Hm. Seems like there should be some acknowledgement of the realities of racism, like maybe a mention of segregated facilities while on tour. The most I caught was that 'few' African-Americans had played at Carnegie Hall. And the text would seem to imply that once he played *Black, Brown, and Biege* there, civil rights and equity, etc., were done deals. Well, at least this book won't catch the eyes of those who ban books, as it says nothing negative about white people. ( )

Addressing readers directly—“You ever heard of the jazz-playin’ man, the man with the cats who could swing with his band?”—the Pinkneys embark on a cool and vibrant tour of Duke Ellington’s musical career, from the pool hall ragtime that “set Duke’s fingers to wiggling,” to his 1943 Carnegie Hall concert, also giving some of the soloists that played with him, and songwriter Billy Strayhorn, a chance to step forward. Translated into color and visual forms, music floats and swirls through the scratchboard scenes, curling out of an antique radio, setting dancers to “cuttin’ the rug” at the elegant Cotton Club and, of course, trailing behind an “A” train. Like Chris Raschka’s solos, Charlie Parker Played Be-Bop (1992) and Mysterious Thelonius (1997), this loving tribute temptingly evokes the sound and spirit of a jazz pioneer. (Picture book/biography. 8-10)

-Kirkus Review

This picture book biography celebrates Ellington’s contributions with spirited text and vibrant illustrations.

Coretta Scott King Award Winning Book 1999
Caldecott Medal Winner or Honor

Beautiful woodcut-style, boldly colored artwork accompanies lyrical and rhythmic prose sprinkled with Jazz era slang. Duke Ellington is a great composer and this is a great introduction to him! Not for the shortest attention spans. Third grade is probably ideal. ( )