African-American pianist Fats Waller wrote such jazz standards as "Ain't Misbehavin'" and earned fame for his comedic radio performances in the 1930s. Synopsis Born on May 21, 1904, in New York City, Fats Waller was influenced as a teenager by jazz great James P. Johnson. He proved a gifted piano player and songwriter, delivering such… Continue reading Fats Waller (1904–1943)
Profile: Dinah Washington
Synopsis Dinah Washington sang in and played the piano for her church choir and in 1939 began to sing and play piano in various Chicago nightclubs. From 1943 to 1946 she sang with the Lionel Hampton band and in 1946 began a successful solo career. During the period from 1949 to 1955, her recordings were… Continue reading Profile: Dinah Washington
Profile: Steve Biko
Synopsis Born in South Africa in 1946, Steve Biko co-founded the South African Students' Organization in 1968, subsequently spearheading the nation's Black Consciousness Movement, and co-founded the Black People's Convention in 1972. Biko was arrested many times for his anti-apartheid work and, on September 12, 1977, died from injuries that he'd sustained while in police… Continue reading Profile: Steve Biko
Profile: Marian Anderson
Who Was Marian Anderson? Born February 27, 1897, in Philadelphia, Marian Anderson displayed vocal talent as a child, but her family could not afford to pay for formal training. Members of her church congregation raised funds for her to attend a music school for a year, and in 1955 she became the first African American… Continue reading Profile: Marian Anderson
Profile: Sarah Vaughan
Synopsis Born on March 27, 1924, in Newark, New Jersey, Sarah Vaughan grew up with a love of music and performing. Winning a talent competition held at Harlem's Apollo Theater launched her singing career. She worked with bandleaders Earl Hines and Billy Eckstine before becoming a successful solo performer who commingled pop and jazz. At… Continue reading Profile: Sarah Vaughan
Profile: Alvin Ailey
Born in Texas in 1931, Alvin Ailey was a choreographer who founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1958. It was a hugely popular, multi-racial modern dance ensemble that popularized modern dance around the world thanks to extensive world tours. His most famous dance is Revelations, a celebratory study of religious spirit. Ailey… Continue reading Profile: Alvin Ailey
Profile: Ella Fitzgerald (1917-1996)
Born in 1917, Ella Fitzgerald turned to singing after a troubled childhood and debuted at the Apollo Theater in 1934. Discovered in an amateur contest, she went on to become the top female jazz singer for decades. In 1958, Fitzgerald made history as the first African-American woman to win a Grammy Award. Due in no small… Continue reading Profile: Ella Fitzgerald (1917-1996)
