Duke Ellington and His World

<p>Based on lengthy interviews with Ellington's bandmates family and friends <em>Duke Ellington and His World</em> offers a fresh look at this legendary composer. The first biography of the composer written by a fellow musician and African-American the book traces Ellington's life and career in terms of the social cultural political and economic realities of his times. Beginning with his birth in Washington DC through his first bands and work at the legendary Cotton Club to his final great extended compositions this book gives a thorough introduction to Ellington's music and how it was made. It also illuminates his personal life because for Ellington music was his life and his life was a constant inspiration for music.</p>