african american entertainers

Presents the life and accomplishments of Chadwick Boseman, the actor who portrays the Black Panther.

A portrait of the performer and civil rights advocate Josephine Baker.

A collection of poems that look at African American performers before and after the Civil War up to World War One.

Imagine a world in which gospel, the blues, jazz, R&B, and rock 'n' roll didn't exist. These indigenous American musical forms are the product of, and a moving expression of the African American experience. Musical geniuses and innovators like Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Bessie Smith, B. B. King, and Jimi Hendrix turned individual and collective histories of suffering and injustice into soul-stirring, monumental art that shattered boundaries, shifted perceptions, and contributed to progress in civil rights. Their efforts were matched by other African Americans in the entertainment field, like Jackie Robinson, Josephine Baker, and Sidney Poitier. A celebration of music, movies, and a growing movement for equality, this collection will inspire, enlighten, and energize teen readers.

Bill "Bojangles" Robinson was known for his incredible dancing skills, but there was so much more to him. Learn about his life, his tap dancing, and his influence during the Harlem Renaissance and beyond.

Chronicles the life of Sammy Davis, Jr., discussing his introduction to the stage at age four, his struggle to survive the Depression while performing on the vaudeville stage, the singing act that led to recording contracts, his friendships with other legendary performers, and other related topics.

A biography of African American dancer Josephine Baker written by her adopted son. Describes Baker as a performer, an activist, an adoptive mother, and a friend to world leaders. Discusses her loves, her bisexuality, her conflicted feelings about her heritage, and her legacy.

Biography of Josephine Baker that focuses on her time in Paris and her family of twelve racially diverse adopted children.

Chronicles the life of actor Eddie Murphy, discussing his childhood, schooling, years on "Saturday Night Live," personal life, film roles, and impact on the African-American community.

Recounts the story of the Horne family spanning eight generations and describing America's developing black middle class by Lena Horne's daughter.