Who Was Duke Ellington?

Written by M. D. Payne and Who HQ · Illustrated by Gregory Copeland

Part of the Who Was . . . ? series

Discover how a young man revolutionized jazz and became a musical legend.

4.3 Goodreads · 92 ratings

112 pages· 8,188 words· Est. 1 hour read· 1040L

$6.99Save 4%

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Bookroo's summary

Explore the journey of Duke Ellington, a young man from Washington, DC, who transformed the music world. As a key figure of the Harlem Renaissance, he led the Cotton Club band and composed nearly 3,000 songs, embodying the Black experience in America. Over five decades, Ellington's genius earned him 13 Grammys, a Pulitzer, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. What made him an artist 'beyond category'? Uncover the story of this jazz master and his indelible impact on music history.

From the publisher

How did a working-class young man from Washington, DC, turn the music world on its head and become the Master Of Jazz? Find out in this addition to the Who HQ library! A pivotal fixture of the Harlem Renaissance, Duke Ellington was the bandleader of the historic Cotton Club and a master composer – writing close to 3,000 songs in his lifetime and capturing the spirit of the Black experience in the Unites States. Over a 50-year career, Ellington became one of the biggest names in jazz as we know it. He went on to win 13 Grammys, a Pulitzer, and receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1969. Who Was Duke Ellington? follows the exciting, multifaceted journey of this musical genius and takes a look at what truly makes Ellington an artist beyond category.

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