Born in 1899, Duke Ellington was the forerunner in the evolution of jazz. By the time he was nineteen he was playing at parties, pool halls, and cabarets; and then, in 1927, he entertained at the hottest place around, The Cotton Club in Harlem. But the defining moment of his career came when Duke and his orchestra gave a groundbreaking performance at Carnegie Hall, when they first performed his suite Black, Brown, and Beige, a tribute to the history of African American people. To this day, Duke, the "King of the Keys," is beloved by jazz fans old and new.

This is a stunning introduction to Duke Ellington--a legend who continues to live on and influence musicians everywhere.

Don't miss the other Great Black Performers biographies:
Alvin Ailey
Ella Fitzgerald: The Tale of a Vocal Virtuosa