Music in Our Schools Month: 5 Musicians Featured on Studies Weekly Online

Are you looking for new ways to celebrate Music in Our Schools Month?

Why not teach your elementary students about some of the incredible musicians who have shaped American music? Log into your Studies Weekly Online account to access images and videos of talented artists to foster an appreciation for music in your classroom.

Here are some of the musicians you’ll find featured in Studies Weekly Online.

One of the greatest bandleaders and composers of his time, Duke Ellington helped originate big-band jazz and wrote thousands of songs during his 50-year-long career. His career took off in the 1940s with hit songs such as Concerto for Cootie, Cotton Tail, and Ko-Ko. With a unique blend of melodies, rhythms, and sounds, he championed the swing era and changed Western music forever.

Jazz singer and trumpeter Louis Armstrong was one of the most influential American musicians of the 20th century with hit songs like, What a Wonderful World, Star Dust, and La Vie En Rose. Known for his stage presence and unique vocals, he toured the U.S. with big band groups and played in Hollywood films such as Hello, Dolly with Barbara Steisand, and High Society with Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra.

Multi-Grammy award winner Aretha Franklin became the first female artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. Known as the Queen of Soul, she recorded several Top 10 hits, including Respect, Think, and I Say a Little Prayer. In 2008, she received her 18th Grammy award, making her one of the most honored artists in Grammy history.

Born Riley B. King, B.B. King went from working as a disc jockey in Memphis, Tennessee, to an internationally acclaimed blues and R&B guitarist. Known as the King of the Blues, his music career lasted for decades. He played in over 300 shows a year and won awards for songs such as The Thrill Is Gone and My Guitar Sings the Blues. In 2009, he won his 15th Grammy Award.

By far one of the biggest names in music history, Elvis Presley rose to fame in the 1950s and popularized rock and roll music in America. With 18 No. 1 singles and many gold and platinum albums, he became known as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. After his death in 1977, he was inducted into the country, gospel, and rock and roll Hall of Fame.

To quickly find videos and images of music artists on Studies Weekly Online, click on the Search icon and type “Musicians” into the search bar.