Ellington biographies

[vaneps]

Can any of you give me some advice on the top two, or three Duke Ellington bios out there? Are there any that are close to definitive ( good mix of biography, music analysis, historical perspective) ? Thanks in advance for your advice!

[WestCoast Ghost]

The oral history REMINISCING IN TEMPO is probably my favorite...the John Hasse bio provides a decent overview. Also check out Mark Tucker's EARLY ELLINGTON (which, albeit, covers only Duke's early years) and the anthology he edited, THE ELLINGTON READER.

There's definitely still room for a new, comprehensive biographical treatment of Ellington IMO.

[HutchFan]

Some of my thoughts:

Beyond Category: The Life and Genius of Duke Ellington by John Edward Hasse
If you're looking for a good, all-round biography that also spends a significant amount of time discussing the Duke's recordings, this would be my top recommendation. Hasse's list "Essential Ellington Recordings" is right on the money, imho.

Music Is My Mistress by Duke Ellington
Duke's autobiography is a bit cagey -- an extension of his public persona. But it's required reading for any Ellington fan.

The Duke Ellington Reader edited by Mark Tucker
A compilation of articles and essays. Interesting because it provides plenty of different points of view, from early record reviews to contemporary reactions.

The World of Duke Ellington by Stanley Dance
One of my favorite Ellington books, and one that really gives quite a bit of insight into Duke's music. Not a biography so much as a collection of essays and interviews. Excellent.

Duke Ellington by James Lincoln Collier
I'd avoid this one -- unless you happen to agree with Collier's contention that Ellington's music was in a long, continual decline from his peak during the war years. I happen to strongly disagree with this, so it colors my reaction to this book. (I'd also avoid Collier's Louis Armstrong bio for the same reason.)

Duke Ellington and His World : A Biography by A.H. Lawrence
Avoid. Hackneyed prose and no real insight into Duke.

Duke: A Portrait of Duke Ellington by Derek Jewell
Reminiscing In Tempo: A Portrait of Duke Ellington by Stuart Nicholson
I haven't read either of these.

BTW, I agree completely with WestCoast Ghost. The definitive Ellington biography is yet to be written.

[HutchFan]

Last night, I was poking around on the web and I discovered that Terry Teachout is wrapping up work on a new Ellington biography, scheduled to be published in the fall of 2013.

This is great news. Teachout's biography of Louis Armstrong, Pops: A Life of Louis Armstrong, is excellent. Here's hoping that his Ellington book is equally well-written and insightful.

I'm looking forward to it.

[robbo]

I quite agree with HutchFan about the Collier bio. If Duke declined so much after the war, how do you explain the NO Suite, Queens Suite etc?
Also, one to avoid ( I read it in a used book shop and would not even pay the $8 they wanted for it) is a 'bio' called Sweet Man. It's by a guy who claims to have known Duke well, but I frankly doubt it.

[Marcello]

The Jewel is excellent, otherwise these two are indispensable :

Duke Ellington in Person: An Intimate Memoir by Mercer Ellington

Duke Ellington's America by Harvey G. Cohen

[HutchFan]

Originally Posted by Marcello

The Jewel is excellent, otherwise these two are indispensable :

Duke Ellington in Person: An Intimate Memoir by Mercer Ellington

Duke Ellington's America by Harvey G. Cohen

I agree 100%, Marcello! I hadn't read any of these back in 2007, but I've read all three since then. I think Mercer's book is particularly indispensible for Ellington-philes, since it provides such an insider's perspective.

I'd also add this to the list of quality Ellington biographical books:
Backstory in Blue: Ellington at Newport '56 by John Morton.


I have not read this one yet though: The Ellington Century by David Schiff. Anyone have any thoughts about it???