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Born in 1923, this singer/songwriter he has become an icon of country music and one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. His songbook is one of the backbones of country music and has been covered in a range of pop and rock styles. After his premature death at age 29, his legend reached mythic proportions.

An extension of the symphonic poem, program music composed for orchestra, but in multiple descriptive movements.

The large instrumental ensembles used to play swing music. It included 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, 2 alto saxes, 2 tenor saxes, 1 bari sax, and a full rhythm section. Some bands added clarinet, vocalist, even strings. The style limited improvisation and was most popular in the 1930’s and 1940’s.

Born in Albany, Georgia in 1923, he is well known for his innovation in blending popular music into his rhythm and blues performances and recordings. His work reflects inspiration from gospel, blues, jazz, pop, rock, R&B, soul and country musics. As a vocalist, he was originally inspired by pianist/songwriter Nat King Cole and his early recordings reflect that influence.

This early style of jazz that began in New Orleans and was originally learned by imitation

This style of writing music for the piano is the predecessor to jazz. It incorporates strong beats accented by a bouncing left hand part with syncopated melodies played by the right hand.  

A style of jazz that followed the swing era and returned to improvisation. It was led by artists such as Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis and returned to small instrumental ensembles (the Quintet).

This battle between union and confederate forces raged from 1861 to 1865 and was the most divisive event in U. S. history.

Music that brings to mind images or associations other than purely musical notions.

This style emerged in 1980’s and was originally rapid recitation in rhyme over sampled sound. Later artists created live musical backgrounds. It began as the voice of inner city America and included vulgar lyrics that glamorize violence, drugs, and street life.