The book "Beyond Category" is a fantastic book that profiles Duke Ellington as a band leader. He kept a large number of high-level musicians, often with challen

The book "Beyond Category" is a fantastic book that profiles Duke Ellington as a band leader. He kept a large number of high-level musicians, often with challenging personalities, employed and working together for decades. He managed to accomplish it in the face of a "pivoting market": around the late 40's/early 50's listeners turned more toward bebop with its small-group sound. It's a worthwhile read for anyone with both music and leadership interest.