Product Description
Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington was one of jazz's greatest innovators. Join Bill Gutman as he explores the fascinating life of this legend from his birth at the turn of the century to his death at the age of seventy-five. Interviewing Duke's friends, fans and fellow musicians, Gutman documents the progress of a man who dedicated his life to crafting the ever-changing sound of jazz. Gutman plunges into the history of jazz from its origin in the black America honky-tonk sounds of the Ragtime Era to the serious form enjoyed by those of every age, color, and musical taste. Jazz has evolved through the years to become one of the most popular forms of music with Duke Ellington as chief composer, artist and perfomer. Gutman's account of Ellington's life as it parallels the history of jazz provides a fascinating history for both jazz veterans and those new to the art form. ... Read more

Product Description
Duke Ellington brought jazz to America. The music he played sprang in part from the blues and gospel rhythms of the plantation slaves living in the mid-19th century, infused with the sounds of ragtime from the turn of the century. The music was a sharp improvisation for which band members played anything they wanted along a chosen key or set of chords, so the music was always different. ... Read more

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To find more information on Rowman & Littlefield titles, please visit us at www.rowmanlittlefield.com. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent
This is one of the only books that focuses on trombone players that I've seen in a long time. With richly painted biographies and some very good stories, you'll definitely like this book.
As a trombone player myself, I loved it, but I think that anyone could read this book and really like it.

"Duke's Bones"
This is an excellent study of the great trombonists in Duke Ellington's orchestras over the years, starting with the greatest of them all: Tricky Sam Nanton. Brief but colorful biographical entries are followed by highlyintelligent musical analyses and rare transcriptions. You don't have to bea trombonist (I'm certainly not) to appreciate this focused look at onepiece of the puzzle that made up the mysterious and consistent beauty ofEllington's sound. ... Read more

Product Description
Examines the life and career of the talented jazz composer, bandleader, and pianist, from his childhood in Washington, D.C., through his battle against racism, to his influence on the world of jazz. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Duke Ellington by Wendie Old
Author does not appear to have a solid research background on Duke Ellington. Two photos were mis-titled. The majority of her bibliography refers to Kent Smith's book (1993) and a few 1993 periodicals. If the books or periodicals were published over 20 years after Duke Ellington's death (1974), you can be sure that the data reflects alterations and errors repeatedly made by other biographers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

One of the best books about Duke
A great source for Ellington fans! I loved this book. Its an in depth look and takes you into the life of Duke, his music, his life...If you "madly love" Duke, you'll madly love this book. ... Read more

Product Description
A biography of the black musician who in fifty years has composed 2000 songs and performed them all over the world. ... Read more

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Traces the life of the internationally acclaimed musician and composer who helped popularize jazz music. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Duke Ellington by Adam Woog
Out of 66 pages of actual text, there were approx 25 errors.Yet the author referred to 13 biographical books on DE and still contradicted the information in his text. 50% of the photos were readily available but with no dates. The forward indicated this was written for students' research" the poor student, if he used this book, would fail the course. He should either do a good re-edit or changed the title to based on the Life of Duke Ellington. ... Read more

Product Description
Duke Ellington was a famous performer and bandleader.He is also one of America's greatest composers.This biography tell his story and how his perseverance and unique qualities continue to set examples today.Readers will be inspired to learn how Duke overcame adversity and hardships, while making his mark in the world of jazz. ... Read more

Product Description
Duke Ellington - American Jazz Man is the biography of Duke Ellington, an American composer, pianist and band leader who was one of the most influential figures in jazz, if not in all American music. As a composer and a band leader, Ellington's reputation has increased since his death, with thematic repackagings of his signature music often becoming best-sellers. Ellington called his style and sound "American Music" rather than jazz. One of the twentieth century's best-known African-American celebrities, Ellington recorded for many American record companies, and appeared in numerous films. Duke Ellington - American Jazz Man is highly recommended for those interested in reading more about this admired music legend. ... Read more

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A biography stressing the childhood of a talented musician who helped shape American music. ... Read more

Product Description
Chronicles the life of internationally-acclaimed jazz musician Duke Ellington, from the Harlem Renaissance through his later years. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

excellent book for young readers
Great to see such an excellent book on Duke Ellington made available for the young adult. Another fantastic biography, though for adults it is so accessible that it would also be a marvelous fit for young readers as wellis Janna Steed's Duke Ellington: A Spiritual Biography. I would highlyrecommend both these books.

A Must
any Book on Duke Ellington is a must.he is a Teacher of Music.this Book reflects alot of his Importance to the Music WOrld at large.his work to me is as Important as MOzarts.you can never say enough about hisGenius&Impact.

Duke Ellington by Ron Frankl
This is one of the best books I have read thus far for the young adult level. Any collector or fan who is interested in the photographics of Ellington should defintely purchase this book. Most authors use the Smithsonian's photos. This author seemed to concentrate his search for photos to the NYC area. The author appeared to have written the book more out of love of jazz than royalities. I would highly recommend it as a teaching tool for the juvenile and the photos for the collectors. In 105 pages, he has 65 photos. ... Read more