Composers & Musicians

Taking the Stage as the First Black and White Jazz Band in History by Lesa Cline-Ransome, illus, by James Ransome.

by Jonah Winter, illus. by Keith Mallett.  Visit New Orleans and discover in rhyme and jazzy, colorful art the story of this jazz legend. 

The Story of the Rock and Roll King by Bonnie Christensen.

The Sound of Joy Is Enlightening. Chris Raschka's art imaginatively illustrates this colorful, uplifting life story of the famed jazz musician.  Discography, too.

by M.T. Anderson, illus. Petra Mathers.

by Roxane Orgill, illus. by Francis Vallejo.  The story of Art Kane's famous photo of jazz greats.

George Gershwin Creates Rhapsody in Blue
by Suzanne Slade, illus. by Stacy Innerst.

by Tom Leonard.  Bach saw patterns in everything, which he turned into melodies and song.  The evocative illustrations open a visual door into Bach's vivid imagination of patterns and memories.

by Nina Nolan, illus. by John Holyfield. People might say she was born with nothing. But little Mahalia had something: a voice bigger than she was.

Mike Venezia introduces ages 4-9 to composers with lighthearted cartoons, tales, and source illustrations. 

Mike Venezia introduces ages 4-9 to composers with lighthearted cartoons, tales and source illustrations. 

by Deborah Hopkinson,  illus. by Raul Colon.  The inspirational story about the creation of the Jubilee Singers-the most important black singing group of the 19th century.

By Anna Harwell Celenza, illus. by JoAnn E. Kitchel.  This is a charming story of how Haydn convinces the prince it is time to return home. 

Mike Venezia's lighthearted cartoons illustrate scenes from the composer's life.  

by Anna Harwell Celenza, illus. by Don Tate. "Cats, this isn't the Nutcracker you're used to, " said Billy. 

By Anna Harwell Celenza, illus. by JoAnn E. Kitchel.  How did Bach come to write these masterpieces?  Find out!

by Janice and Tom Shefelman. Told as if by Vivaldi himself, we discover a feisty boy who would fulfill both his mother's vow for him to become a priest and his own artistic gift of music

by Anna Harwell Celenza, illus. by JoAnn Kitchel. Discover the story behind the masterwork, and learn about Beethoven. Very well done for ages 4-12.  

by Helen Bauer. Beethoven and the culture of his time brought to life in 21 activities. 

by Lynne Barasch.  "Black or white, one leg or two, it doesn't matter. Good is good."Clayton danced everywhere he went. He had a heart for dancing. At age 12 his leg had to be amputated. But that didn't stop his desire to dance!