Following the hundredth anniversary of Duke Ellington's birth, interest in the composer remains at an all-time high.

Based on lengthy interviews with Ellington's bandmates, family, and friends, Duke Ellington and His World offers a new 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. Born the grandson of slaves, Ellington earned worldwide fame and praise from musicians of every musical background, becoming a spokesperson not only for his music but also for his people.

A.H. Lawrence met Ellington and befriended the elder musician when he was a young trombone player working with Luis Russell's band in the 1940s. From that point forward he closely followed Ellington's career, even though his own career path took him out of music. Because of his deep love for Ellington's music, he began interviewing many of the stars of Ellington's early bands, hoping to capture from them, before they passed away, their memories and insights. Drawing on these interviews with legendary musicians - including many who worked with Ellington in his earliest days, such as drummer Sonny Greer, who played with Ellington's first bands in the 1920s and who continued in his bands through the early 1950s - the book offers a rounded and human portrait of the great composer and musician. Ellington's son Mercer was particularly forthcoming, offering new information about his childhood and his experiences working with his father.

The result is a thorough biography that offers unique insights into Ellington, both the man and his music. This fresh and balanced portrayal will undoubtedly add to our understanding of one of America's greatest artists and bring renewed attention to his distinguished body of work.

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