 | Louis Armstrong
The greatest American jazz musician, Louis Armstrong (1901-1971), was born and raised in the "birthplace of jazz," New Orleans. More... |
 | Miles Davis
Miles Davis (1926-1991) grew up in East St. Louis, Illinois. His father was a wealthy dentist who was able to provide Miles a privileged life. More... |
 | Charlie Parker
Charlie Parker (1920-1955) spent his childhood in Kansas City, Missouri, one of the hottest jazz spots in the country. More... |
 | Billie Holiday
Billie Holiday (1915-1959) was born in Baltimore, MD. She was placed in the care of her grandparents and an older cousin while her mother left to work in New York City. More... |
 | Ornette Coleman
Ornette Coleman (1930-...) is a saxophonist, composer and bandleader. He spent his childhood in Fort Worth, Texas during the Great Depression, a time when Americans suffered the worst financial crisis in history. More... |
 | Duke Ellington
Duke Ellington (1899-1974) is America's greatest composer. Duke led an orchestra, played piano and composed over 2000 pieces of music. More... |
 | Benny Goodman
Benny Goodman (1909-1986) was born in Chicago's toughest neighborhood, The Maxwell Street Ghetto. More... |
