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Dude Ranching in Wyoming (Images of America)
by Russell TrueDude ranches were the West's first destination vacation. In the early 20th century, they lured East Coast elites and their families out to the unspoiled wilderness and ranching country of the Rocky Mountains. In order to get to the dude ranches, tourists, who were often looking for an escape from their city lives, had to travel long journeys via trains, stages, wagons, and horseback. Wyoming was home to two dude ranch firsts. Howard, Willis, and Alden Eaton were pioneers in the business, and their Eatons' Ranch continues today. Larry Larom, another dude ranch trailblazer, became the first president of the Dude Ranchers' Association. His tireless work, vision, and leadership secured the future of dude ranching in the West. Working successfully with the railroad and the government, Larom set the stage for important cooperation between ranchers and diverse agencies, ensuring the preservation of the natural environment. Echoes of his wisdom are still felt today.
Dudley Moore: An Intimate Portrait
by Rena FruchterRena Fruchter was Dudley's concert piano partner, and the friend who looked after him in the final years of his life until his death at the age of 66. This is her intimate portrait of the extraordinarily brilliant, complex character that was Dudley Moore. During the last ten years of his life Dudley changed. He stepped off the podium and into real life. Physically life was difficult, professionally it was turbulent, but during his final years he blossomed, and in the midst of his illness from the debilitating effects of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, he found peace. Rena writes beautifully of Dudley's final years but also takes us back through his life story - conveying his inimitable talent, humour and vibrancy; evoking the atmosphere of a working-class upbringing in 1940s Britain, life in 1950s London and his relationship with Peter Cook, and the excesses of 1980s LA. With style and precision she unravels his personality, looks back at his childhood and career, weaving a moving and compelling story of a unique man.
Due South: Dispatches from Down Home
by R. Scott Brunner"Southerners respect tradition, know the value of a good story. We admire the written word because we still have among us some who are not too far removed from a time when our land was ravaged, our people destitute and hungry, and writing was the only thing there was to do. Perhaps that's why we also place such importance on knowing our lineage. Down here, we try to derive our identity not from our possessions, but from our roots--not what we have, but who we are. That's because our forebears learned a long time ago that everything else is expendable. " --from Due South Scott Brunner spent countless childhood afternoons roaming the hills and hollows of his grandparents' small farm near Parrish, Alabama, picking peas, fishing with his grandfather, and eating his grandmother's fried apple pies. Those experiences, and others like them, formed the basis for the unforgettable essays that make up this book. In Due South, Brunner offers a wonderful collection of warm and wise observations and reminiscences about life, family, relationships, and Southern culture and language. From the all-purpose Southern disclaimer "Bless your heart!" (as in "Bless her heart, Kathie Lee didn't know those clothes were made by nine-year-old Honduran children") to the particular exoticism of Southern town and county names (like Eastaboga, Nitta Yuma, and Hot Coffee) to the universal fine points of family life ("Why can't diapers come with an indicator telling you what's inside?"; "Why won't my twenty-month-old daughter eat meat?"), Due South finds humor, insight, and inspiration in the details of life as it is lived day in and day out. As satisfying, soothing, and occasionally surprising as a dish of turnip greens with a dash of pepper sauce, Due South is a book to be read and savored.
Due cani e una valigia: sprovveduti in Charente
by Sarah Jane Butfield Ilaria Grandi MyeditorIl titolo dice tutto: ciò che possediamo e dove ci troviamo. Questo libro di memorie di viaggio, il sequel di Bicchiere mezzo pieno: la nostra avventura australiana, racconta la nostra impresa francese nel tentativo di rifarci una vita in un altro Paese, dopo aver trascorso quattro anni e mezzo in Australia. Il nostro obiettivo, o speranza per il futuro immediato, è quello di concentrarci positivamente sul presente in modo da inaugurare un nuovo, ottimistico futuro in Europa. Uno dei motivi è essere più vicini ai figli, lasciando che le nuvole scure delle sfide che abbiamo affrontato in Australia siano solo un lontano ricordo. Viaggerete con noi nelle zone rurali del sud ovest della Francia; condividerete con me le mie riflessioni, i pensieri sulla mia famiglia, il nuovo ambiente e il nostro stile di vita. Seguirete l'evoluzione della mia carriera di scrittrice e del progetto di ristrutturazione, durante il quale la gestione della vita familiare sarà a dir poco complicata. Ancora una volta, rideremo, piangeremo e ci godremo la vita al massimo con una dose generosa di pensiero positivo.
Duel Under the Stars: The Memoir of a Luftwaffe Night Pilot in World War II
by Wilhelm Johnen"The enemy bomber grew larger in my sights and the rear gunner was sprayed by my guns just as he opened fire. The rest was merely a matter of seconds. The bomber fell like a stone out of the sky and exploded on the ground. The nightmare came to an end."In this enthralling memoir, the author recounts his experiences of the war years and traces the story of the ace fighter pilots from the German development of radar to the Battle of Britain.Johnen flew his first operational mission in July 1941, having completed his blind-flying training. In his first couple of years he brought down two enemy planes. The tally went up rapidly once the air war was escalated in spring 1943, when Air Marshal Arthur Harris of the RAF Bomber Command began the campaign dubbed the Battle of the Ruhr.During this phase of the war Johnens successes were achieved against a 710-strong force of bombers. Johnens further successes during Harriss subsequent Berlin offensive led to his promotion as Staffelkapitan (squadron leader) of Nachtjagdgeschwader and a move to Mainz. During a sortie from there, his Bf 110 was hit by return fire and he was forced to land in Switzerland. He and his crew were interned by the authorities. The Germans were deeply worried about leaving a sophisticatedly equipped night fighter and its important air crew in the hands of a foreign government, even if it was a neutral one. After negotiations involving Gring, the prisoners were released.Johnens unit moved to Hungary and by October 1944 his score was standing at 33 aerial kills. His final one came in March the following year, once Johnen had moved back to Germany.
Duel for the Crown
by David Rosner Linda CarrollFrom the moment they first galloped head-to-head in Saratoga Springs, the two chestnut colts showed they were the stuff of racing legend. Alydar, all muscle with a fearsome closing kick, was already the popular favorite to win the Kentucky Derby. Affirmed, deceptively laid-back streamlined elegance, was powered forward by his steely determination not to settle for second place. In the Sport of Kings, the Triple Crown is the most valued prize, requiring a horse to win not just one race, but three: the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. And 1978 would not be just for the record books, but also one of the greatest dramas ever played out in the racing world. There were names to conjure with, worthy of the Sport of Kings. The bloodline of Native Dancer. The teen wonderboy jockey Steve Cauthen. The once unbeatable Calumet Farm--the Damn Yankees of the racing world--now in eclipse and hoping for a comeback. The newcomer Harbor View Farm--owned by brash financier Louis Wolfson, who wouldn't let even a conviction and a prison sentence for securities violations stand in the way of his dreams of glory. And the racetracks themselves: Belmont, Saratoga, Pimlico. And, of course, Churchill Downs. It has been thirty-five years since Affirmed and Alydar fought for the Triple Crown, thirty-five years when no other horse has won it. Duel for the Crown brings this epic battle to life. Not just two magnificent Thoroughbreds but the colorful human personalities surrounding them, caught up in an ever-intensifying battle of will and wits that lasted until the photo finish of the final Triple Crown race . . . and Alydar and Affirmed leaped into the history books.
Duel in the Sun: Alberto Salazar, Dick Beardsley, and America's Greatest Marathon
by John BrantThe 1982 Boston Marathon was great theater: Two American runners, Alberto Salazar, a celebrated champion, and Dick Beardsley, a gutsy underdog, going at each other for just under 2 hours and 9 minutes. Neither man broke. The race merely came to a thrilling, shattering end, exacting such an enormous toll that neither man ever ran as well again. Beardsley, the most innocent of men, descended into felony drug addiction, and Salazar, the toughest of men, fell prey to depression. Exquisitely written and rich with human drama, John Brant's Duel in the Sun brilliantly captures the mythic character of the most thrilling American marathon ever run—and the powerful forces of fate that drove these two athletes in the years afterward.
Duel with the Devil
by Paul Collins<P>In the closing days of 1799, the United States was still a young republic. Waging a fierce battle for its uncertain future were two political parties: the well-moneyed Federalists, led by Alexander Hamilton, and the populist Republicans, led by Aaron Burr. The two finest lawyers in New York, Burr and Hamilton were bitter rivals both in and out of the courtroom, and as the next election approached, their animosity reached a crescendo. <P>But everything changed when beautiful, young Elma Sands was found dead the Manhattan Well. The horrific crime quickly gripped the nation, and before long accusations settled on one of Elma's suitors, handsome young carpenter Levi Weeks. As the enraged city demanded a noose be draped around the accused murderer's neck, the only question seemed to be whether Levi would make it to trial or be lynched first. <P>The young man's only hope was to hire a legal dream team. And thus it was that New York's most bitter political rivals and greatest attorneys did the unthinkable--they teamed up.At once an absorbing legal thriller and an expertly crafted portrait of the United States in the time of the Founding Fathers, Duel with the Devil is a masterpiece of narrative nonfiction. <P><b>A New York Times Bestseller</b>
Duel: Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, And The Future Of America
by Thomas FlemingA vivid narrative history of Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, and their infamous duelDuel is a remarkable retelling of the fatal 1804 duel between former Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton and Vice President Aaron Burr. Thomas Fleming takes the reader into the post-revolutionary world of the early nineteenth century, a chaotic and fragile time in the young country as well as a time of tremendous global instability. The success of the French Revolution and the proclamation of Napoleon as First Consul for Life had enormous impact on men like Hamilton and Burr, feeding their own political fantasies at a time of perceived Federal government weakness and corrosion. Their hunger for fame spawned antagonisms that wreaked havoc on themselves and their families and threatened to destabilize the fragile young American republic. From that poisonous brew came the tangle of regret and anger and ambition that drove the two men to their murderous confrontation in Weehawken, New Jersey. This is popular narrative history at its most authoritative, and authoritative history at its most readable--a must for readers interested in Hamilton, Burr, and America's early history.
Dueling with Kings: High Stakes, Killer Sharks, and the Get-Rich Promise of Daily Fantasy Sports
by Daniel BarbarisiAs Bringing Down the House did for card counters and Positively Fifth Street did for poker players, Daniel Barbarisi does for Daily Fantasy Sports fans in this leap down the rabbit hole of America’s latest obsession.Daniel Barbarisi quits his job as the New York Yankees beat writer for The Wall Street Journal and begins a quest: to join the top one percent of Daily Fantasy Sports (“DFS”) players, the so-called “sharks,” and figure out whether DFS is on the level—while maybe cashing in along the way. DFS is fantasy sports on steroids. It’s the domain of bitter rivals FanDuel and DraftKings, online juggernauts who turned a legal loophole into a billion-dollar industry by allowing sports fans bet piles of cash constructing fantasy teams. Yet as Barbarisi quickly realized, what should have been a fun companion to casual sports viewing was instead a ferocious environment infested with sharks, a top tier of pros wielding complex algorithms, drafting hundreds of lineups, and wagering six figures daily as they bludgeon unsuspecting amateur “fish.” Barbarisi embeds himself inside the world of DFS, befriending and joining its rogue’s gallery as he tries to beat them at their own game. In a work equal parts adventure and rigorously reported investigation, Barbarisi wades into this chaotic industry at the very moment its existence is threatened by lawmakers sick of its Wild West atmosphere and pushy advertising. All their money made FanDuel and DraftKings seem invincible; but, as Barbarisi reports, they made plenty of dubious—perhaps even scandalous—moves as they vied for market supremacy. In Dueling with Kings, Barbarisi uncovers the tumultuous inside story of DFS, all while capturing its peculiar cast of characters, from wide-eyed newly minted millionaires, to sun-starved math geeks, to bros living an endless frat party of keggers and Playboy Bunnies. Can he outwit them all and make it to the top?
Duerson
by Chicago Tribune StaffIn many ways Dave Duerson was the prototypical success story for a professional athlete. After serving as a captain, team MVP, and All-American at Notre Dame, Duerson went on to become a four-time Pro Bowler in the NFL, winning Super Bowls with the legendary 1985 Chicago Bears and the 1990 New York Giants. Following his playing career, he made good use of his bachelor's degree in economics and his continued business education at Harvard by growing his food processing company into a $60 million enterprise. Duerson had a full family life, contributed to his community, served on the board of trustees for his alma mater, and even continued his involvement with football by helping the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) determine who should receive certain benefits after their playing careers ended. Then it all went wrong.Ultimately, Dave Duerson committed suicide on February 17, 2011. They key to this tragic end may be his request that his brain be studied after his death; Duerson ended his life by shooting himself in the chest.The tragedy of Duerson stems from the unseen emotional and physical trauma suffered by a deeply troubled man. Years of absorbing the grueling hits that have made the NFL America's most popular sport left Duerson with severe symptoms of memory loss, confusion, and depression, which would posthumously be diagnosed as the effects of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Duerson was uncommonly successful after his football career ended, but his fortunes turned rapidly, and CTE could be pointed to as a factor. He lost both his wife and his business as he suffered through extreme bouts of depression. He was convicted for spousal abuse and endured bankruptcy filing. His role as gatekeeper between former NFL players and the benefit funds they sought from the NFLPA put him squarely at odds with many of his peers.In the 2003, Duerson's mother--whom he considered his best friend--passed away on the day before Thanksgiving. Six years later, his father died on November 18. When Duerson's three siblings informed him that they would bury their father on November 28, Duerson's 49th birthday, he said, "I consider myself strong and all of that. I'd lived the so-called celebrity life, and they considered me the golden child of my family. But, you know, I think they missed the part where I'm a human." Duerson, unlike his siblings, experienced the bruising physical punishment of a sport the human body was not made to endure. The punishing hits that brought him glory and the adulation of fans left him with a damaged brain and a life in ruins.The harshest truth of this tragedy is that Duerson is only one of many former athletes who are facing these conditions. Football players and hockey players, from the prep and professional levels, are all seeing some of their ranks diagnosed with this condition. The punishment athletes absorb has become more damaging than any of us could have imagined when these games were invented.More than just the tragic story of one man, Duerson is a powerful and reminder that something must be done to protect the athletes competing in our professional and amateur sports arenas. The award-winning reporting of the Chicago Tribune that comprises Duerson brings these issues to the forefront of our national discussion on sports, entertainment, and health, while also bringing to light the dark truths of one man's struggle with what happens when these issues are ignored and unresolved.
Duffy's World: Seeing the World through a Dog's Eyes
by Faith McCuneAn Australian shepherd tells the story of his puppyhood and life with his family—with a little help from his human companion . . . Part memoir, part dog owner&’s manual, this delightful book is narrated primarily from a dog&’s point of view. As Duffy&’s owner chimes in with her own perspective, readers will recognize their own joys and challenges that mark the territory of the human/canine relationship. From eating anything and everything, to a profound fear of needles and bee stings, to being &“released&” from dog training school, Duffy&’s never-ending zest for new experiences is the source of his owner&’s greatest frustration—and most profound life lessons. &“Duffy&’s story touched my heart.&” —Julie Hanson, registered veterinary technician
Duke
by Terry TeachoutA major new biography of Duke Ellington from the acclaimed author of Pops: A Life of Louis Armstrong Edward Kennedy "Duke” Ellington was the greatest jazz composer of the twentieth century-and an impenetrably enigmatic personality whom no one, not even his closest friends, claimed to understand. The grandson of a slave, he dropped out of high school to become one of the world’s most famous musicians, a showman of incomparable suavity who was as comfortable in Carnegie Hall as in the nightclubs where he honed his style. He wrote some fifteen hundred compositions, many of which, like "Mood Indigo” and "Sophisticated Lady,” remain beloved standards, and he sought inspiration in an endless string of transient lovers, concealing his inner self behind a smiling mask of flowery language and ironic charm. As the biographer of Louis Armstrong, Terry Teachout is uniquely qualified to tell the story of the public and private lives of Duke Ellington. Duke peels away countless layers of Ellington’s evasion and public deception to tell the unvarnished truth about the creative genius who inspired Miles Davis to say, "All the musicians should get together one certain day and get down on their knees and thank Duke. ” .
Duke
by Terry TeachoutA major new biography of Duke Ellington from the acclaimed author of Pops: A Life of Louis Armstrong Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington was the greatest jazz composer of the twentieth century--and an impenetrably enigmatic personality whom no one, not even his closest friends, claimed to understand. The grandson of a slave, he dropped out of high school to become one of the world's most famous musicians, a showman of incomparable suavity who was as comfortable in Carnegie Hall as in the nightclubs where he honed his style. He wrote some fifteen hundred compositions, many of which, like "Mood Indigo" and "Sophisticated Lady," remain beloved standards, and he sought inspiration in an endless string of transient lovers, concealing his inner self behind a smiling mask of flowery language and ironic charm. As the biographer of Louis Armstrong, Terry Teachout is uniquely qualified to tell the story of the public and private lives of Duke Ellington. Duke peels away countless layers of Ellington's evasion and public deception to tell the unvarnished truth about the creative genius who inspired Miles Davis to say, "All the musicians should get together one certain day and get down on their knees and thank Duke."
Duke (Leopards of Normandy 2): An action-packed historical epic of battle, death and dynasty
by David Churchill**From the co-author of the No.1 bestselling Wilbur Smith novel, WAR CRY*The Conqueror will rise...The Leopards of Normandy trilogy continues with DUKE, as William of Normandy inherits his father's title and assumes command of his lands. David Churchill's 'exciting mix of medieval betrayal, violence and sex' (Wilbur Smith) is sure to enthral fans of Bernard Cornwell and Conn Iggulden.Normandy, 1037. Sparks fly from clashing swords as the game of thrones plays out in bloodshed. Of those named guardian to the boy Duke, all seek advantage and power. Most wish the boy dead. Some will go to any lengths to make it happen.Across the sea, the struggle for the English crown has seen Queen Emma's beloved son killed. She has two more sons waiting in the wings but Godwin, Earl of Wessex - kingmaker and arch manipulator - has other plans.As the noble families of Europe murder each other in their lust for power and fortune, the boy stands apart.His name is William. His destiny is to conquer.Don't miss the final instalment of The Leopards of Normandy trilogy, as Duke William prepares to take England by storm in CONQUEROR. What readers are saying about DUKE:'To read a novel linked by actual historic characters and events whilst still maintaining a racy narrative is quite something. A fantastic read''One of the best historical novels I have read. Well written, compelling, action-packed, good characters. This is seriously worth reading!'
Duke (Leopards of Normandy 2): An action-packed historical epic of battle, death and dynasty
by David Churchill**From the co-author of the No.1 bestselling Wilbur Smith novel, WAR CRY*The Conqueror will rise...The Leopards of Normandy trilogy continues with DUKE, as William of Normandy inherits his father's title and assumes command of his lands. David Churchill's 'exciting mix of medieval betrayal, violence and sex' (Wilbur Smith) is sure to enthral fans of Bernard Cornwell and Conn Iggulden.Normandy, 1037. Sparks fly from clashing swords as the game of thrones plays out in bloodshed. Of those named guardian to the boy Duke, all seek advantage and power. Most wish the boy dead. Some will go to any lengths to make it happen.Across the sea, the struggle for the English crown has seen Queen Emma's beloved son killed. She has two more sons waiting in the wings but Godwin, Earl of Wessex - kingmaker and arch manipulator - has other plans.As the noble families of Europe murder each other in their lust for power and fortune, the boy stands apart.His name is William. His destiny is to conquer.Don't miss the final instalment of The Leopards of Normandy trilogy, as Duke William prepares to take England by storm in CONQUEROR. What readers are saying about DUKE:'To read a novel linked by actual historic characters and events whilst still maintaining a racy narrative is quite something. A fantastic read''One of the best historical novels I have read. Well written, compelling, action-packed, good characters. This is seriously worth reading!'
Duke (Leopards of Normandy 2): An action-packed historical epic of battle, death and dynasty
by David Churchill**From the co-author of the No.1 bestselling Wilbur Smith novel, WAR CRY. **The Leopards of Normandy trilogy continues with Duke, as William of Normandy inherits his father's title and assumes command of his lands. This vibrant series by David Churchill will enthrall fans of Bernard Cornwell and Conn Iggulden. 'An exciting mix of medieval betrayal, violence and sex' Wilbur Smith.Normandy, 1037. Sparks fly from clashing swords as the game of thrones plays out in bloodshed. Of those named guardian to the boy Duke, all seek advantage and power. Most wish the boy dead. Some will go to any lengths to make it happen.Across the sea, the struggle for the English crown has seen Queen Emma's beloved son killed. She has two more sons waiting in the wings but Godwin, Earl of Wessex - kingmaker and arch manipulator - has other plans.As the noble families of Europe murder each other in their lust for power and fortune, the boy stands apart. His name is William. His destiny is to conquer.(P)2016 Headline Digital
Duke Ellington
by James Lincoln CollierDuke Ellington is considered to be one of the great genius' of jazz--its major composer and leader of probably the most significant of all jazz bands. Yet, other than his own not-very-revealing autobiography and a collection of reminiscences of his band members, there has never been an in-depth biography of this pre-eminent figure in twentieth century music and entertainment. Here at last is the definitive critical biography of both the man and his music. James Lincoln Collier, author of the highly acclaimed Louis Armstrong: An American Genius, has produced a fascinating work which tells the full story of Edward Kennedy Ellington, from his childhood as the pampered and adored only son of a middle-class Washington black family to his death in 1974, hailed as "America's greatest composer" (according to the New York Times obituary) and mourned at his funeral by more than 10,000 people. Collier describes Ellington's charisma--his sense of being special even from childhood, when he would announce to his cousins "I am the grand, noble, Duke; crowds will be running to me,"...the formation of his band, including some of the greatest names in jazz history, among them, Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Cootie Williams, Lawrence Brown, and Paul Gonzavles...his arrival at the legendary Cotton Club in Harlem in the 1920s...his involvement with his manager Irving Mills, who manipulated and cheated him and even put his name on some of Ellington's songs, but who made him famous...his relationship with his family, including his troubled relationship with his son, his marriage and many affairs (including involvements with some of his own musician's women). But most of all, the book is about the creation of the music, from classic songs like "Sophisticated Lady" to the "sacred concerts" of Ellington's last years. Collier maintains that it is not necessary to see Ellington as a "composer" in the narrow sense of the word but as something just as important: an improvising jazz musician. His instrument was a whole band.This is a controversial book--not all will agree with Collier's assessments--but it will enthrall jazz buffs as well as anyone interested in a fascinating life and times.
Duke Ellington and His World: A Biography
by A. H. LawrenceBased on lengthy interviews with Ellington's bandmates, family, and friends, Duke Ellington and His World offers a fresh look at this legendary composer. The first biography of the composer written by a fellow musician and African-American, the book traces Ellington's life and career in terms of the social, cultural, political, and economic realities of his times. Beginning with his birth in Washington, DC, through his first bands and work at the legendary Cotton Club, to his final great extended compositions, this book gives a thorough introduction to Ellington's music and how it was made. It also illuminates his personal life because, for Ellington, music was his life and his life was a constant inspiration for music.
Duke Ellington's America
by Harvey G. CohenDuke Ellington represented a singular, pathbreaking force in music over a half-century. Harvey G. Cohen paints a vivid picture of Ellington's life and times, taking him from his youth in the black middle class to the heights of worldwide acclaim.
Duke Ellington: A Life in Music (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Vocabulary Readers #Leveled Reader: Level: 4, Theme: 5.2)
by Erick MontgomeryBriefly tells of the life of Duke Ellington, the musician.
Duke Ellington: Giant of Jazz
by Wendie C. OldExamines the life and career of the talented jazz composer, bandleader, and pianist, from his childhood in Washington, D.C., through his battle against racism, to his influence on the world of jazz.
Duke Ellington: His Life in Jazz with 21 Activities (For Kids series)
by Stephanie Stein CreaseCelebrating 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.
Duke Ellington: Man of Music (Leveled Readers 4.5.2)
by Erick MontgomeryDuke Ellington was a great composer and musician. How did he change music in America?
Duke Ellington: The Piano Prince and His Orchestra
by Andrea Davis PinkneyEdward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington, "King of the Keys," was born on April 29, 1899, in Washington, D.C. "He was a smooth-talkin', slick-steppin', piano-playin' kid," writes master wordsmith Andrea Pinkney in the rhythmic, fluid, swinging prose of this excellent biography for early readers. It was ragtime music that first "set Duke's fingers to wiggling." He got back to work and taught himself to "press on the pearlies." Soon 19-year-old Duke was playing compositions "smoother than a hairdo sleeked with pomade" at parties, pool halls, country clubs, and cabarets. Skipping from D.C. to 1920s Harlem, "the place where jazz music ruled," Duke and his small band called the Washingtonians began performing in New York City clubs, including the Cotton Club, where Duke Ellington and his Orchestra was officially born.