Few American artists in any medium have enjoyed the
international and lasting cultural impact of Duke Ellington. From
jazz standards such as "Mood Indigo" and "Don't Get Around Much
Anymore," to his longer, more orchestral suites, to his leadership
of the stellar big band he toured and performed with for decades
after most big bands folded, Ellington represented a singular,
pathbreaking force in music over the course of a half-century. At
the same time, as one of the most prominent black public figures in
history, Ellington demonstrated leadership on questions of civil
rights, equality, and America's role in the world.
With "Duke Ellington's America," Harvey G. Cohen paints a vivid
picture of Ellington's life and times, taking him from his youth in
the black middle class enclave of Washington, D.C., to the heights
of worldwide acclaim. Mining extensive archives, many never before
available, plus new interviews with Ellington's friends, family,
band members, and business associates, Cohen illuminates his
constantly evolving approach to composition, performance, and the
music business--as well as issues of race, equality and religion.
Ellington's own voice, meanwhile, animates the book throughout,
giving "Duke Ellington's America" an intimacy and immediacy
unmatched by any previous account.
By far the most thorough and nuanced portrait yet of this towering
figure, "Duke Ellington's America" highlights Ellington's
importance as a figure in American history as well as in American
music.
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!