Duke Ellington

File:Symphony in Black (1935).webm File:Duke Ellington in ons land.ogv

Duke Ellington in 1943

Birth name	Edward Kennedy Ellington
Also known as
Born	April 29, 1899 Washington, D.C., U.S.
Origin
Died	May 24, 1974 New York City, U.S.
Genres	Jazz, swing
Occupation(s)	Composer, pianist, bandleader
Instrument(s)

Duke Ellington (April 29, 1899 – May 24, 1974) was an American composer, pianist, and bandleader 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 onward and gained a national profile through his orchestra's appearances at the Cotton Club in Harlem.

Early Life and Education

Edward Kennedy Ellington was born to James Edward Ellington and Daisy Kennedy Ellington. His parents were both pianists, and they nurtured his interest in music from a young age. Ellington began taking piano lessons at the age of seven and was influenced by the ragtime pianists of the time. He earned the nickname "Duke" from his friends due to his gentlemanly demeanor.

Career

Formation of the Washingtonians

In 1917, Ellington formed his first group, "The Duke's Serenaders," which later became "The Washingtonians." The band moved to New York City in 1923, where they became the house band at the Cotton Club. This residency helped Ellington gain national exposure through radio broadcasts.

Musical Style and Innovations

Ellington's music was characterized by his innovative use of the orchestra, blending different sections to create a unique sound. He was known for his "jungle style" of jazz, which featured growling brass and complex rhythms. His compositions often included elements of blues, gospel, and classical music.

Notable Compositions

Some of Ellington's most famous compositions include "Mood Indigo," "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)," "Sophisticated Lady," and "Take the 'A' Train." His work "Black, Brown and Beige" is a notable example of his longer-form compositions, which he referred to as "tone parallels."

Collaborations

Ellington collaborated with many other musicians and composers, including Billy Strayhorn, who became his close friend and co-composer. Strayhorn's "Take the 'A' Train" became the band's signature tune. Ellington also worked with Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and John Coltrane.

Legacy

Duke Ellington's influence on jazz and American music is profound. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1969 and a Pulitzer Prize Special Citation posthumously in 1999. His music continues to be celebrated and performed worldwide.

Also see

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