Duke Ellington

Children's Literature

From his roots in Washington, D.C. to his success in Harlem, New York, this biography follows the great composer Duke Ellington throughout his life. Black-and-white photos capture Ellington's style, energy, and charisma while performing, composing, and just being. While it covers the details of Ellington's involvement in music, the book also takes a look at the bigger picture of American history during the early twentieth century. This includes the presence of segregation, the evolution of jazz, ragtime, and swing music, and cultural events such as the Harlem Renaissance and the Great Depression. The importance of all of this is woven through the specifics of Ellington's life and how events of the times affected him and how he affected American culture. A timeline covers the years 1899 (born) to 1974 (died), and a reference page with book titles and addresses provides information for readers to find more information. There is also an index and a glossary that includes important terms used throughout such as improvisation and ragtime. This title is part of the "African-American Biographies" series. 2003, Raintree, Ages 8 to 10.
— Cherie Ilg Haas