Duke Ellington

Error creating thumbnail:

Duke Ellington St. Louis Toodle-Oo

Error creating thumbnail:

Vu (magazine) N°77

File:Duke Ellington in ons land.ogv

Error creating thumbnail:

Duke Ellington at the Hurricane Club 1943

Error creating thumbnail:

Jazz musician Duke Ellington

Error creating thumbnail:

James Stewart-Duke Ellington in Anatomy of a Murder trailer

Duke Ellington

File:Duke Ellington 1965.jpg

Duke Ellington in 1965

Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington (April 29, 1899 – May 24, 1974) was an American composer, pianist, and leader of a jazz orchestra, which he led from 1923 until his death in a career spanning over fifty years. Born in Washington, D.C., Ellington was based in New York City from the mid-1920s and gained a national profile through his orchestra's appearances at the Cotton Club in Harlem.

Early Life

Ellington was born to James Edward Ellington and Daisy Kennedy Ellington. He grew up in a middle-class family and was given the nickname "Duke" by a childhood friend due to his gentlemanly demeanor. Ellington began studying piano at the age of seven and was influenced by ragtime pianists.

Career

Ellington's career began in earnest when he moved to New York City and started performing at the Cotton Club. His orchestra became known for its unique sound, which was a blend of jazz, blues, and classical music. Some of his most famous compositions include "Mood Indigo", "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)", and "Sophisticated Lady".

The Cotton Club

The Cotton Club was a significant venue for Ellington's orchestra. It was here that he developed his distinctive style and gained national fame. The club was a whites-only establishment, but it featured many of the best African American entertainers of the time.

Later Years

In the later years of his career, Ellington continued to innovate and collaborate with other musicians. He composed several extended pieces, including "Black, Brown and Beige", a jazz symphony. Ellington also toured extensively, bringing his music to audiences around the world.

Legacy

Duke Ellington is considered one of the greatest composers in the history of jazz. His contributions to music have been recognized with numerous awards, including a posthumous Pulitzer Prize in 1999. His work continues to influence musicians and composers to this day.

Related Pages

• Jazz
• Cotton Club
• Harlem Renaissance
• Big band
• Swing music
• Billy Strayhorn