Duke Ellington: Reminiscing in Tempo recounts the life and career of the legendary composer and bandleader, Duke Ellington. Born in the shadow of the White House in Washington, DC, where his father sometimes worked as a servant, Duke Ellington became one of the most influential musicians of the twentieth century. Ellington's career lasted for more than 55 years, and his music has influenced modern musicians and musical styles. Transcending racial discrimination and boundaries, Ellington and his music occupy a prestigious position in the history of American music and entertainment. Duke Ellington: Reminiscing in Tempo would be useful for classes on American History, African American History, American Culture, and Music classes. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

Part II

Part II continues in the 1930s when Duke Ellington was at the pinnacle of his career. In the 1940s, after World War II, Ellington's career reached its professional low as a new musical form of jazz, Be-Bop, became popular. But Ellington bounced back in 1956 at the Newport Jazz Festival with innovative new scores and updated versions of his prior work. Part II takes us through the halcyon days of Duke Ellington's career through the turbulent years of the 1960s and the Civil Rights Movement up to Ellington's death in 1974.

• adversity
• articulate
• aspire
• crescendo
• dictatorial
• dilettantes
• gimmick
• integrity
• lyricist
• segregated
• stigma
• tempo

1. When Duke Ellington and his orchestra toured in the South, they stayed in Pullman train cars instead of hotels. We did they have to do this? Why didn't they stay in the local hotels and eat at the local restaurants?

2. Duke Ellington may have been rich and famous, but like any other African American before the Civil Rights Movement, he was subjected to discrimination. How did racial discrimination influence Ellington's music?

3. How did Ellington's music affect race relations? Duke Ellington was an African American at a time before African Americans achieved civil rights. How might Ellington's career been different if he was not an African American?

4. What is the historical significance ofDuke Ellington's music? While Duke Ellington was popular and successful for most of his 55 year career, there was a period in the 1940s and early 1950s when his popularity faded. Why did Ellington's popularity fade temporarily during this period?

5. In the 1950s and 1960s, African Americans protested to gain civil rights and respect. How did this movement affect the music of Duke Ellington? Duke Ellington was not only a musician, but also a storyteller. How does Ellington's music tell a story?

6. What is the legacy of Duke Ellington?

1. Imagine that you are a member of the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Create a diary or a journal about your experiences on the road while touring the South before the Civil Rights Movement.

2. Create a timeline that illustrates the music and musical influence of Duke Ellington in twentieth century popular music.

3. Listen to some of Duke Ellington's music and discuss your reactions to the music with your classmates. What do you think makes his music so special?