The two-volume "Duke's Diary" provides an insight into the life and times of one of the greatest figures in American music, Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington. This volume briefly sets out the first 21 years of Duke's life, and then, as his career begins to take off, coverage of his life and performing engagements becomes more in-depth. It goes from a 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. Rare photographs, including illustrations of posters from many of his venues, reprints of news articles about him and his band, even his first listing in the phone book for his band "The Duke's Serenaders" (1918) are included in this work.