african american musicians

Presents biographical profiles of African Americans, both legendary and less well-known, who have made significant contributions to music in the United States over the past 200 years.

Profiles of thirteen African-American jazz musicians, including Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, and Billie Holiday.

A history of jazz, from its roots in blues, ragtime, and swing to its various contemporary manifestations, discussing the major performers and the music's reflection of the experiences of African-Americans.

A biography of the noted jazz trumpeter who got his start with Charlie Parker's quintet and gained fame performing at the first Newport Jazz Festival in 1955.

Examines the life and career of a famous twentieth-century jazz musician.

Profiles notable African-Americans in the field of music, including Ray Charles, Nat King Cole, and Ella Fitzgerald.

Describes the development of the music group that was the first to break Elvis Presley's record for length as number one on the pop chart.

Traces the evolution of the banjo within the African-American community from slavery through emancipation, minstrelsy, segregation, and civil rights, and includes portraits of performers.

In 1963, two teenagers, Dwayne Hallston and his forbidden black friend Larry, hope that their shared love of music will help them maintain their friendship and escape the South.

Presents the life and career of the blind pianist who toured the country after the Civil War, bringing ragtime and other African American music to the concert stage.