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Description
Duke Ellington, one of the most influential figures in American music, comes alive in this comprehensive biography with engaging activities. Ellington was an accomplished and influential jazz pianist, composer, band leader, and cultural diplomat. Activities include creating a ragtime rhythm, making a washtub bass, writing song lyrics, thinking like an arranger, and learning to dance the Lindy Hop. It explores Ellington’s life and career along with many topics related to African American history, including the Harlem Renaissance. Kids will learn about the musical evolution of jazz that coincided with Ellington’s long life from ragtime through the big band era on up to the 1970s. Kids learn how music technology has changed over the years from piano rolls to record albums through CDs, television, and portable music devices. The extensive resources include a time line, glossary, list of Ellington’s greatest recordings, related books, Web sites, and DVDs for further study.
About the Author
Stephanie Stein Crease is the author of Gil Evans: Out of the Cool, winner of the ASCAP-Deems Taylor Award, and Music Lessons: Guide Your Child to Play a Musical Instrument. She edited the liner notes for the Grammy award–winning CD set Duke Ellington Centennial Edition.
Praise For…
"The many black-and-white excellent photos show up well on the glossy pages . . . an informative account in an attractive paperback format." —Booklist
"Stein Crease delivers a closely written biography bespeaking her Ellington scholarship." —Kirkus Reviews
"[A] thorough look at Ellington's musical life and legacy." —School Library Journal
"Crease's wonderful book has earned the phrase Ellington reserved for his highest praise: It is beyond category." —David Hadju, former president of the Duke Ellington Society and author, Lush Life: A Biography of Billy Strayhorn
"Fabulous read." —Rutherford Parent, Nashville Parent and Williamson Parent
"Accessible to today's youngsters." —New Orleans Magazine
"A great musical adventure" —Education.com
"A good book, and quite interesting . . . the activities are kid-friendly . . . this book will quickly become a favourite." —syvjournal.com, Sunday Journal, and The Chicago Crusader