Duke Ellington: The Piano Prince and His Orchestra (Caldecott Honor Book) [Paperback]

A joyful biography of jazz pioneer Duke Ellington, recognized with a Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Award Honor, brought to life by a bestselling husband and wife duo.

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 suiteBlack, 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
 

Andrea Davis Pinkneyis theNew York Timesbestselling and award-winning author of nearly 50 books for young readers, among themThe Red PencilandA Poem for Peter, as well as several collaborations with her husband Brian Pinkney, includingSit -InandHand in Hand, which received the Coretta Scott King Book Award.

Brian Pinkneyhas illustrated numerous books for children, including two Caldecott Honor books, and he has written and illustrated several of his own books. Brian has received the Coretta Scott King Book Award for Illustration and three Coretta Scott King Book Award Honor medals.

The Pinkneys have been named among the "25 Most Influential People in Our Children's Lives" byChildren's Healthmagazine. They live in Brooklyn, New York.