Explore musical genres, their history and origins including African, Blues, Classical/Orchestral, Country/Bluegrass, Cuban/Latin/Salsa, Gospel, Hymns and Spirituals, Gullah Music: Evolution of African Music, Hip-Hop/Rap, Jazz, Musical Theater, Opera, Pop and Soul, Rhythm and Blues, and Rock and Roll. Be sure to view the individual assets that stand alone, just below the Topics, and have not been included in a specific topic or genre.
Also explore our Musical Instruments and Musicians and Music History sections. We also have a section on Holiday Music.
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The music slaves brought with them from Africa came from a variety of different cultures, and it is impossible in the caption for a single image to recount the history of the blending of those...
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John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie (1917- ), a native of Cheraw, began playing the trombone and the trumpet in 1929. He studied harmony and music theory at Laurinburg Institute in North Carolina before...
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Noted South Carolina historian Dr. Walter Edgar discusses the key issues in SC History. in this episode, learn about South Carolina Music and Musicians. Genres of music like spirituals, blues, gospel...
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B.S. Plair of Rock Hill, South Carolina, served for the Montford Point Marines in 1945, until he was honorably discharged in 1946. The Montford Point Marines were based in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina...
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This program for grades Pre K-5th focuses on life skills using music and puppets. Topics include: Jazz Music; Sickle Cell Awareness; Financial Literacy; and Emergency Preparedness. The Auntie Karen...
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Music is another important part of life on the Sea Islands. Most of the Gullah music is found in religious practices. Although spirituals had a Christian message, they were heartfelt expressions of...
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Gullah traditions are the customs, beliefs and ways of life that have been passed down among Sea Island families. Making sweetgrass baskets, quilting, and knitting fishing nets are a few of the crafts...
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The number one conga player in Cuba in the 1930s was Chano Pozo. Chano was the "best of the best," and soon he was playing beside Dizzy in the United States! In the 1940s, Chano and other Cuban...
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During the 1920s, the sound of "rumba" music took over Cuba. Rumba was great to dance to, as it was played with many types of percussion instruments. The congas stood out as rumba's major percussion...
