RESEARCH PAPER (600 words min.)
Research a musical artist or group that has made a significant contribution to popular music or jazz.
A list of topics can be found on the last page of this syllabus. To avoid duplication of topics by your fellow
classmates, your choice of artist or group must be approved by the instructor. This paper (and the other
two papers) must be in your own words! Papers will be checked for plagiarism. Papers plagiarized from the
internet or any other source will receive an F grade! In addition to biographical information, explain why
you think the artist or group is important. Listen to recordings of your artist or group and see any videos that
might be available (some are listed on my web site). You must include a bibliography page listing the
sources for your paper. You must have at least three sources. Web pages are acceptable, but you must
have at least one source that is not from the internet (a book, magazine, newspaper, or encyclopedia article).
Recommended Artists for Research Paper
Scott Joplin Antonio Carlos Jobim The Beach Boys Quincy Jones
Benny Goodman Billie Holiday Aretha Franklin Bob Marley
Louis Armstrong Ella Fitzgerald Tito Puente Jerry Lee Lewis
Jelly Roll Morton The Rolling Stones Bill Haley Carlos Santana
John Coltrane Elvis Presley Frank Sinatra Eric Clapton
Bessie Smith James Brown Jimi Hendrix Janis Joplin
Bing Crosby The Temptations Bob Dylan Nat King Cole
Miles Davis Chuck Berry Hank Williams George Gershwin
Duke Ellington The Beatles Buddy Holly Chick Corea
Count Basie Stevie Wonder Muddy Waters Sun Ra
Charlie Parker Little Richard Ruben Blades Celia Cruz
Dizzy Gillespie B.B. King Ray Charles Benny More
Thelonious Monk Weather Report Herbie Hancock Sarah Vaughan
