Duke Ellington

A joyful biography of jazz pioneer Duke Ellington, recognized with a Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Award Honor, brought to life by a bestselling husband and wife duo.Born in 1899, Duke Ellington was the forerunner in the evolution of jazz. By the time he was nineteen he was playing at parties, pool halls, and cabarets; and then, in 1927, he entertained at the hottest place around, The Cotton Club in Harlem. But the defining moment of his career came when Duke and his orchestra gave a groundbreaking performance at Carnegie Hall, when they first performed his suite Black, Brown, and Beige, a tribute to the history of African American people. To this day, Duke, the “King of the Keys,” is beloved by jazz fans old and new.

This is a stunning introduction to Duke Ellington—a legend who continues to live on and influence musicians everywhere.

Don’t miss the other Great Black Performers biographies:
Alvin Ailey
Ella Fitzgerald: The Tale of a Vocal Virtuosa

• “This book swings. Don’t miss it.”
  School Library Journal
• “A cool and vibrant tour of Duke Ellington’s musical career . . . this loving tribute temptingly evokes the sound and spirit of a jazz pioneer.”
  Kirkus
• "The joy in Ellington's music, and the joy his musicians felt in playing it, is apparent on every page."
  Booklist
• "The husband-and-wife team captures the spirit of an individual, an era and a musical style."
  Publishers Weekly