Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington (1899-1974) is recognized as one of the great composers and orchestra leaders of the twentieth century and is credited for raising jazz to its highest plateau. He remained musically active through his entire life, creating a prolific musical output. Ellingtonia: The Recorded Music of Duke Ellington and His Sidemen compiles Ellington's entire musical catalog from the first recording session in July 1923 to the last concert in March 1974.

More than a discography, the book comprises all the activities of these musicians, including studio recordings, movie soundtracks, concerts, dance dates, radio broadcasts, telecasts, and private and unissued recordings, as well as recordings made by Ellington's sidemen under their own names or with other bands. W. E. Timner provides the date, location and personnel for each session, the label of first issue, master and take numbers (if available), and song title, including alternate titles and derivatives. Containing a comprehensive guide for users and indexes of titles, musicians, cities, venues, and general subjects, this completely revised and updated 5th edition also contains a new section listing Ellington's radio broadcasts and telecasts. Complete with extensive footnotes, Ellingtonia remains an indispensable and easy to use reference source for Jazz collectors and scholars.