Duke Ellington, born Edward Kennedy Ellington on April 29, 1899, in Washington, D.C., was an American composer, pianist, and bandleader who is considered one of the most influential figures in jazz and American music as a whole. His career spanned more than 50 years, during which he led his orchestra, famous for its lush arrangements and an impressive roster of legendary musicians. Ellington started playing piano at age seven and became enamored with ragtime. By his teenage years, he was already performing professionally, his suave demeanor and dapper dress earning him the moniker "Duke."

Ellington’s oeuvre is vast and encompasses a wide range of jazz styles. He famously played at the Cotton Club in Harlem during the 1920s, becoming a pivotal figure in the Harlem Renaissance. His creative genius propelled the genre of big-band jazz to new heights with sophisticated compositions and extended pieces that broke new ground. Classics such as "Take the 'A' Train," "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)," and "Mood Indigo" only scratch the surface of his prolific output. Duke Ellington was not just a major figure in the world of jazz but also a significant composer of the 20th century, with works that infused African American music traditions with classical music formality, as in his reimagining of Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker Suite." His legacy is preserved through numerous recordings and tribute performances worldwide, showcasing his exceptional ability to blend melody, rhythm, and complex harmonies into an emotional and culturally resonant tapestry. Ellington continued to play and compose music until his death on May 24, 1974, leaving behind a formidable and inspiring legacy that has become an invaluable part of American music history.

Genres

African-american Classical

Harlem Renaissance

Jazz

Jazz Piano

Swing

Vocal Jazz

Related Artists

Louis Armstrong

Count Basie

Ella Fitzgerald

Benny Goodman

Dizzy Gillespie

Billie Holiday

Cab Calloway

Oscar Peterson

Thelonious Monk

Charlie Parker

Coleman Hawkins

Art Tatum

Latest Release

In a Sentimental Mood

Duke Ellington

Album - 93 Tracks - Released July 16, 2024