movement. Return to 1921, 1927 Dunbar, Paul Laurence (1872-1906) African-American poet, author of the poems used by William Grant Still in the Afro-American Symphony Return to 1896, 1898 Ellington, Duke (1899-1974) Jazz composer, bandleader, and pianist; one of the leading figures in Big Band jazz during the 1930s and 1940s. Return to 1899, 1931, 1932, 1965, 1974 Europe, James (1881-1919) African-American composer, conductor, and bandleader; Europe's orchestras included traditional symphonic instruments and such instruments as mandolins, banjos, harp-guitars, and saxophones, specializing in music by black composers. He was stabbed to death by one of his drummers in 1919, at the height of his musical popularity. Return to 1912, 1918 Fitzgerald, Ella (1918- ) Jazz singer; she worked with most of the leading performers and groups of the day. She is especially well-known for her scat-singing and vocal improvisations. Grammys: vocal (1958, 1959, 1960, 1962), jazz vocal (1958, 1959, 1976, 1979), vocal album (1960) Return to 1934 Franklin, Aretha (1942-- ) Singer and recording artist. Grammys: rhythm & blues (1967), rhythm & blues vocal (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974), gospel (1972) Return to 1987 Garner, Errol L (1921-1977) Jazz pianist. He was completely self-taught and never learned to read music. His style was unique and called for a level of virtuosity seldom approached since. Return to 1950 Gillespie, Dizzy (1917-1993) Jazz trumpeter and bandleader, one of the founders of the bebop jazz style. His nickname is said to have come from his wild playing and facial expressions. Return to 1944 Hampton, Lionel (1909- ) Drums and vibraharp. Worked with Les Hite, Eddie Elkins, Benny Goodman Quartet, Louis Armstrong and organized his own band that had international tours. Documentary film: No maps on my taps. Return to 1936 Handy, W[illiam] C[hristopher] (1873-1958) The "Father of the Blues"; as a composer, he helped bridge the lighter ragtime sound to the more direct emotional appeal of the blues. His two most famous compositions are "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues." Return to 1909, 1912, 1914, 1916, 1919, 1921, 1928 Hanson, Howard (1896-1981) American composer, conductor, and educator; he helped the Eastman School of Music achieve national prominence during his long tenure there. Return to 1931 Hines, Earl (1905-1983) Composer, jazz pianist and band leader. First of a small number of pianists whose playing had an impact on the direction of jazz. He formed his own band and also recorded with Louis Armstrong. Return to 1945 Holiday, Billie (1915-1959) Jazz singer. Billie Holiday is considered to be one of the foremost female jazz singers and "master of the blues." Return to 1938 Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Cole, Nat "King" (1917-1965) Pianist and singer. His early career as a pianist in jazz combos was somewhat overshadowed by his singing career in the 1950s and 1960s, when he became one of the most popular and well-loved singers in the world, appearing frequently on radio and television. Return to 1917, 1943, 1956, 1965 Cole, Bob (Robert) (1863-1911) African-American lyricist, composer and vaudeville performer. He joined forces with Billy Johnson, J. Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson to produce hit songs. He was one of the first blacks to become part of "white" musical entertainment (in "blackface") Return to 1898, 1906 Coleman, Ornette (1930- ) Jazz saxophonist and composer. Return to 1960 Cook, Will Marion (1869-1944) Composer and conductor. He studied conducting at the Oberlin Conservatory and later studied violin with the famous German violinist, Joseph Joachim. After a short career as a concert violinst, he became famous for his musical comedy productions. Return to 1895, 1898 Davis, Gussie Lord (1863-1899) African-American songwriter. He became one of the top Tin Pan Alley songwriters. Return to 1895 Davis, Miles (1926-1991) Trumpeter and bandleader. One of the founders of "cool" jazz, a reaction to the more frenetic pace of bebop; Davis also led the way into experiments with modal music and the fusion of jazz and rock music. Return to 1970 Dawson, Mary Cardwell (1894-1962) African-American opera director and teacher. She founded the Cardwell School of Music in Pittsburg, the Cardwell Dawson Choir as well as the National Negro Opera Company. Return to 1941 Dawson, William Levi (1898-1990) African-American composer; he studied and later taught at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. He is especially remembered for conducting the famous Tuskegee Institute Choir. Return to 1934, 1990 Dett, R. Nathaniel (1882-1943) African-American composer, pianist, and conductor; he directed the well-known Hampton Institute Choir, which toured internationally, and was involved in preserving black folk music. Return to 1913, 1920 Dixon, Dean (1915-1976) Return to 1948, 1970 Domino, "Fats" (Antoine Domino) (1928- ) Pianist, singer, songwriter. Known especially for his particular boogie-woogie style. Return to 1955 Dorsey, "Georgia Tom" Thomas (1899-1993) African-American blues singer, gospel songwriter and pianist. He was very influential in the gospel song movement. Return to 1921, 1927 Dunbar, Paul Laurence (1872-1906) African-American poet, author of the poems used by William Grant Still in the Afro-American Symphony Return to 1896, 1898 Ellington, Duke (1899-1974) Jazz composer, bandleader, and pianist; one of the leading figures in Big Band jazz during the 1930s and 1940s. Return to 1899, 1931, 1932, 1965, 1974 Europe, James (1881-1919) African-American composer, conductor, and bandleader; Europe's orchestras included traditional symphonic instruments and such instruments as mandolins, banjos, harp-guitars, and saxophones, specializing in music by black composers. He was stabbed to death by one of his drummers in 1919, at the height of his musical popularity. Return to 1912, 1918 Fitzgerald, Ella (1918- ) Jazz singer; she worked with most of the leading performers and groups of the day. She is especially well-known for her scat-singing and vocal improvisations. Grammys: vocal (1958, 1959, 1960, 1962), jazz vocal (1958, 1959, 1976, 1979), vocal album (1960) Return to 1934 Franklin, Aretha (1942-- ) Singer and recording artist. Grammys: rhythm & blues (1967), rhythm & blues vocal (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974), gospel (1972) Return to 1987 Garner, Errol L (1921-1977) Jazz pianist. He was completely self-taught and never learned to read music. His style was unique and called for a level of virtuosity seldom approached since. Return to 1950 Gillespie, Dizzy (1917-1993) Jazz trumpeter and bandleader, one of the founders of the bebop jazz style. His nickname is said to have come from his wild playing and facial expressions. Return to 1944 Hampton, Lionel (1909- ) Drums and vibraharp. Worked with Les Hite, Eddie Elkins, Benny Goodman Quartet, Louis Armstrong and organized his own band that had international tours. Documentary film: No maps on my taps. Return to 1936 Handy, W[illiam] C[hristopher] (1873-1958) The "Father of the Blues"; as a composer, he helped bridge the lighter ragtime sound to the more direct emotional appeal of the blues. His two most famous compositions are "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues." Return to 1909, 1912, 1914, 1916, 1919, 1921, 1928 Hanson, Howard (1896-1981) American composer, conductor, and educator; he helped the Eastman School of Music achieve national prominence during his long tenure there. Return to 1931 Hines, Earl (1905-1983) Composer, jazz pianist and band leader. First of a small number of pianists whose playing had an impact on the direction of jazz. He formed his own band and also recorded with Louis Armstrong. Return to 1945 Holiday, Billie (1915-1959) Jazz singer. Billie Holiday is considered to be one of the foremost female jazz singers and "master of the blues." Return to 1938 Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Cole, Bob (Robert) (1863-1911) African-American lyricist, composer and vaudeville performer. He joined forces with Billy Johnson, J. Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson to produce hit songs. He was one of the first blacks to become part of "white" musical entertainment (in "blackface") Return to 1898, 1906 Coleman, Ornette (1930- ) Jazz saxophonist and composer. Return to 1960 Cook, Will Marion (1869-1944) Composer and conductor. He studied conducting at the Oberlin Conservatory and later studied violin with the famous German violinist, Joseph Joachim. After a short career as a concert violinst, he became famous for his musical comedy productions. Return to 1895, 1898 Davis, Gussie Lord (1863-1899) African-American songwriter. He became one of the top Tin Pan Alley songwriters. Return to 1895 Davis, Miles (1926-1991) Trumpeter and bandleader. One of the founders of "cool" jazz, a reaction to the more frenetic pace of bebop; Davis also led the way into experiments with modal music and the fusion of jazz and rock music. Return to 1970 Dawson, Mary Cardwell (1894-1962) African-American opera director and teacher. She founded the Cardwell School of Music in Pittsburg, the Cardwell Dawson Choir as well as the National Negro Opera Company. Return to 1941 Dawson, William Levi (1898-1990) African-American composer; he studied and later taught at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. He is especially remembered for conducting the famous Tuskegee Institute Choir. Return to 1934, 1990 Dett, R. Nathaniel (1882-1943) African-American composer, pianist, and conductor; he directed the well-known Hampton Institute Choir, which toured internationally, and was involved in preserving black folk music. Return to 1913, 1920 Dixon, Dean (1915-1976) Return to 1948, 1970 Domino, "Fats" (Antoine Domino) (1928- ) Pianist, singer, songwriter. Known especially for his particular boogie-woogie style. Return to 1955 Dorsey, "Georgia Tom" Thomas (1899-1993) African-American blues singer, gospel songwriter and pianist. He was very influential in the gospel song movement. Return to 1921, 1927 Dunbar, Paul Laurence (1872-1906) African-American poet, author of the poems used by William Grant Still in the Afro-American Symphony Return to 1896, 1898 Ellington, Duke (1899-1974) Jazz composer, bandleader, and pianist; one of the leading figures in Big Band jazz during the 1930s and 1940s. Return to 1899, 1931, 1932, 1965, 1974 Europe, James (1881-1919) African-American composer, conductor, and bandleader; Europe's orchestras included traditional symphonic instruments and such instruments as mandolins, banjos, harp-guitars, and saxophones, specializing in music by black composers. He was stabbed to death by one of his drummers in 1919, at the height of his musical popularity. Return to 1912, 1918 Fitzgerald, Ella (1918- ) Jazz singer; she worked with most of the leading performers and groups of the day. She is especially well-known for her scat-singing and vocal improvisations. Grammys: vocal (1958, 1959, 1960, 1962), jazz vocal (1958, 1959, 1976, 1979), vocal album (1960) Return to 1934 Franklin, Aretha (1942-- ) Singer and recording artist. Grammys: rhythm & blues (1967), rhythm & blues vocal (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974), gospel (1972) Return to 1987 Garner, Errol L (1921-1977) Jazz pianist. He was completely self-taught and never learned to read music. His style was unique and called for a level of virtuosity seldom approached since. Return to 1950 Gillespie, Dizzy (1917-1993) Jazz trumpeter and bandleader, one of the founders of the bebop jazz style. His nickname is said to have come from his wild playing and facial expressions. Return to 1944 Hampton, Lionel (1909- ) Drums and vibraharp. Worked with Les Hite, Eddie Elkins, Benny Goodman Quartet, Louis Armstrong and organized his own band that had international tours. Documentary film: No maps on my taps. Return to 1936 Handy, W[illiam] C[hristopher] (1873-1958) The "Father of the Blues"; as a composer, he helped bridge the lighter ragtime sound to the more direct emotional appeal of the blues. His two most famous compositions are "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues." Return to 1909, 1912, 1914, 1916, 1919, 1921, 1928 Hanson, Howard (1896-1981) American composer, conductor, and educator; he helped the Eastman School of Music achieve national prominence during his long tenure there. Return to 1931 Hines, Earl (1905-1983) Composer, jazz pianist and band leader. First of a small number of pianists whose playing had an impact on the direction of jazz. He formed his own band and also recorded with Louis Armstrong. Return to 1945 Holiday, Billie (1915-1959) Jazz singer. Billie Holiday is considered to be one of the foremost female jazz singers and "master of the blues." Return to 1938 Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Coleman, Ornette (1930- ) Jazz saxophonist and composer. Return to 1960 Cook, Will Marion (1869-1944) Composer and conductor. He studied conducting at the Oberlin Conservatory and later studied violin with the famous German violinist, Joseph Joachim. After a short career as a concert violinst, he became famous for his musical comedy productions. Return to 1895, 1898 Davis, Gussie Lord (1863-1899) African-American songwriter. He became one of the top Tin Pan Alley songwriters. Return to 1895 Davis, Miles (1926-1991) Trumpeter and bandleader. One of the founders of "cool" jazz, a reaction to the more frenetic pace of bebop; Davis also led the way into experiments with modal music and the fusion of jazz and rock music. Return to 1970 Dawson, Mary Cardwell (1894-1962) African-American opera director and teacher. She founded the Cardwell School of Music in Pittsburg, the Cardwell Dawson Choir as well as the National Negro Opera Company. Return to 1941 Dawson, William Levi (1898-1990) African-American composer; he studied and later taught at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. He is especially remembered for conducting the famous Tuskegee Institute Choir. Return to 1934, 1990 Dett, R. Nathaniel (1882-1943) African-American composer, pianist, and conductor; he directed the well-known Hampton Institute Choir, which toured internationally, and was involved in preserving black folk music. Return to 1913, 1920 Dixon, Dean (1915-1976) Return to 1948, 1970 Domino, "Fats" (Antoine Domino) (1928- ) Pianist, singer, songwriter. Known especially for his particular boogie-woogie style. Return to 1955 Dorsey, "Georgia Tom" Thomas (1899-1993) African-American blues singer, gospel songwriter and pianist. He was very influential in the gospel song movement. Return to 1921, 1927 Dunbar, Paul Laurence (1872-1906) African-American poet, author of the poems used by William Grant Still in the Afro-American Symphony Return to 1896, 1898 Ellington, Duke (1899-1974) Jazz composer, bandleader, and pianist; one of the leading figures in Big Band jazz during the 1930s and 1940s. Return to 1899, 1931, 1932, 1965, 1974 Europe, James (1881-1919) African-American composer, conductor, and bandleader; Europe's orchestras included traditional symphonic instruments and such instruments as mandolins, banjos, harp-guitars, and saxophones, specializing in music by black composers. He was stabbed to death by one of his drummers in 1919, at the height of his musical popularity. Return to 1912, 1918 Fitzgerald, Ella (1918- ) Jazz singer; she worked with most of the leading performers and groups of the day. She is especially well-known for her scat-singing and vocal improvisations. Grammys: vocal (1958, 1959, 1960, 1962), jazz vocal (1958, 1959, 1976, 1979), vocal album (1960) Return to 1934 Franklin, Aretha (1942-- ) Singer and recording artist. Grammys: rhythm & blues (1967), rhythm & blues vocal (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974), gospel (1972) Return to 1987 Garner, Errol L (1921-1977) Jazz pianist. He was completely self-taught and never learned to read music. His style was unique and called for a level of virtuosity seldom approached since. Return to 1950 Gillespie, Dizzy (1917-1993) Jazz trumpeter and bandleader, one of the founders of the bebop jazz style. His nickname is said to have come from his wild playing and facial expressions. Return to 1944 Hampton, Lionel (1909- ) Drums and vibraharp. Worked with Les Hite, Eddie Elkins, Benny Goodman Quartet, Louis Armstrong and organized his own band that had international tours. Documentary film: No maps on my taps. Return to 1936 Handy, W[illiam] C[hristopher] (1873-1958) The "Father of the Blues"; as a composer, he helped bridge the lighter ragtime sound to the more direct emotional appeal of the blues. His two most famous compositions are "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues." Return to 1909, 1912, 1914, 1916, 1919, 1921, 1928 Hanson, Howard (1896-1981) American composer, conductor, and educator; he helped the Eastman School of Music achieve national prominence during his long tenure there. Return to 1931 Hines, Earl (1905-1983) Composer, jazz pianist and band leader. First of a small number of pianists whose playing had an impact on the direction of jazz. He formed his own band and also recorded with Louis Armstrong. Return to 1945 Holiday, Billie (1915-1959) Jazz singer. Billie Holiday is considered to be one of the foremost female jazz singers and "master of the blues." Return to 1938 Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Cook, Will Marion (1869-1944) Composer and conductor. He studied conducting at the Oberlin Conservatory and later studied violin with the famous German violinist, Joseph Joachim. After a short career as a concert violinst, he became famous for his musical comedy productions. Return to 1895, 1898 Davis, Gussie Lord (1863-1899) African-American songwriter. He became one of the top Tin Pan Alley songwriters. Return to 1895 Davis, Miles (1926-1991) Trumpeter and bandleader. One of the founders of "cool" jazz, a reaction to the more frenetic pace of bebop; Davis also led the way into experiments with modal music and the fusion of jazz and rock music. Return to 1970 Dawson, Mary Cardwell (1894-1962) African-American opera director and teacher. She founded the Cardwell School of Music in Pittsburg, the Cardwell Dawson Choir as well as the National Negro Opera Company. Return to 1941 Dawson, William Levi (1898-1990) African-American composer; he studied and later taught at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. He is especially remembered for conducting the famous Tuskegee Institute Choir. Return to 1934, 1990 Dett, R. Nathaniel (1882-1943) African-American composer, pianist, and conductor; he directed the well-known Hampton Institute Choir, which toured internationally, and was involved in preserving black folk music. Return to 1913, 1920 Dixon, Dean (1915-1976) Return to 1948, 1970 Domino, "Fats" (Antoine Domino) (1928- ) Pianist, singer, songwriter. Known especially for his particular boogie-woogie style. Return to 1955 Dorsey, "Georgia Tom" Thomas (1899-1993) African-American blues singer, gospel songwriter and pianist. He was very influential in the gospel song movement. Return to 1921, 1927 Dunbar, Paul Laurence (1872-1906) African-American poet, author of the poems used by William Grant Still in the Afro-American Symphony Return to 1896, 1898 Ellington, Duke (1899-1974) Jazz composer, bandleader, and pianist; one of the leading figures in Big Band jazz during the 1930s and 1940s. Return to 1899, 1931, 1932, 1965, 1974 Europe, James (1881-1919) African-American composer, conductor, and bandleader; Europe's orchestras included traditional symphonic instruments and such instruments as mandolins, banjos, harp-guitars, and saxophones, specializing in music by black composers. He was stabbed to death by one of his drummers in 1919, at the height of his musical popularity. Return to 1912, 1918 Fitzgerald, Ella (1918- ) Jazz singer; she worked with most of the leading performers and groups of the day. She is especially well-known for her scat-singing and vocal improvisations. Grammys: vocal (1958, 1959, 1960, 1962), jazz vocal (1958, 1959, 1976, 1979), vocal album (1960) Return to 1934 Franklin, Aretha (1942-- ) Singer and recording artist. Grammys: rhythm & blues (1967), rhythm & blues vocal (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974), gospel (1972) Return to 1987 Garner, Errol L (1921-1977) Jazz pianist. He was completely self-taught and never learned to read music. His style was unique and called for a level of virtuosity seldom approached since. Return to 1950 Gillespie, Dizzy (1917-1993) Jazz trumpeter and bandleader, one of the founders of the bebop jazz style. His nickname is said to have come from his wild playing and facial expressions. Return to 1944 Hampton, Lionel (1909- ) Drums and vibraharp. Worked with Les Hite, Eddie Elkins, Benny Goodman Quartet, Louis Armstrong and organized his own band that had international tours. Documentary film: No maps on my taps. Return to 1936 Handy, W[illiam] C[hristopher] (1873-1958) The "Father of the Blues"; as a composer, he helped bridge the lighter ragtime sound to the more direct emotional appeal of the blues. His two most famous compositions are "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues." Return to 1909, 1912, 1914, 1916, 1919, 1921, 1928 Hanson, Howard (1896-1981) American composer, conductor, and educator; he helped the Eastman School of Music achieve national prominence during his long tenure there. Return to 1931 Hines, Earl (1905-1983) Composer, jazz pianist and band leader. First of a small number of pianists whose playing had an impact on the direction of jazz. He formed his own band and also recorded with Louis Armstrong. Return to 1945 Holiday, Billie (1915-1959) Jazz singer. Billie Holiday is considered to be one of the foremost female jazz singers and "master of the blues." Return to 1938 Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Davis, Gussie Lord (1863-1899) African-American songwriter. He became one of the top Tin Pan Alley songwriters. Return to 1895 Davis, Miles (1926-1991) Trumpeter and bandleader. One of the founders of "cool" jazz, a reaction to the more frenetic pace of bebop; Davis also led the way into experiments with modal music and the fusion of jazz and rock music. Return to 1970 Dawson, Mary Cardwell (1894-1962) African-American opera director and teacher. She founded the Cardwell School of Music in Pittsburg, the Cardwell Dawson Choir as well as the National Negro Opera Company. Return to 1941 Dawson, William Levi (1898-1990) African-American composer; he studied and later taught at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. He is especially remembered for conducting the famous Tuskegee Institute Choir. Return to 1934, 1990 Dett, R. Nathaniel (1882-1943) African-American composer, pianist, and conductor; he directed the well-known Hampton Institute Choir, which toured internationally, and was involved in preserving black folk music. Return to 1913, 1920 Dixon, Dean (1915-1976) Return to 1948, 1970 Domino, "Fats" (Antoine Domino) (1928- ) Pianist, singer, songwriter. Known especially for his particular boogie-woogie style. Return to 1955 Dorsey, "Georgia Tom" Thomas (1899-1993) African-American blues singer, gospel songwriter and pianist. He was very influential in the gospel song movement. Return to 1921, 1927 Dunbar, Paul Laurence (1872-1906) African-American poet, author of the poems used by William Grant Still in the Afro-American Symphony Return to 1896, 1898 Ellington, Duke (1899-1974) Jazz composer, bandleader, and pianist; one of the leading figures in Big Band jazz during the 1930s and 1940s. Return to 1899, 1931, 1932, 1965, 1974 Europe, James (1881-1919) African-American composer, conductor, and bandleader; Europe's orchestras included traditional symphonic instruments and such instruments as mandolins, banjos, harp-guitars, and saxophones, specializing in music by black composers. He was stabbed to death by one of his drummers in 1919, at the height of his musical popularity. Return to 1912, 1918 Fitzgerald, Ella (1918- ) Jazz singer; she worked with most of the leading performers and groups of the day. She is especially well-known for her scat-singing and vocal improvisations. Grammys: vocal (1958, 1959, 1960, 1962), jazz vocal (1958, 1959, 1976, 1979), vocal album (1960) Return to 1934 Franklin, Aretha (1942-- ) Singer and recording artist. Grammys: rhythm & blues (1967), rhythm & blues vocal (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974), gospel (1972) Return to 1987 Garner, Errol L (1921-1977) Jazz pianist. He was completely self-taught and never learned to read music. His style was unique and called for a level of virtuosity seldom approached since. Return to 1950 Gillespie, Dizzy (1917-1993) Jazz trumpeter and bandleader, one of the founders of the bebop jazz style. His nickname is said to have come from his wild playing and facial expressions. Return to 1944 Hampton, Lionel (1909- ) Drums and vibraharp. Worked with Les Hite, Eddie Elkins, Benny Goodman Quartet, Louis Armstrong and organized his own band that had international tours. Documentary film: No maps on my taps. Return to 1936 Handy, W[illiam] C[hristopher] (1873-1958) The "Father of the Blues"; as a composer, he helped bridge the lighter ragtime sound to the more direct emotional appeal of the blues. His two most famous compositions are "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues." Return to 1909, 1912, 1914, 1916, 1919, 1921, 1928 Hanson, Howard (1896-1981) American composer, conductor, and educator; he helped the Eastman School of Music achieve national prominence during his long tenure there. Return to 1931 Hines, Earl (1905-1983) Composer, jazz pianist and band leader. First of a small number of pianists whose playing had an impact on the direction of jazz. He formed his own band and also recorded with Louis Armstrong. Return to 1945 Holiday, Billie (1915-1959) Jazz singer. Billie Holiday is considered to be one of the foremost female jazz singers and "master of the blues." Return to 1938 Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Davis, Miles (1926-1991) Trumpeter and bandleader. One of the founders of "cool" jazz, a reaction to the more frenetic pace of bebop; Davis also led the way into experiments with modal music and the fusion of jazz and rock music. Return to 1970 Dawson, Mary Cardwell (1894-1962) African-American opera director and teacher. She founded the Cardwell School of Music in Pittsburg, the Cardwell Dawson Choir as well as the National Negro Opera Company. Return to 1941 Dawson, William Levi (1898-1990) African-American composer; he studied and later taught at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. He is especially remembered for conducting the famous Tuskegee Institute Choir. Return to 1934, 1990 Dett, R. Nathaniel (1882-1943) African-American composer, pianist, and conductor; he directed the well-known Hampton Institute Choir, which toured internationally, and was involved in preserving black folk music. Return to 1913, 1920 Dixon, Dean (1915-1976) Return to 1948, 1970 Domino, "Fats" (Antoine Domino) (1928- ) Pianist, singer, songwriter. Known especially for his particular boogie-woogie style. Return to 1955 Dorsey, "Georgia Tom" Thomas (1899-1993) African-American blues singer, gospel songwriter and pianist. He was very influential in the gospel song movement. Return to 1921, 1927 Dunbar, Paul Laurence (1872-1906) African-American poet, author of the poems used by William Grant Still in the Afro-American Symphony Return to 1896, 1898 Ellington, Duke (1899-1974) Jazz composer, bandleader, and pianist; one of the leading figures in Big Band jazz during the 1930s and 1940s. Return to 1899, 1931, 1932, 1965, 1974 Europe, James (1881-1919) African-American composer, conductor, and bandleader; Europe's orchestras included traditional symphonic instruments and such instruments as mandolins, banjos, harp-guitars, and saxophones, specializing in music by black composers. He was stabbed to death by one of his drummers in 1919, at the height of his musical popularity. Return to 1912, 1918 Fitzgerald, Ella (1918- ) Jazz singer; she worked with most of the leading performers and groups of the day. She is especially well-known for her scat-singing and vocal improvisations. Grammys: vocal (1958, 1959, 1960, 1962), jazz vocal (1958, 1959, 1976, 1979), vocal album (1960) Return to 1934 Franklin, Aretha (1942-- ) Singer and recording artist. Grammys: rhythm & blues (1967), rhythm & blues vocal (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974), gospel (1972) Return to 1987 Garner, Errol L (1921-1977) Jazz pianist. He was completely self-taught and never learned to read music. His style was unique and called for a level of virtuosity seldom approached since. Return to 1950 Gillespie, Dizzy (1917-1993) Jazz trumpeter and bandleader, one of the founders of the bebop jazz style. His nickname is said to have come from his wild playing and facial expressions. Return to 1944 Hampton, Lionel (1909- ) Drums and vibraharp. Worked with Les Hite, Eddie Elkins, Benny Goodman Quartet, Louis Armstrong and organized his own band that had international tours. Documentary film: No maps on my taps. Return to 1936 Handy, W[illiam] C[hristopher] (1873-1958) The "Father of the Blues"; as a composer, he helped bridge the lighter ragtime sound to the more direct emotional appeal of the blues. His two most famous compositions are "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues." Return to 1909, 1912, 1914, 1916, 1919, 1921, 1928 Hanson, Howard (1896-1981) American composer, conductor, and educator; he helped the Eastman School of Music achieve national prominence during his long tenure there. Return to 1931 Hines, Earl (1905-1983) Composer, jazz pianist and band leader. First of a small number of pianists whose playing had an impact on the direction of jazz. He formed his own band and also recorded with Louis Armstrong. Return to 1945 Holiday, Billie (1915-1959) Jazz singer. Billie Holiday is considered to be one of the foremost female jazz singers and "master of the blues." Return to 1938 Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Dawson, Mary Cardwell (1894-1962) African-American opera director and teacher. She founded the Cardwell School of Music in Pittsburg, the Cardwell Dawson Choir as well as the National Negro Opera Company. Return to 1941 Dawson, William Levi (1898-1990) African-American composer; he studied and later taught at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. He is especially remembered for conducting the famous Tuskegee Institute Choir. Return to 1934, 1990 Dett, R. Nathaniel (1882-1943) African-American composer, pianist, and conductor; he directed the well-known Hampton Institute Choir, which toured internationally, and was involved in preserving black folk music. Return to 1913, 1920 Dixon, Dean (1915-1976) Return to 1948, 1970 Domino, "Fats" (Antoine Domino) (1928- ) Pianist, singer, songwriter. Known especially for his particular boogie-woogie style. Return to 1955 Dorsey, "Georgia Tom" Thomas (1899-1993) African-American blues singer, gospel songwriter and pianist. He was very influential in the gospel song movement. Return to 1921, 1927 Dunbar, Paul Laurence (1872-1906) African-American poet, author of the poems used by William Grant Still in the Afro-American Symphony Return to 1896, 1898 Ellington, Duke (1899-1974) Jazz composer, bandleader, and pianist; one of the leading figures in Big Band jazz during the 1930s and 1940s. Return to 1899, 1931, 1932, 1965, 1974 Europe, James (1881-1919) African-American composer, conductor, and bandleader; Europe's orchestras included traditional symphonic instruments and such instruments as mandolins, banjos, harp-guitars, and saxophones, specializing in music by black composers. He was stabbed to death by one of his drummers in 1919, at the height of his musical popularity. Return to 1912, 1918 Fitzgerald, Ella (1918- ) Jazz singer; she worked with most of the leading performers and groups of the day. She is especially well-known for her scat-singing and vocal improvisations. Grammys: vocal (1958, 1959, 1960, 1962), jazz vocal (1958, 1959, 1976, 1979), vocal album (1960) Return to 1934 Franklin, Aretha (1942-- ) Singer and recording artist. Grammys: rhythm & blues (1967), rhythm & blues vocal (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974), gospel (1972) Return to 1987 Garner, Errol L (1921-1977) Jazz pianist. He was completely self-taught and never learned to read music. His style was unique and called for a level of virtuosity seldom approached since. Return to 1950 Gillespie, Dizzy (1917-1993) Jazz trumpeter and bandleader, one of the founders of the bebop jazz style. His nickname is said to have come from his wild playing and facial expressions. Return to 1944 Hampton, Lionel (1909- ) Drums and vibraharp. Worked with Les Hite, Eddie Elkins, Benny Goodman Quartet, Louis Armstrong and organized his own band that had international tours. Documentary film: No maps on my taps. Return to 1936 Handy, W[illiam] C[hristopher] (1873-1958) The "Father of the Blues"; as a composer, he helped bridge the lighter ragtime sound to the more direct emotional appeal of the blues. His two most famous compositions are "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues." Return to 1909, 1912, 1914, 1916, 1919, 1921, 1928 Hanson, Howard (1896-1981) American composer, conductor, and educator; he helped the Eastman School of Music achieve national prominence during his long tenure there. Return to 1931 Hines, Earl (1905-1983) Composer, jazz pianist and band leader. First of a small number of pianists whose playing had an impact on the direction of jazz. He formed his own band and also recorded with Louis Armstrong. Return to 1945 Holiday, Billie (1915-1959) Jazz singer. Billie Holiday is considered to be one of the foremost female jazz singers and "master of the blues." Return to 1938 Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Dawson, William Levi (1898-1990) African-American composer; he studied and later taught at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. He is especially remembered for conducting the famous Tuskegee Institute Choir. Return to 1934, 1990 Dett, R. Nathaniel (1882-1943) African-American composer, pianist, and conductor; he directed the well-known Hampton Institute Choir, which toured internationally, and was involved in preserving black folk music. Return to 1913, 1920 Dixon, Dean (1915-1976) Return to 1948, 1970 Domino, "Fats" (Antoine Domino) (1928- ) Pianist, singer, songwriter. Known especially for his particular boogie-woogie style. Return to 1955 Dorsey, "Georgia Tom" Thomas (1899-1993) African-American blues singer, gospel songwriter and pianist. He was very influential in the gospel song movement. Return to 1921, 1927 Dunbar, Paul Laurence (1872-1906) African-American poet, author of the poems used by William Grant Still in the Afro-American Symphony Return to 1896, 1898 Ellington, Duke (1899-1974) Jazz composer, bandleader, and pianist; one of the leading figures in Big Band jazz during the 1930s and 1940s. Return to 1899, 1931, 1932, 1965, 1974 Europe, James (1881-1919) African-American composer, conductor, and bandleader; Europe's orchestras included traditional symphonic instruments and such instruments as mandolins, banjos, harp-guitars, and saxophones, specializing in music by black composers. He was stabbed to death by one of his drummers in 1919, at the height of his musical popularity. Return to 1912, 1918 Fitzgerald, Ella (1918- ) Jazz singer; she worked with most of the leading performers and groups of the day. She is especially well-known for her scat-singing and vocal improvisations. Grammys: vocal (1958, 1959, 1960, 1962), jazz vocal (1958, 1959, 1976, 1979), vocal album (1960) Return to 1934 Franklin, Aretha (1942-- ) Singer and recording artist. Grammys: rhythm & blues (1967), rhythm & blues vocal (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974), gospel (1972) Return to 1987 Garner, Errol L (1921-1977) Jazz pianist. He was completely self-taught and never learned to read music. His style was unique and called for a level of virtuosity seldom approached since. Return to 1950 Gillespie, Dizzy (1917-1993) Jazz trumpeter and bandleader, one of the founders of the bebop jazz style. His nickname is said to have come from his wild playing and facial expressions. Return to 1944 Hampton, Lionel (1909- ) Drums and vibraharp. Worked with Les Hite, Eddie Elkins, Benny Goodman Quartet, Louis Armstrong and organized his own band that had international tours. Documentary film: No maps on my taps. Return to 1936 Handy, W[illiam] C[hristopher] (1873-1958) The "Father of the Blues"; as a composer, he helped bridge the lighter ragtime sound to the more direct emotional appeal of the blues. His two most famous compositions are "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues." Return to 1909, 1912, 1914, 1916, 1919, 1921, 1928 Hanson, Howard (1896-1981) American composer, conductor, and educator; he helped the Eastman School of Music achieve national prominence during his long tenure there. Return to 1931 Hines, Earl (1905-1983) Composer, jazz pianist and band leader. First of a small number of pianists whose playing had an impact on the direction of jazz. He formed his own band and also recorded with Louis Armstrong. Return to 1945 Holiday, Billie (1915-1959) Jazz singer. Billie Holiday is considered to be one of the foremost female jazz singers and "master of the blues." Return to 1938 Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Dett, R. Nathaniel (1882-1943) African-American composer, pianist, and conductor; he directed the well-known Hampton Institute Choir, which toured internationally, and was involved in preserving black folk music. Return to 1913, 1920 Dixon, Dean (1915-1976) Return to 1948, 1970 Domino, "Fats" (Antoine Domino) (1928- ) Pianist, singer, songwriter. Known especially for his particular boogie-woogie style. Return to 1955 Dorsey, "Georgia Tom" Thomas (1899-1993) African-American blues singer, gospel songwriter and pianist. He was very influential in the gospel song movement. Return to 1921, 1927 Dunbar, Paul Laurence (1872-1906) African-American poet, author of the poems used by William Grant Still in the Afro-American Symphony Return to 1896, 1898 Ellington, Duke (1899-1974) Jazz composer, bandleader, and pianist; one of the leading figures in Big Band jazz during the 1930s and 1940s. Return to 1899, 1931, 1932, 1965, 1974 Europe, James (1881-1919) African-American composer, conductor, and bandleader; Europe's orchestras included traditional symphonic instruments and such instruments as mandolins, banjos, harp-guitars, and saxophones, specializing in music by black composers. He was stabbed to death by one of his drummers in 1919, at the height of his musical popularity. Return to 1912, 1918 Fitzgerald, Ella (1918- ) Jazz singer; she worked with most of the leading performers and groups of the day. She is especially well-known for her scat-singing and vocal improvisations. Grammys: vocal (1958, 1959, 1960, 1962), jazz vocal (1958, 1959, 1976, 1979), vocal album (1960) Return to 1934 Franklin, Aretha (1942-- ) Singer and recording artist. Grammys: rhythm & blues (1967), rhythm & blues vocal (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974), gospel (1972) Return to 1987 Garner, Errol L (1921-1977) Jazz pianist. He was completely self-taught and never learned to read music. His style was unique and called for a level of virtuosity seldom approached since. Return to 1950 Gillespie, Dizzy (1917-1993) Jazz trumpeter and bandleader, one of the founders of the bebop jazz style. His nickname is said to have come from his wild playing and facial expressions. Return to 1944 Hampton, Lionel (1909- ) Drums and vibraharp. Worked with Les Hite, Eddie Elkins, Benny Goodman Quartet, Louis Armstrong and organized his own band that had international tours. Documentary film: No maps on my taps. Return to 1936 Handy, W[illiam] C[hristopher] (1873-1958) The "Father of the Blues"; as a composer, he helped bridge the lighter ragtime sound to the more direct emotional appeal of the blues. His two most famous compositions are "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues." Return to 1909, 1912, 1914, 1916, 1919, 1921, 1928 Hanson, Howard (1896-1981) American composer, conductor, and educator; he helped the Eastman School of Music achieve national prominence during his long tenure there. Return to 1931 Hines, Earl (1905-1983) Composer, jazz pianist and band leader. First of a small number of pianists whose playing had an impact on the direction of jazz. He formed his own band and also recorded with Louis Armstrong. Return to 1945 Holiday, Billie (1915-1959) Jazz singer. Billie Holiday is considered to be one of the foremost female jazz singers and "master of the blues." Return to 1938 Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Dixon, Dean (1915-1976) Return to 1948, 1970 Domino, "Fats" (Antoine Domino) (1928- ) Pianist, singer, songwriter. Known especially for his particular boogie-woogie style. Return to 1955 Dorsey, "Georgia Tom" Thomas (1899-1993) African-American blues singer, gospel songwriter and pianist. He was very influential in the gospel song movement. Return to 1921, 1927 Dunbar, Paul Laurence (1872-1906) African-American poet, author of the poems used by William Grant Still in the Afro-American Symphony Return to 1896, 1898 Ellington, Duke (1899-1974) Jazz composer, bandleader, and pianist; one of the leading figures in Big Band jazz during the 1930s and 1940s. Return to 1899, 1931, 1932, 1965, 1974 Europe, James (1881-1919) African-American composer, conductor, and bandleader; Europe's orchestras included traditional symphonic instruments and such instruments as mandolins, banjos, harp-guitars, and saxophones, specializing in music by black composers. He was stabbed to death by one of his drummers in 1919, at the height of his musical popularity. Return to 1912, 1918 Fitzgerald, Ella (1918- ) Jazz singer; she worked with most of the leading performers and groups of the day. She is especially well-known for her scat-singing and vocal improvisations. Grammys: vocal (1958, 1959, 1960, 1962), jazz vocal (1958, 1959, 1976, 1979), vocal album (1960) Return to 1934 Franklin, Aretha (1942-- ) Singer and recording artist. Grammys: rhythm & blues (1967), rhythm & blues vocal (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974), gospel (1972) Return to 1987 Garner, Errol L (1921-1977) Jazz pianist. He was completely self-taught and never learned to read music. His style was unique and called for a level of virtuosity seldom approached since. Return to 1950 Gillespie, Dizzy (1917-1993) Jazz trumpeter and bandleader, one of the founders of the bebop jazz style. His nickname is said to have come from his wild playing and facial expressions. Return to 1944 Hampton, Lionel (1909- ) Drums and vibraharp. Worked with Les Hite, Eddie Elkins, Benny Goodman Quartet, Louis Armstrong and organized his own band that had international tours. Documentary film: No maps on my taps. Return to 1936 Handy, W[illiam] C[hristopher] (1873-1958) The "Father of the Blues"; as a composer, he helped bridge the lighter ragtime sound to the more direct emotional appeal of the blues. His two most famous compositions are "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues." Return to 1909, 1912, 1914, 1916, 1919, 1921, 1928 Hanson, Howard (1896-1981) American composer, conductor, and educator; he helped the Eastman School of Music achieve national prominence during his long tenure there. Return to 1931 Hines, Earl (1905-1983) Composer, jazz pianist and band leader. First of a small number of pianists whose playing had an impact on the direction of jazz. He formed his own band and also recorded with Louis Armstrong. Return to 1945 Holiday, Billie (1915-1959) Jazz singer. Billie Holiday is considered to be one of the foremost female jazz singers and "master of the blues." Return to 1938 Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Domino, "Fats" (Antoine Domino) (1928- ) Pianist, singer, songwriter. Known especially for his particular boogie-woogie style. Return to 1955 Dorsey, "Georgia Tom" Thomas (1899-1993) African-American blues singer, gospel songwriter and pianist. He was very influential in the gospel song movement. Return to 1921, 1927 Dunbar, Paul Laurence (1872-1906) African-American poet, author of the poems used by William Grant Still in the Afro-American Symphony Return to 1896, 1898 Ellington, Duke (1899-1974) Jazz composer, bandleader, and pianist; one of the leading figures in Big Band jazz during the 1930s and 1940s. Return to 1899, 1931, 1932, 1965, 1974 Europe, James (1881-1919) African-American composer, conductor, and bandleader; Europe's orchestras included traditional symphonic instruments and such instruments as mandolins, banjos, harp-guitars, and saxophones, specializing in music by black composers. He was stabbed to death by one of his drummers in 1919, at the height of his musical popularity. Return to 1912, 1918 Fitzgerald, Ella (1918- ) Jazz singer; she worked with most of the leading performers and groups of the day. She is especially well-known for her scat-singing and vocal improvisations. Grammys: vocal (1958, 1959, 1960, 1962), jazz vocal (1958, 1959, 1976, 1979), vocal album (1960) Return to 1934 Franklin, Aretha (1942-- ) Singer and recording artist. Grammys: rhythm & blues (1967), rhythm & blues vocal (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974), gospel (1972) Return to 1987 Garner, Errol L (1921-1977) Jazz pianist. He was completely self-taught and never learned to read music. His style was unique and called for a level of virtuosity seldom approached since. Return to 1950 Gillespie, Dizzy (1917-1993) Jazz trumpeter and bandleader, one of the founders of the bebop jazz style. His nickname is said to have come from his wild playing and facial expressions. Return to 1944 Hampton, Lionel (1909- ) Drums and vibraharp. Worked with Les Hite, Eddie Elkins, Benny Goodman Quartet, Louis Armstrong and organized his own band that had international tours. Documentary film: No maps on my taps. Return to 1936 Handy, W[illiam] C[hristopher] (1873-1958) The "Father of the Blues"; as a composer, he helped bridge the lighter ragtime sound to the more direct emotional appeal of the blues. His two most famous compositions are "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues." Return to 1909, 1912, 1914, 1916, 1919, 1921, 1928 Hanson, Howard (1896-1981) American composer, conductor, and educator; he helped the Eastman School of Music achieve national prominence during his long tenure there. Return to 1931 Hines, Earl (1905-1983) Composer, jazz pianist and band leader. First of a small number of pianists whose playing had an impact on the direction of jazz. He formed his own band and also recorded with Louis Armstrong. Return to 1945 Holiday, Billie (1915-1959) Jazz singer. Billie Holiday is considered to be one of the foremost female jazz singers and "master of the blues." Return to 1938 Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Dorsey, "Georgia Tom" Thomas (1899-1993) African-American blues singer, gospel songwriter and pianist. He was very influential in the gospel song movement. Return to 1921, 1927 Dunbar, Paul Laurence (1872-1906) African-American poet, author of the poems used by William Grant Still in the Afro-American Symphony Return to 1896, 1898 Ellington, Duke (1899-1974) Jazz composer, bandleader, and pianist; one of the leading figures in Big Band jazz during the 1930s and 1940s. Return to 1899, 1931, 1932, 1965, 1974 Europe, James (1881-1919) African-American composer, conductor, and bandleader; Europe's orchestras included traditional symphonic instruments and such instruments as mandolins, banjos, harp-guitars, and saxophones, specializing in music by black composers. He was stabbed to death by one of his drummers in 1919, at the height of his musical popularity. Return to 1912, 1918 Fitzgerald, Ella (1918- ) Jazz singer; she worked with most of the leading performers and groups of the day. She is especially well-known for her scat-singing and vocal improvisations. Grammys: vocal (1958, 1959, 1960, 1962), jazz vocal (1958, 1959, 1976, 1979), vocal album (1960) Return to 1934 Franklin, Aretha (1942-- ) Singer and recording artist. Grammys: rhythm & blues (1967), rhythm & blues vocal (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974), gospel (1972) Return to 1987 Garner, Errol L (1921-1977) Jazz pianist. He was completely self-taught and never learned to read music. His style was unique and called for a level of virtuosity seldom approached since. Return to 1950 Gillespie, Dizzy (1917-1993) Jazz trumpeter and bandleader, one of the founders of the bebop jazz style. His nickname is said to have come from his wild playing and facial expressions. Return to 1944 Hampton, Lionel (1909- ) Drums and vibraharp. Worked with Les Hite, Eddie Elkins, Benny Goodman Quartet, Louis Armstrong and organized his own band that had international tours. Documentary film: No maps on my taps. Return to 1936 Handy, W[illiam] C[hristopher] (1873-1958) The "Father of the Blues"; as a composer, he helped bridge the lighter ragtime sound to the more direct emotional appeal of the blues. His two most famous compositions are "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues." Return to 1909, 1912, 1914, 1916, 1919, 1921, 1928 Hanson, Howard (1896-1981) American composer, conductor, and educator; he helped the Eastman School of Music achieve national prominence during his long tenure there. Return to 1931 Hines, Earl (1905-1983) Composer, jazz pianist and band leader. First of a small number of pianists whose playing had an impact on the direction of jazz. He formed his own band and also recorded with Louis Armstrong. Return to 1945 Holiday, Billie (1915-1959) Jazz singer. Billie Holiday is considered to be one of the foremost female jazz singers and "master of the blues." Return to 1938 Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Dunbar, Paul Laurence (1872-1906) African-American poet, author of the poems used by William Grant Still in the Afro-American Symphony Return to 1896, 1898 Ellington, Duke (1899-1974) Jazz composer, bandleader, and pianist; one of the leading figures in Big Band jazz during the 1930s and 1940s. Return to 1899, 1931, 1932, 1965, 1974 Europe, James (1881-1919) African-American composer, conductor, and bandleader; Europe's orchestras included traditional symphonic instruments and such instruments as mandolins, banjos, harp-guitars, and saxophones, specializing in music by black composers. He was stabbed to death by one of his drummers in 1919, at the height of his musical popularity. Return to 1912, 1918 Fitzgerald, Ella (1918- ) Jazz singer; she worked with most of the leading performers and groups of the day. She is especially well-known for her scat-singing and vocal improvisations. Grammys: vocal (1958, 1959, 1960, 1962), jazz vocal (1958, 1959, 1976, 1979), vocal album (1960) Return to 1934 Franklin, Aretha (1942-- ) Singer and recording artist. Grammys: rhythm & blues (1967), rhythm & blues vocal (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974), gospel (1972) Return to 1987 Garner, Errol L (1921-1977) Jazz pianist. He was completely self-taught and never learned to read music. His style was unique and called for a level of virtuosity seldom approached since. Return to 1950 Gillespie, Dizzy (1917-1993) Jazz trumpeter and bandleader, one of the founders of the bebop jazz style. His nickname is said to have come from his wild playing and facial expressions. Return to 1944 Hampton, Lionel (1909- ) Drums and vibraharp. Worked with Les Hite, Eddie Elkins, Benny Goodman Quartet, Louis Armstrong and organized his own band that had international tours. Documentary film: No maps on my taps. Return to 1936 Handy, W[illiam] C[hristopher] (1873-1958) The "Father of the Blues"; as a composer, he helped bridge the lighter ragtime sound to the more direct emotional appeal of the blues. His two most famous compositions are "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues." Return to 1909, 1912, 1914, 1916, 1919, 1921, 1928 Hanson, Howard (1896-1981) American composer, conductor, and educator; he helped the Eastman School of Music achieve national prominence during his long tenure there. Return to 1931 Hines, Earl (1905-1983) Composer, jazz pianist and band leader. First of a small number of pianists whose playing had an impact on the direction of jazz. He formed his own band and also recorded with Louis Armstrong. Return to 1945 Holiday, Billie (1915-1959) Jazz singer. Billie Holiday is considered to be one of the foremost female jazz singers and "master of the blues." Return to 1938 Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Ellington, Duke (1899-1974) Jazz composer, bandleader, and pianist; one of the leading figures in Big Band jazz during the 1930s and 1940s. Return to 1899, 1931, 1932, 1965, 1974 Europe, James (1881-1919) African-American composer, conductor, and bandleader; Europe's orchestras included traditional symphonic instruments and such instruments as mandolins, banjos, harp-guitars, and saxophones, specializing in music by black composers. He was stabbed to death by one of his drummers in 1919, at the height of his musical popularity. Return to 1912, 1918 Fitzgerald, Ella (1918- ) Jazz singer; she worked with most of the leading performers and groups of the day. She is especially well-known for her scat-singing and vocal improvisations. Grammys: vocal (1958, 1959, 1960, 1962), jazz vocal (1958, 1959, 1976, 1979), vocal album (1960) Return to 1934 Franklin, Aretha (1942-- ) Singer and recording artist. Grammys: rhythm & blues (1967), rhythm & blues vocal (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974), gospel (1972) Return to 1987 Garner, Errol L (1921-1977) Jazz pianist. He was completely self-taught and never learned to read music. His style was unique and called for a level of virtuosity seldom approached since. Return to 1950 Gillespie, Dizzy (1917-1993) Jazz trumpeter and bandleader, one of the founders of the bebop jazz style. His nickname is said to have come from his wild playing and facial expressions. Return to 1944 Hampton, Lionel (1909- ) Drums and vibraharp. Worked with Les Hite, Eddie Elkins, Benny Goodman Quartet, Louis Armstrong and organized his own band that had international tours. Documentary film: No maps on my taps. Return to 1936 Handy, W[illiam] C[hristopher] (1873-1958) The "Father of the Blues"; as a composer, he helped bridge the lighter ragtime sound to the more direct emotional appeal of the blues. His two most famous compositions are "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues." Return to 1909, 1912, 1914, 1916, 1919, 1921, 1928 Hanson, Howard (1896-1981) American composer, conductor, and educator; he helped the Eastman School of Music achieve national prominence during his long tenure there. Return to 1931 Hines, Earl (1905-1983) Composer, jazz pianist and band leader. First of a small number of pianists whose playing had an impact on the direction of jazz. He formed his own band and also recorded with Louis Armstrong. Return to 1945 Holiday, Billie (1915-1959) Jazz singer. Billie Holiday is considered to be one of the foremost female jazz singers and "master of the blues." Return to 1938 Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Europe, James (1881-1919) African-American composer, conductor, and bandleader; Europe's orchestras included traditional symphonic instruments and such instruments as mandolins, banjos, harp-guitars, and saxophones, specializing in music by black composers. He was stabbed to death by one of his drummers in 1919, at the height of his musical popularity. Return to 1912, 1918 Fitzgerald, Ella (1918- ) Jazz singer; she worked with most of the leading performers and groups of the day. She is especially well-known for her scat-singing and vocal improvisations. Grammys: vocal (1958, 1959, 1960, 1962), jazz vocal (1958, 1959, 1976, 1979), vocal album (1960) Return to 1934 Franklin, Aretha (1942-- ) Singer and recording artist. Grammys: rhythm & blues (1967), rhythm & blues vocal (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974), gospel (1972) Return to 1987 Garner, Errol L (1921-1977) Jazz pianist. He was completely self-taught and never learned to read music. His style was unique and called for a level of virtuosity seldom approached since. Return to 1950 Gillespie, Dizzy (1917-1993) Jazz trumpeter and bandleader, one of the founders of the bebop jazz style. His nickname is said to have come from his wild playing and facial expressions. Return to 1944 Hampton, Lionel (1909- ) Drums and vibraharp. Worked with Les Hite, Eddie Elkins, Benny Goodman Quartet, Louis Armstrong and organized his own band that had international tours. Documentary film: No maps on my taps. Return to 1936 Handy, W[illiam] C[hristopher] (1873-1958) The "Father of the Blues"; as a composer, he helped bridge the lighter ragtime sound to the more direct emotional appeal of the blues. His two most famous compositions are "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues." Return to 1909, 1912, 1914, 1916, 1919, 1921, 1928 Hanson, Howard (1896-1981) American composer, conductor, and educator; he helped the Eastman School of Music achieve national prominence during his long tenure there. Return to 1931 Hines, Earl (1905-1983) Composer, jazz pianist and band leader. First of a small number of pianists whose playing had an impact on the direction of jazz. He formed his own band and also recorded with Louis Armstrong. Return to 1945 Holiday, Billie (1915-1959) Jazz singer. Billie Holiday is considered to be one of the foremost female jazz singers and "master of the blues." Return to 1938 Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Fitzgerald, Ella (1918- ) Jazz singer; she worked with most of the leading performers and groups of the day. She is especially well-known for her scat-singing and vocal improvisations. Grammys: vocal (1958, 1959, 1960, 1962), jazz vocal (1958, 1959, 1976, 1979), vocal album (1960) Return to 1934 Franklin, Aretha (1942-- ) Singer and recording artist. Grammys: rhythm & blues (1967), rhythm & blues vocal (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974), gospel (1972) Return to 1987 Garner, Errol L (1921-1977) Jazz pianist. He was completely self-taught and never learned to read music. His style was unique and called for a level of virtuosity seldom approached since. Return to 1950 Gillespie, Dizzy (1917-1993) Jazz trumpeter and bandleader, one of the founders of the bebop jazz style. His nickname is said to have come from his wild playing and facial expressions. Return to 1944 Hampton, Lionel (1909- ) Drums and vibraharp. Worked with Les Hite, Eddie Elkins, Benny Goodman Quartet, Louis Armstrong and organized his own band that had international tours. Documentary film: No maps on my taps. Return to 1936 Handy, W[illiam] C[hristopher] (1873-1958) The "Father of the Blues"; as a composer, he helped bridge the lighter ragtime sound to the more direct emotional appeal of the blues. His two most famous compositions are "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues." Return to 1909, 1912, 1914, 1916, 1919, 1921, 1928 Hanson, Howard (1896-1981) American composer, conductor, and educator; he helped the Eastman School of Music achieve national prominence during his long tenure there. Return to 1931 Hines, Earl (1905-1983) Composer, jazz pianist and band leader. First of a small number of pianists whose playing had an impact on the direction of jazz. He formed his own band and also recorded with Louis Armstrong. Return to 1945 Holiday, Billie (1915-1959) Jazz singer. Billie Holiday is considered to be one of the foremost female jazz singers and "master of the blues." Return to 1938 Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Franklin, Aretha (1942-- ) Singer and recording artist. Grammys: rhythm & blues (1967), rhythm & blues vocal (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974), gospel (1972) Return to 1987 Garner, Errol L (1921-1977) Jazz pianist. He was completely self-taught and never learned to read music. His style was unique and called for a level of virtuosity seldom approached since. Return to 1950 Gillespie, Dizzy (1917-1993) Jazz trumpeter and bandleader, one of the founders of the bebop jazz style. His nickname is said to have come from his wild playing and facial expressions. Return to 1944 Hampton, Lionel (1909- ) Drums and vibraharp. Worked with Les Hite, Eddie Elkins, Benny Goodman Quartet, Louis Armstrong and organized his own band that had international tours. Documentary film: No maps on my taps. Return to 1936 Handy, W[illiam] C[hristopher] (1873-1958) The "Father of the Blues"; as a composer, he helped bridge the lighter ragtime sound to the more direct emotional appeal of the blues. His two most famous compositions are "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues." Return to 1909, 1912, 1914, 1916, 1919, 1921, 1928 Hanson, Howard (1896-1981) American composer, conductor, and educator; he helped the Eastman School of Music achieve national prominence during his long tenure there. Return to 1931 Hines, Earl (1905-1983) Composer, jazz pianist and band leader. First of a small number of pianists whose playing had an impact on the direction of jazz. He formed his own band and also recorded with Louis Armstrong. Return to 1945 Holiday, Billie (1915-1959) Jazz singer. Billie Holiday is considered to be one of the foremost female jazz singers and "master of the blues." Return to 1938 Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Garner, Errol L (1921-1977) Jazz pianist. He was completely self-taught and never learned to read music. His style was unique and called for a level of virtuosity seldom approached since. Return to 1950 Gillespie, Dizzy (1917-1993) Jazz trumpeter and bandleader, one of the founders of the bebop jazz style. His nickname is said to have come from his wild playing and facial expressions. Return to 1944 Hampton, Lionel (1909- ) Drums and vibraharp. Worked with Les Hite, Eddie Elkins, Benny Goodman Quartet, Louis Armstrong and organized his own band that had international tours. Documentary film: No maps on my taps. Return to 1936 Handy, W[illiam] C[hristopher] (1873-1958) The "Father of the Blues"; as a composer, he helped bridge the lighter ragtime sound to the more direct emotional appeal of the blues. His two most famous compositions are "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues." Return to 1909, 1912, 1914, 1916, 1919, 1921, 1928 Hanson, Howard (1896-1981) American composer, conductor, and educator; he helped the Eastman School of Music achieve national prominence during his long tenure there. Return to 1931 Hines, Earl (1905-1983) Composer, jazz pianist and band leader. First of a small number of pianists whose playing had an impact on the direction of jazz. He formed his own band and also recorded with Louis Armstrong. Return to 1945 Holiday, Billie (1915-1959) Jazz singer. Billie Holiday is considered to be one of the foremost female jazz singers and "master of the blues." Return to 1938 Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Gillespie, Dizzy (1917-1993) Jazz trumpeter and bandleader, one of the founders of the bebop jazz style. His nickname is said to have come from his wild playing and facial expressions. Return to 1944 Hampton, Lionel (1909- ) Drums and vibraharp. Worked with Les Hite, Eddie Elkins, Benny Goodman Quartet, Louis Armstrong and organized his own band that had international tours. Documentary film: No maps on my taps. Return to 1936 Handy, W[illiam] C[hristopher] (1873-1958) The "Father of the Blues"; as a composer, he helped bridge the lighter ragtime sound to the more direct emotional appeal of the blues. His two most famous compositions are "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues." Return to 1909, 1912, 1914, 1916, 1919, 1921, 1928 Hanson, Howard (1896-1981) American composer, conductor, and educator; he helped the Eastman School of Music achieve national prominence during his long tenure there. Return to 1931 Hines, Earl (1905-1983) Composer, jazz pianist and band leader. First of a small number of pianists whose playing had an impact on the direction of jazz. He formed his own band and also recorded with Louis Armstrong. Return to 1945 Holiday, Billie (1915-1959) Jazz singer. Billie Holiday is considered to be one of the foremost female jazz singers and "master of the blues." Return to 1938 Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Hampton, Lionel (1909- ) Drums and vibraharp. Worked with Les Hite, Eddie Elkins, Benny Goodman Quartet, Louis Armstrong and organized his own band that had international tours. Documentary film: No maps on my taps. Return to 1936 Handy, W[illiam] C[hristopher] (1873-1958) The "Father of the Blues"; as a composer, he helped bridge the lighter ragtime sound to the more direct emotional appeal of the blues. His two most famous compositions are "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues." Return to 1909, 1912, 1914, 1916, 1919, 1921, 1928 Hanson, Howard (1896-1981) American composer, conductor, and educator; he helped the Eastman School of Music achieve national prominence during his long tenure there. Return to 1931 Hines, Earl (1905-1983) Composer, jazz pianist and band leader. First of a small number of pianists whose playing had an impact on the direction of jazz. He formed his own band and also recorded with Louis Armstrong. Return to 1945 Holiday, Billie (1915-1959) Jazz singer. Billie Holiday is considered to be one of the foremost female jazz singers and "master of the blues." Return to 1938 Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Handy, W[illiam] C[hristopher] (1873-1958) The "Father of the Blues"; as a composer, he helped bridge the lighter ragtime sound to the more direct emotional appeal of the blues. His two most famous compositions are "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues." Return to 1909, 1912, 1914, 1916, 1919, 1921, 1928 Hanson, Howard (1896-1981) American composer, conductor, and educator; he helped the Eastman School of Music achieve national prominence during his long tenure there. Return to 1931 Hines, Earl (1905-1983) Composer, jazz pianist and band leader. First of a small number of pianists whose playing had an impact on the direction of jazz. He formed his own band and also recorded with Louis Armstrong. Return to 1945 Holiday, Billie (1915-1959) Jazz singer. Billie Holiday is considered to be one of the foremost female jazz singers and "master of the blues." Return to 1938 Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Hanson, Howard (1896-1981) American composer, conductor, and educator; he helped the Eastman School of Music achieve national prominence during his long tenure there. Return to 1931 Hines, Earl (1905-1983) Composer, jazz pianist and band leader. First of a small number of pianists whose playing had an impact on the direction of jazz. He formed his own band and also recorded with Louis Armstrong. Return to 1945 Holiday, Billie (1915-1959) Jazz singer. Billie Holiday is considered to be one of the foremost female jazz singers and "master of the blues." Return to 1938 Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Hines, Earl (1905-1983) Composer, jazz pianist and band leader. First of a small number of pianists whose playing had an impact on the direction of jazz. He formed his own band and also recorded with Louis Armstrong. Return to 1945 Holiday, Billie (1915-1959) Jazz singer. Billie Holiday is considered to be one of the foremost female jazz singers and "master of the blues." Return to 1938 Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Holiday, Billie (1915-1959) Jazz singer. Billie Holiday is considered to be one of the foremost female jazz singers and "master of the blues." Return to 1938 Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972) Gospel singer; she toured internationally and was one of the most widely-recognized black gospel singers. Her tastes in music were strictly spiritual-- she refused to appear in night clubs. Return to 1934, 1946, 1950 Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Jackson, Michael (1958- ) Popular singer and songwriter. He is a best selling recording artist known for his distinctive style and inventive stage performances. Return to 1969, 1982 Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Jessye, Eva (1895-1992) Choir: toured widely throughout the U.S. Jessye also helped to train numerous black choruses and promoted the performance of black spirituals. Return to 1926 Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Johnson, Hall (1887-1970) African-American choral conductor and composer. His choir had notable appearances in productions of Green pastures and Lost horizons. Return to 1933 Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) African-American Lyricist and writer on music. He and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson produced many "hit" songs. He was alsoFlorida's first black attorney. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Johnson, J[ohn] Rosamond (1873-1954) African-American songwriter, composer and performer. He and his brother, James Weldon Johnson, produced many "hit" songs. Return to 1900, 1901, 1906 Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Joplin, Scott (1868-1917) Pianist and composer; he developed the piano rag as a combination of European form and African-American dance music. His piano miniatures have been compared to the "native" dances of such European composers as Chopin. Return to 1899, 1911, 1917, 1972 Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Kay, Ulysses Simpson (1917-1995) African-American composer. Unlike other composers of his generation, Kay was only moderately influenced by folk music, composing in a neoclassical style with masterly use of instrumentation. Return to 1972, 1976 Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Lewis, Henry (1932- ) Conductor, double bassist. Lewis played bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the first part of his career. Later he conducted many of the major American and European orchestras. Return to 1968 Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Logan, Wendell (1940- ) Composer and educator. He was influenced by the music of James Brown, Fats Domino. He is the author of Primer for keyboard improvisation in the jazz/rock idiom. Return to 1940 Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Maynor, Dorothy (1910- ) African-American soprano. She has sung with all the major American and European orchestra. In 1963 she founded the Harlem School of the Arts. Return to 1965 Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Monk, Thelonius (1917-1982) Jazz pianist and composer; he spent most of his life in New York City. Monk was at the forefront of bebop jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, creating a highly individual style. Return to 1917, 1964 Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Moore, Undine Smith (1904-1989) African-American composer and educator. She attended Fisk University, Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. She co-founded the Black Music Center in 1969. Return to 1969 Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Morton, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" (1890-1941) Ragtime, blues, and jazz pianist and composer; he was also a night-club owner and professional gambler. His music shows the influence of black, white, and Hispanic styles and occupies an important place in the early history of jazz. Return to 1915, 1939 Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Norman, Jessye (1945- ) African-American soprano; her wide-ranging repertoire includes opera and German, French, and Russian songs. She is regarded as one of the most versatile singers in music. Return to 1969 Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Parker, Charlie (Charles Christopher, Jr.) (1920--1955) Jazz alto saxophonist, nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird." He was one of the key originators and leaders of the bebop style, which emphasized virtuosic technique, speed, complex harmonies, and small ensembles. Return to 1920, 1944 Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Peterson, Oscar (1925- ) Jazz pianist. One of the greatest solo pianists in jazz history, he combined classical technique with jazz impovisation. Return to 1949 Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Price, Florence (1888-1953) African-American teacher and composer; one of the first black women to write symphonies. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.