Duke Ellington
Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington, born on April 29, 1899, in Washington, D.C., was a pioneering American jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader. Raised in a middle-class family that valued the arts, Ellington began studying piano at age seven. By seventeen, he was performing professionally, inspired by ragtime musicians. In 1923, he moved to New York City, forming a band called the Washingtonians, which eventually evolved into his renowned jazz orchestra.
Ellington gained national fame during his tenure at the Cotton Club in Harlem from 1927 to 1932, where his orchestra became known for its unique "jungle style." His compositions, such as "East St. Louis Toodle-oo" and "Black and Tan Fantasy," showcased his innovative use of the big band format. Throughout his career, Ellington wrote or collaborated on over a thousand compositions, many of which became jazz standards, including "In A Sentimental Mood," "Sophisticated Lady," and "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)."
In 1939, Ellington began a significant collaboration with composer-arranger Billy Strayhorn, resulting in iconic pieces like "Take The A Train." Despite a decline in big-band popularity, Ellington experienced a resurgence after a landmark performance at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1956, leading to international tours and continued acclaim.
Ellington's music transcended traditional jazz boundaries, which he described as "beyond category," contributing to the broader genre of American Music. His inventive orchestration and charismatic leadership left a lasting impact on jazz and popular music. Ellington passed away on May 24, 1974, in New York City, leaving behind a monumental legacy that earned him a posthumous Pulitzer Prize Special Award for music in 1999.
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