Count Basie 1904-1984 William Basie used his training as an accompanist to develop one of the world’s greatest big bands with a...
Ella Baker 1903-1986 Ella Josephine Baker worked with the leading civil rights activists of her time, and played a critical part in...
Louis Jordan 1908-1975 Louis Jordan was one of the most successful African American musicians of his era, achieving success and popularity across...
Otis Redding 1941-1967 Otis Redding was one of the greatest voices of “Southern Soul.” His rapid rise to broad popularity, culminating with...
Ray Charles 1930-2004 Ray Charles was a multitalented musician who artfully combined disparate musical traditions into his own pioneering genre. He overcame...
