Duke

Edward Kennedy Duke Ellington was one of jazz's greatest innovators. Join Bill Gutman as he explores the fascinating life of this legend from his birth at the turn of the century to his death at the age of seventy-five. Interviewing Duke's friends, fans and fellow musicians, Gutman documents the progression of a man who dedicated his life to crafting the ever-changing sound of jazz. Gutman plunges into the history of jazz from its origin in the black America honky-tonk sounds of the...
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Edward Kennedy Duke Ellington was one of jazz's greatest innovators. Join Bill Gutman as he explores the fascinating life of this legend from his birth at the turn of the century to his death at the age of seventy-five. Interviewing Duke's friends, fans and fellow musicians, Gutman documents the progression of a man who dedicated his life to crafting the ever-changing sound of jazz. Gutman plunges into the history of jazz from its origin in the black America honky-tonk sounds of the Ragtime Era to the serious art form enjoyed by young and old of every age, color, and musical taste. Jazz has evolved through the years to become one of the most popular forms of music with Duke Ellington as chief spokesperson. Gutman's account of Ellington's life as it parallels the history of jazz provides a fascinating history for both jazz veterans and new-comers to the genre.