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Learn about the life and legacy of Duke Ellington, an American jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader. Explore his early career, collaborations, compositions, awards, and influence on jazz and American music.
Aug 21, 2024 · Duke Ellington, American pianist who was the greatest jazz composer and bandleader of his time. One of the originators of big-band jazz, Ellington led his band for more than half a century, composed thousands of scores, and created one of the most distinctive ensemble sounds in all of Western music.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
- Duke Ellington grew up in Washington, D.C., in a secure middle-class family that encouraged his interests in the fine arts. He began studying piano...
- Benefiting from the expertise of a large ensemble that included several important jazz artists, Duke Ellington broke away from the conventions of b...
- Often collaborating with his longtime composing-arranging partner Billy Strayhorn, Duke Ellington was responsible for big-band jazz classics such a...
- Duke Ellington was the greatest jazz composer and bandleader of his time. One of the originators of big-band jazz, he led his band for more than 50...
Feb 8, 2024 · 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...
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- Staff Editorial Team And Contributors
Dec 12, 2002 · Learn about the life and music of Duke Ellington, one of the greatest jazz composers of all time. Explore his early career, his band, his collaborations, and his legacy.
- Early Life & Career. Edward Kennedy Ellington was born April 29, 1899 in Washington D.C. to a middle-class African-American family. While he had some piano lessons when he was seven, he did not take the music seriously until he was a teenager.
- Duke Ellington & The Cotton Club. On December 4, 1927, Irving Mills helped secure the band an audition for a prized spot in the Cotton Club which they won.
- The Swing Era. The rise of the swing era, which started in 1935, resulted in many other big bands being formed, but Ellington was already considered a musical genius who was above any real competition.
- The 1940s & Carnegie Hall. While the onset of World War II. made traveling difficult for big bands, Ellington continued working including appearing with his band in the Los Angeles civil rights play Jump For Joy and at special Carnegie Hall concerts.
Learn about Duke Ellington, a major figure in the history of jazz music, who composed thousands of songs for the stage, screen and contemporary songbook. Explore his biography, discography, awards, and popular hits such as "It Don't Mean a Thing if It Ain't Got That Swing".
Explore the life and legacy of Duke Ellington, a legendary musician, composer, and bandleader from Washington, D.C. Find artifacts, photos, and videos related to his career and achievements across the Smithsonian museums.
