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Duke Ellington, acclaimed as one of the most influential figures in the history of American jazz, represents the epitome of musical brilliance and innovation. Born in 1899 in Washington, D.C., Ellington emerged as a prodigious pianist, bandleader, and composer, carving a unique path that transformed the landscape of jazz. With his distinctive style fusing diverse elements of swing, blues, classical music, and even religious hymns, Duke Ellington’s music resonates with a dynamic power that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Through his exceptional talent and tireless dedication, Ellington left an indelible mark on the genre, forever shaping the course of jazz and establishing himself as an enduring icon in the realm of music.

(1899-1974)

Table of Contents

Who Was Duke Ellington?

A major figure in the history of jazz music, Duke Ellington’s career spanned more than half a century, during which time he composed thousands of songs for the stage, screen and contemporary songbook. He created one of the most distinctive ensemble sounds in Western music and continued to play what he called “American Music” until shortly before his death in 1974.

Early Life

Born on April 29, 1899, Ellington was raised by two talented, musical parents in a middle-class neighborhood of Washington, D.C. At the age of seven, he began studying piano and earned the nickname “Duke” for his gentlemanly ways. Inspired by his job as a soda jerk, he wrote his first composition, “Soda Fountain Rag,” at the age of 15. Despite being awarded an art scholarship to the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, Ellington followed his passion for ragtime and began to play professionally at age 17.

Duke Ellington’s Band

In the 1920s, Ellington performed in Broadway nightclubs as the bandleader of a sextet, a group which in time grew to a 10-piece ensemble. Ellington sought out musicians with unique playing styles, such as Bubber Miley, who used a plunger to make the “wa-wa” sound, and Joe Nanton, who gave the world his trombone “growl.” At various times, his ensemble included the trumpeter Cootie Williams, cornetist Rex Stewart and alto saxophonist Johnny Hodges. Ellington made hundreds of recordings with his bands, appeared in films and on radio, and toured Europe on two occasions in the 1930s.

Songs

Ellington’s fame rose to the rafters in the 1940s when he composed several masterworks, including “Concerto for Cootie,” “Cotton Tail” and “Ko-Ko.” Some of his most popular songs included “It Don’t Mean a Thing if It Ain’t Got That Swing,” “Sophisticated Lady,” “Prelude to a Kiss,” “Solitude” and “Satin Doll.” A number of his hits were sung by the impressive Ivie Anderson, a favorite female vocalist of Ellington’s band.

‘Take the A Train’

Perhaps Ellington’s most famous jazz tune was “Take the A Train,” which was composed by Billy Strayhorn and recorded for commercial purposes on February 15, 1941. “Take the A Train,” the “A” referring to a subway line in New York City, took the place of Ellington’s previous signature tune “Sepia Panorama.”

It was Ellington’s sense of musical drama that made him stand out. His blend of melodies, rhythms and subtle sonic movements gave audiences a new experience—complex yet accessible jazz that made the heart swing. Ellington’s autobiography, Music Is My Mistress, was published in 1973. Ellington earned 12 Grammy awards from 1959 to 2000, nine while he was alive.

Death

At the age of 19, Ellington married Edna Thompson, who had been his girlfriend since high school, and soon after their marriage, she gave birth to their only child, Mercer Kennedy Ellington.

On May 24, 1974, at the age of 75, Ellington died of lung cancer and pneumonia. His last words were, “Music is how I live, why I live and how I will be remembered.” More than 12,000 people attended his funeral. He was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, New York City.

QUICK FACTS

Name: Duke Ellington
Birth Year: 1899
Birth date: April 29, 1899
Birth City: Washington, D.C.
Birth Country: United States
Gender: Male
Best Known For: An originator of big-band jazz, Duke Ellington was an American composer, pianist and bandleader who composed thousands of scores over his 50-year career.
Industries

Jazz

Astrological Sign: Taurus
Schools

Armstrong Technical High School

Death Year: 1974
Death date: May 24, 1974
Death State: New York
Death City: New York
Death Country: United States

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CITATION INFORMATION

Article Title: Duke Ellington Biography
Author: Biography.com Editors
Website Name: The Biography.com website
Url: https://www.biography.com/musician/duke-ellington
Access Date:
Publisher: A&E; Television Networks
Last Updated: April 14, 2021
Original Published Date: April 3, 2014

QUOTES

People do not retire. They are retired by others.
You’ve got to find some way of saying it without saying it.

In conclusion, Duke Ellington was an iconic figure in the world of jazz music. His innovative compositions and unique style not only revolutionized the genre but also left a lasting impact on future generations of musicians. Through his prolific career, Ellington demonstrated his versatility and mastery in multiple aspects of music, including composition, arrangement, and performance. His ability to blend various influences and genres resulted in a distinctive sound that remains timeless and influential to this day. Beyond his musical contributions, Ellington broke barriers and challenged racial stereotypes, paving the way for other African American musicians to thrive in the predominantly white music industry. Duke Ellington’s legacy is one of artistic excellence, cultural significance, and social progress, making him an eternal icon in the realm of music.