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Individual Databases

Unless otherwise noted, these resources are available on all Chicago Public Library computers or on non-Library computers with your Chicago Public Library card.

Baker’s Biographical Dictionary of Popular Musicians Since 1990 »
From Aaliya to ZZ Top, find short, one-page biographies of musicians popular in the 1990s and first few years of the 21st century. Published in 2003, this online reference book also includes thematic essays on grunge, rap, commercial radio and the business side of the music industry. For a broader range of biographies, from sources such as the 9th edition of Baker’s Biographical Dictionary of Musicians and Contemporary Musicians, use Biography in Context.

EBSCO Magazines & Journals »
Find articles from general interest magazines and scholarly journals, including American Record Guide, Billboard, Opera News and Rolling Stone.

The History of Jazz » teen pick
The History of Rap and Hip Hop » teen pick
The History of Rock and Roll » teen pick
These ebooks for teens offer concise histories of various musical styles.

International Index to Music Periodicals »
The International Index to Music Periodicals helps users find articles in the strong print journal holdings of the Visual and Performing Arts Department of the Harold Washington Library Center. The index tracks over 400 popular and scholarly periodicals back to 1874 in the areas of classical music, opera, jazz, popular music and pop culture, music education, musicology, music theory and many others.
Available only on Harold Washington Library Center computers.

Music Index »
Music Index allows one to search short descriptions of articles from over 800 music periodicals dating back to 1975. Use this database to find articles on both classical and popular music in the print journal and magazine collections of the Visual and Performing Arts Department of the Harold Washington Library Center.
Available only on Harold Washington Library Center computers.

Oxford Music Online »
From scholarly encyclopedia articles to quick definitions, this database is a great resource for people who are studying music or who simply want a deeper understanding of the music that they listen to. Find material from The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians (updated regularly), The New Grove Dictionary of Opera, The New Grove Dictionary of Jazz, The Oxford Companion to Music and The Oxford Dictionary of Music.

ProQuest Newspapers »
Find articles from hundreds of newspapers and newsfeeds from around the world. Papers covered include the Chicago Defender, Chicago Tribune, Daily Herald (Arlington Heights), New York Times, USA Today, Globe and Mail (Canada), The Times (London), The Times of India and Daily Yomiuri (Japan).