Song recordings After you've gone Childhood days Dear old Southland Everybody's crazy 'bout the doggone blues, but I'm happy Goodbye Alexander, goodbye honey boy If you'll come back I'm waiting for you, 'Liza Jane I've got the finest man Jubilee blues Oh! Frenchy! Strut Miss Lizzie Sweet Emalina, my gal Sweet mamma (Papa's getting mad) Sweet 'n' pretty That's the doctor, Bill Way down yonder in New Orleans When the shadows softly come and go … [Read more...]
Today in History: Stravinsky & Balanchine
Today in History–December 1–the Library of Congress features the New York City Ballet premier of Agon, a collaboration between Igor Stravinsky and George Balanchine, on this date in 1957. Both Russian émigrés and colleagues from the Paris Ballet Russes, Stravinsky was a top composer of ballet music and Balanchine a leading ballet choreographer. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section and clicking the links to related resources below. A Ballet for Balanchine American Treasures of … [Read more...]
Guided Primary Source Analysis: Leonard Bernstein illustrated letter
Leonard Bernstein was a famous American composer and conductor. Don't read the words, just study the illustrations. Zoom into the images online. What is the setting? What is the story? Now read the letter. Challenge yourself to decipher the writing on the pages, then read the transcript. How does the actual letter compare with the story you had in mind from analyzing the illustrations? Write a letter with illustrations to your mother or another special person in your life. Take one or more … [Read more...]
Today in History: George M. Cohan
Today in History–July 3–the Library of Congress features theater maestro George M. Cohan, born on this date in 1878. The multitalented Cohan was a playwright, songwriter, dancer, actor, theater owner, and producer. He also was awarded the Congressional medal of honor for his World War I song "Over There". Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access numerous primary sources. George M. Cohan Was Born from America's Library "Over There" sheet … [Read more...]
Today in History: Dizzy Gillespie
Today in History–January 6–the Library of Congress features jazz great Dizzy Gillespie, who died on this date in 1993. Learn more about the terrific trumpeter-composer-bandleader who was one of the key figures in modern jazz music by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below for related primary sources. Dizzy Gillespie from America's Library Dizzy Gillespie, Carl Van Vechten image set Dizzy Gillespie, William Gottlieb image set "Posin'" Down Beat 13, no. 12 … [Read more...]
Today in History: Aaron Copland
Today in History–November 14–the Library of Congress features composer Aaron Copland, born on this day in 1900. Copland created scores that simplified music and expressed the American experience. Learn more about this prolific artist by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more Copland treasures. Primary sources The Aaron Copland Collection (selections from Copland's music sketches, correspondence, writings, and photographs) Fanfare for the … [Read more...]
Today in History: W.C. Handy & the Blues
Today in History–September 28–the Library of Congress features William Christopher Handy, whose song the "Memphis Blues" was published on this date in 1912. Handy introduced the blues into mainstream music and became known as the father of the blues. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access a rich collection of blues music resources. William Christopher Handy's "Memphis Blues" Was Published September 28, 1912 America's Library W.C. Handy … [Read more...]