Duke's Diary: Part II: The Life of Duke Ellington, 1950-1974

by Ken Vail

Overview

The two-volume Duke's Diary provides a fascinating insight into the life and times of one of the greatest figures in American music, the incomparable Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington. Using contemporary photographs, newspaper reports, advertisements, reviews, and narrative, both volumes chronicle Duke's life, performances, and recording sessions.

Volume II begins with Duke's return from his band's European tour in June of 1950 and concludes with his death in 1974. The Ellington Orchestra's complete itinerary, including all known club, concert, theatre, television, film, and jam session appearances are included, as well as a selected list of Duke's recordings—although this volume is not intended as a discography.

Vail's unique concept, which pairs photos and news articles with brief diary-style entries, has resulted in a work of enduring interest and charm for every fan of this immensely talented musician. The visual impact created by the stunning array of photos is powerful; readers will feel as though they have been accompanying the great man on his journey through life.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780810841192
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	09/27/2002
Pages:	456
Product dimensions:	8.88(w) x 11.06(h) x 1.39(d)

About the Author

Ken Vail is a jazz historian and graphic designer who has authored a number of books on such luminaries as Ellington.

Editorial Reviews

More than just a dry itinerary, Duke's Diary is marvelously entertaining, attractively laid out and profusely illustrated, with hundreds of photos but also advertisements from all manner of newspapers and magazines. There are also fascinating reproductions of vintage articles that place Ellington in his own time.

New York Sun

Incredible...

Jazziz

This engaging and evocative book is a joy that, like good music, will keep on giving.

Ellingtonia

Duke's Diary is a remarkable work by any stretch of the imagination.

The Jazz Rag

Provides a fascinating insight into the life and times of one of the greatest figures in American music.

Jazzwise

A happy fusion of graphic interest and nonpareil reference that will answer virtually any who-what-and-where questions you could devise.

Jazz Uk