This readable biography examines Ellington’s life in 12 chapters devoted to certain periods of his creativity--from early childhood, through the Cotton Club years, the years on the road, and the final glories. There is a special section at the end noting his key musicians, selected films, videos, and reading. This first biography to draw on the Ellington archives of the Smithsonian includes lots of great photos.

Of particular interest to jazz standards fans are the “Essential Ellington” sections at the end of each chapter which are guides to Ellington’s significant recordings from each era. The general index includes listings by song title.

John Edward Hasse is a musician, music historian, award-winning author and record producer. He is the Curator of American Music at the Smithsonian Institute, the curator of its traveling exhibition, Beyond Category, and the producer and annotator of the exhibit’s boxed recordings.