"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
"Real and vibrant . . . fresh." —paper-clip.com
"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
Celebrating one of the most influential figures in jazz, this comprehensive biography incorporates the legendary Duke Ellington’s talents into engaging activities for children. Enlisting the musician’s gifts as a pianist, composer, and band leader, this interdisciplinary approach shows how to create a ragtime rhythm, make a washtub bass, write song lyrics, dance the Lindy Hop, and even design an album cover. Exploring Ellington’s life and career, this activity guide includes information on additional topics such as the Harlem Renaissance, the musical evolution of jazz, and how technology has changed over the years—from piano rolls and record albums to CDs, television, and portable music devices. A time line, glossary, selected bibliography, and extensive resources—including Ellington’s greatest recordings, related websites, and recommendations for further study—are also included.
Stephanie Stein Crease is the author of Gil Evans: Out of the Cool and Music Lessons. She edited the liner notes for the Grammy award–winning CD set Duke Ellington Centennial Edition.
Childrens: Nonfiction
Age Range: 9 and UP
140 pages, Trade Paper, 11 x 8 1/2
50 B/W Photos, Two-color Interior
Distribution Rights: WOR
$16.95 (CAN $18.95)
9781556527241 (1556527241) Pub Date: February 2009
Chicago Review Press