The most thorough analysis ever written of Duke Ellington's works. Drawing at length on observation by Ellington himself and by members of his orchestra, Ken Rattenbury shows how blues, ragtime, and Tin Pan Alley influenced Ellington and how he integrated black folk music practices with elements of European art music. Rattenbury's book provides fascinating new perspectives on Ellington's life and music, the interpretations of some of his most creative soloists, and the evolution of the jazz tradition.

Born in England in 1920, KEN RATTENBURY has been a professional jazz musician for over fifty years.

"Rattenbury's thoroughness and perception are commendable, and his awareness of the musician's standpoint when describing the role of innovations from Bubber Miley, Joe Nanton, Johnny Hodges, Cootie Williams, and Rex Stewart is especially sagacious…Musicians and those desiring a deeper understanding of Duke's methods will find much to interest them." - ART LANGE, Down Beat

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