Duke Ellington, A Spiritual Biography (Lives & Legacies Series)

Rating:
Summary: A poignant account
Review: Despite the author being a minister and this being a "spiritual biography," there is no beating of the religious drum here (thank God, for that was my fear, inspite of the fact that I was interested and intrigued in the idea of a "spiritual biography.) Nor is there any Pollyanna-ish writing. I agree with other reviewers in that Steed makes an astounding and perfectly convincing case for Duke Ellington's spirituality and its presense in and influence on his music. Her breezy yet scholarly approach is direct and simple and this biography makes an interesting addition to the still ever growing (and glutted) literature on Ellington. Adding to the book's appeal are the several side bars--a couple involve interesting profiles, and a couple others and of particular interest, are a close look at the several films featuring Ellington and his orchestra and Ellington's role in shaping these films. The book is always engaging, well-crafted and original. "Duke Ellington: A Spiritual Biography" should find a very wide audience and is a welcome primer for those new to Ellington, and regardless of spiritual inclination.

Rating:
Summary: Great Book! Great Series!
Review: I picked this book up after reading Joan of Arc in this Lives and Legacies Series. This new book delivers everything it promises. I'm a real biography nut with an interest in a very broad range of subjects (and that's just what this series delivers) but have little time to immerse myself in a 500 or 700 page reading. So it's great to be able to pick up these short biographies, get a great read, and then decide if I want to explore a subject in further depth. But I can tell you with both these books, short as they are (192 pages), they are still very in-depth, scholarly and but still accessible to the popular audience. Duke Ellington was a particular pleasure as I knew nothing about his Sacred music and Concerts, nor have I run across anything that examines so fully the films that him and his orchestra were featured in, and which by the way Ellington had a significant role in developing. Author Janna Steed offers up a terrific little gem with this new book on Duke Ellington.

Rating:
Summary: Unique, sensitive view of the man, his music, and his God
Review: Janna Tull Steed does a remarkable job of demonstrating the transcendence of Duke Ellington over man-made dichotomies such as mind and body, religious and secular life, etc. She convincingly portrays a complex man whose spirtuality encompases both body and soul. The importance of both Ellington's inward, meditative life and his involvement in the external world is clearly demonstrated. I am impressed with way in which he incorporated the unique qualites of his musicians in his compositions rather than writing pieces for "generic" musicians. Ms. Steed has written a scholarly, easy reading, absorbing book. She has done an outstanding job of presenting not only the man but also the social and historical context of his life. As I read this book, I found that it shed a new light not only on spiritual aspect of the life of Duke Ellington but on contemporary spirituality and creativity. There is much to be found in this book for readers with an interest in spirituality, music, creativity, and specifically Duke Ellington. My words do not do justice to Ms. Steed's work and I strongly recommend that others read her book and discover the treasures that Ms. Steed has shared with us.

Rating:
Summary: anything new to learn from another biography on the Duke?
Review: That's a fair question and I'm sure I'm not the first to ask it. But Steed very convincingly argues and proves that indeed there is: Ellington's spirituality and his sacred music and sacred concerts. I highly recommend this book, especially for those new to Duke Ellington but also to those interested in his later music.

Rating:
Summary: Another book on Ellington? Pick this one up
Review: The author wonderfully captures not only Duke's genius, but his compassion, courage,generosity and irresitible charm. Steed has that indispensable ability of telling Duke's story well--and not just the big story, but the "lesser" story, that of Duke Ellington's genuine and undeniable spirituality and profound humanity. She shows critical and intelligent sense toward the Maestro and wide and deep learning in relation to his Sacred Concerts (which as far as I have been able to gleen has been largely unstudied before Steed's years of research and this book). The book is particularly a must read for anyone who is just beginning to explore Duke Ellington. It is also a wonderful exemplar of biography in the short form--that fabulously exciting and once-popular genre. It looks like this "Lives & Legacies" series just might be bringing the genre back. Let's hope.

Rating:
Summary: good introduction to Ellington
Review: Very accesible book & good introduction not only to Duke Ellington but the world of Jazz. I suppose an author is limited by the number of pages how in depth one can get but still I expected a more critical examination of the contradiction of Ellington's public persona w/ his spirituality and how he reconciled these contradictions. That said, I still found Steed's argument convincing, especially his leading up to his sacred music. This is especially a good book for the new initiate to Duke Ellington.