The two-part Duke's Diary provides fascinating insight into the life and times of one of the greatest figures in American music, the incomparable Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington. Using contemporary photographs, newspaper reports, advertisements, reviews, and narrative, the parts chronicle Ellington's life, performances, and recording sessions.

PART ONE briefly sets out the first twenty-one years of Ellington's life, and then, as his career begins to take off, coverage of his life and performing engagements becomes more in-depth, going from month-by-month to almost a day-by-day diary, from his opening at Harlem's famous Cotton Club in December 1927 to his orchestra's extended European tour in 1950. Dozens of rare photos, including illustrations of posters from many of his venues, reprints of news articles about him and his band, and even his first listing in the phone book for his band "The Duke's Serenaders" (1918), enliven every page.

PART TWO begins with Ellington's return from his band's European tour in June 1950 and concludes with his death in 1974. The Ellington Orchestra's complete itinerary, including all known club, concert, theatre, television, film, and jam session appearances, is included, as well as a selected list of Ellington's recordings.

KEN VAIL is a jazz historian and graphic designer who has written many books on jazz musicians. Vail's unique concept, which pairs photos and news articles with brief diary-style entries, has resulted in a work of enduring interest and visual impact.

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