Book Series · 3 Books

Great Black Performers Books

In order from Duke Ellington to Alvin Ailey.

The Great Black Performers series is a set of 3 chapter books by Andrea Pinkney, published between 1993 and 2002. Written for ages 6–9, most books run about 30 pages.

Duke Ellington
Ella Fitzgerald
Alvin Ailey
Duke Ellington
Alvin Ailey
Duke Ellington
Where the story begins

First Book in the Series

Duke Ellington
Sale price
$858
Book #2 · Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 1998

Duke Ellington

By Andrea Pinkney, Brian Pinkney (Illustrator)

Discover the groundbreaking journey of jazz legend Duke Ellington.

32 pages· 1,192 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
In reading order

Great Black Performers Series

3 books · Published 1993–2002

#2
Sale price
$858

Duke Ellington

Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 1998

Discover the groundbreaking journey of jazz legend Duke Ellington.

Sale price
$759

Alvin Ailey

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 1993

Discover the journey of a dancer who transformed modern dance forever.

Good to know

Common Questions

How many books are in the Great Black Performers series?

There are 3 books in the Great Black Performers series. It began with Alvin Ailey in 1993, and the newest book, Ella Fitzgerald, was published in 2002.

What order should you read the Great Black Performers books in?

Start with Duke Ellington and follow the series order — the books above are numbered #1 through #3.

What ages are the Great Black Performers books best for?

The series is best for ages 6–9, based on the age ranges of the individual books.

The people

The Creatives Behind the Books

The people who bring Great Black Performers to life.

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