Duke Ellington

Edward Kennedy Ellington (1899-1974), known as Duke Ellington, was born in Washington, DC into a family that belonged to the city's Black bourgeoisie. His father, James Edward Ellington, worked as a butler and was musically inclined, while his mother, Daisy Kennedy, played piano. Ellington's early exposure to music and his elegant demeanor earned him the nickname "Duke" from childhood friends. He began piano lessons at the age of seven but later pursued a career in commercial art before fully committing to music.

In 1917, Ellington founded his first band, which would eventually gain prominence in the jazz scene. His breakthrough came during his tenure at the Cotton Club in New York City from 1927 to 1931, where he composed timeless classics such as Mood Indigo and It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing). Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Ellington's orchestra undertook extensive tours, both domestically and internationally, earning acclaim for its artistic merit and innovative compositions, including "Daybreak Express" and "In a Sentimental Mood."

Duke Ellington's influence on jazz and American music is immeasurable. He was not only a talented pianist and bandleader but also a prolific composer who expanded the boundaries of jazz with his large-scale works and suites. Ellington leaves behind a rich legacy of recordings and compositions that continues to inspire musicians and audiences worldwide.