The Golden Age of American Popular Song

A musical that took place in a cultural setting exotic to the U.S. cultural mainstream

Crosby was one of the first singers to develop THIS smooth personal vocal style

"the world's first multi-media superstar"; had thirty-eight number-one hits

Hired to put sheet music into the hands of successful vaudeville performers

Oklahoma's western setting opened what kind of possibilities for Broadway?

Attained prominence as performer and political activist; government targeted him for his views

Contributed substantially to American musical theater with the musical West Side Story

European style of musical theater during the 1870s and 1880s

Rejected Porgy and Bess after George Gershwin insisted on using an African American cast

Judy Garland achieved fame performing "Over the Rainbow" in Oscar-winning role in this movie

Musical, examined social issues of interracial, urban violence, set as love story between gangs

Leading composer in American musical theater; pioneered an approach called the concept musical

Based on series of short stories by Yiddish writer Sholem Aleicham centered on a Jewish family

Wrote early Vaudeville shows aimed at women and children; offered door prizes

Great popular dancer; teamed up with dancer Ginger Rogers to make a series of memorable films

George Gershwin's folk opera; milestone for the history of the Broadway musical

African American performer; trademarks were self-confidence and patriotism

A popular singer and blackface musician; starred in The Jazz Singer

His musicals employed spectacular visual effects, "over-the-top" sets, and multimedia displays

A variety show featuring songs, dances, and comedy sketches with minimal plots

Center of the music industry; name was coined by the sound of an out-of-tune upright piano

First feature film to include speech, music, and sound effects, starring Al Jolson

Paul Robeson's signature piece, from Jerome Kern's Showboat.

A musical that focused on a single theme, without linear narrative or definitive resolution

Popular singer, actress, and cult figure; star of musical theater, stage, and live performance

First rock musical; opened in a small off-Broadway theater; "American tribal love-rock musical"

Showboat's composer; known for his ability to create memorable melodies

First pop star to attract hysterical teen female audiences; member of the Rat Pack.

First musical to deal with serious social issues such as racism and social class.

Epitomized Tin Pan Alley; "Alexander's Ragtime Band" vaulted him to success as "Ragtime King"