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

by Charlotte Voake.  Jaunty bios for Gr. 4-8 with illustrations, anecdotes, period history and activities. 

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

Remastered original Verve recording of the 1950 studio session with Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonius Monk, Curly Russell and Buddy Rich.

Music of Armstrong from Ken Burns documentary series "Jazz".

Short Sessions on the Lives, Times & Music of the Great Jazz Legends by Ronald C. McCurdy, Ph.D.

If I Only Had a Horn: Young Louis Armstrong by Roxanne Orgill, illus. by Leonard Jenkins & Louis Armstrong in Concert CD.

by Jonah Winter, illus. by Marjorie Priceman. The story of a little girl named Josephine Baker who dances her way from poverty to fame.

by Carole Boston Weatherford, illus. by Sean Qualls.  “Before John was a jazz giant, he was all ears.”

by Bonnie Christensen. Django played guitar in clubs until a fire burned his hands. He developed a compensating techinique and is known as the Greatest Jazz Guitarist. 

by Gary Golio, illus. by Ed Young. A fast-paced rhythmic tribute to the masters of bebop —Charlie "Bird" Parker & Dizzy "Diz" Gillespie.

Remixed by Chris Raschka. A clever visual interpretation of Coltrane's classic, read by Richard Allen as we hear live jazz.

Young Louis Armstrong by Roxanne Orgill, illus. by Leonard Jenkins.

BIRD & DIZ hardback by Gary Golio, illus. by Ed Young and Bird & Diz—the remastered CD of the original 1950 recording

Each biography includes an illustrated hardback and a CD with musical examples keyed to the text, photos and drawings, and suggested activities.

Full-length, rare performances by Billie Holiday, Bessie Smith, Peggy Lee, Lena Horne, Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughan and Ethel Waters.

Starring Steve Allen and Donna Reed

Not only do we hear their great music, but we get a look at the lives of these two talented brothers.