Help! The Beatles, Duke Ellington, and the Magic of Collaboration

By Thomas Brothers,

Book cover of Help! The Beatles, Duke Ellington, and the Magic of Collaboration

Book description

The Beatles and Duke Ellington's Orchestra stand as the two greatest examples of collaboration in music history. Thomas Brothers delivers a portrait of the creative process at work, demonstrating that the cooperative method at the foundation of these two artist-groups was the primary reason for their unmatched musical success.

While…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep the lights on. Or join the rebellion as a member.

Why read it?

1 author picked Help! The Beatles, Duke Ellington, and the Magic of Collaboration as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I’m a sucker for a good Beatles’ read, and Help! delivered.

It’s my favorite type of music history book: a new lens (songwriting) through which to view a subject I don’t know well (Duke Ellington) alongside one I’m well-acquainted with (the Fabs).

Brothers’ book is packed with detailed explanation of the artist’s songwriting, arranging, publishing, and production processes. His insights taught me a tremendous amount about the larger context and process of songcraft and collaboration.

Want books like Help! The Beatles, Duke Ellington, and the Magic of Collaboration?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Help! The Beatles, Duke Ellington, and the Magic of Collaboration.

Browse books like Help! The Beatles, Duke Ellington, and the Magic of Collaboration

Book cover of The Chitlin' Circuit: And the Road to Rock 'n' Roll
Book cover of Wail: The Life of Bud Powell
Book cover of Outside the Jukebox: How I Turned My Vintage Music Obsession Into My Dream Gig

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,118

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in popular music, jazz, and The Beatles?

Popular Music 56 books
Jazz 137 books
The Beatles 59 books