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Research > Guides > American Music Traditions: African American Music

American Music Traditions:

African American Music

Thelonious Monk

Portrait of Thelonious Monk, Minton's Playhouse, New York, N.Y., ca. Sept. 1947.
Source: The William P. Gottlieb Collection, American Memory Project, Library of Congress.
 
This fascinating collection of celebrated jazz artists documents the jazz scene from 1938 to 1948, primarily in New York City and Washington, D.C.

 

This guide is an introduction to the history of African American musical traditions, featuring a selection of books, dvds and videos from the extensive collections of the Multnomah County Library.

Search the Library Catalog by name of musician or ensemble for CDs, available at Central Library and neighborhood libraries throughout the Portland metropolitan area.

Additionally, Central Library has an excellent collection of music scores, for voice and piano, piano solo, plus for brass, wind, and string instruments in original transcriptions plus arrangements. Original sheet music is available for selections of American popular songs from the late 19th century through the 1990's.

We invite you to explore these collections available to you at the Multnomah County Library.

If you are looking for particular songs or music by specific artists, the library staff is happy to assist you through AskUs! Send an email reference question to our staff any time 24 hours a day 7 days a week, or contact us during library hours.