Description
Signed copy of Duke Ellington by Barry Ulanov, an early biography of the American composer, signed by Duke Ellington himself.
Octavo, x, 322pp. Red cloth, title stamped in gilt on spine. Stated “second printing” on copyright page. Numerous black and white photographs, clean text block throughout. Rubbing to spine, some general wear. Paired with the publisher’s dust jacket, retail price on front flap, bright illustrations and light shelfwear.
Signed on the front free endpaper: “Good luck, Duke Ellington.”
Edward “Duke” Ellington (1899-1974) was an American composer, pianist, and leader of a jazz orchestra, which he led for more than 50 years, from 1923 until his death. Ellington gained a national profile through his orchestra’s appearances at the Cotton Club in Harlem. He composed thousands of scores over his lifetime, many of which became jazz standards. Notable works include “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)”, “Sophisticated Lady”, “Prelude to a Kiss”, “Solitude”, and “Satin Doll”. Ellington was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1969 and the Legion of Honor by France in 1973.
Provenance: RR Auctions, December, 2023.
