Duke Ellington and His World

Based on lengthy interviews with Ellington's bandmates, family and friends, Duke Ellington and His World offers a fresh look at this legendary composer, tracing his life and career in terms of the social, cultural, political and economic realities of his times.

A. H. Lawrence was a professional jazz trombonist from 1944-48, playing with the bands of Hot Lips Page, Benny Carter, and Luis Russell. Through Russell, he met and befriended Ellington and remained friends with him throughout his life. Lawrence served as a consultant to the Smithsonian Institution for the exhibit, Jazz in Paris 1915-40. He lives in Cambridge, MA.

Acknowledgments Introduction Prelude Chapters One through Forty-five Epilogue Chronology Biographies Band Members Compositions by Duke Ellington Bibliography Source Notes Index