From School Library Journal
Grade 6 Up-A detailed, comprehensive, occasionally dry biography of the great American jazz musician and composer. Beginning with Ellington's birth in Washington, D.C. in 1899, Stwertka traces her subject's life and career. The text, often dense with names and dates, describes a man who witnessed and influenced many changes and events during the 20th century, from Prohibition to the Harlem Renaissance to the post-World War II years. His genius and success were accompanied by troubles and tragedies such as racism, injustice, marital unhappiness, and illness. The author carefully outlines many of these problems and presents a complimentary but balanced view of the man and his music. A section of black-and-white photographs is included.
Cyrisse Jaffee, formerly at Newton Public Schools, MA
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Cyrisse Jaffee, formerly at Newton Public Schools, MA
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Gr. 7-12. Nicknamed Duke because of his charm and personality, bandleader Edward Ellington Kennedy developed a style of jazz that was uniquely his own. In this simply written, well-documented biography, Stwertka relates Ellington's story--from his early dislike of piano lessons through his career, which included development of the concept of sacred jazz, to his acceptance as one of music history's great jazz artists and composers. Emphasizing Ellington's influence on the course of twentieth-century music, the book will be a good addition to biography collections, particularly those in need of materials on African American artists. Extensive notes, a glossary, and a bibliography are included. Patricia Braun
