Duke Ellington
Legendary Composer, Pianist And Big-Band Leader, Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington, Was Born April 29, 1899, In Washington, DC.
One Of The Most Creative And Important Composers Of The 20th Century, Ellington Influenced American Music From The Swing Era Of The 1930's Until His Death In The 1970's.
For More Than Half A Century, Ellington Led What Some Critics Consider "The Best Jazz Orchestra Of All Time." The Ellington Orchestra's (Also Known As The Jungle Band) Early Recordings Included: "Creole Love Call," "Juilee Stomp," "Black And Tan Fantasy" And "Hot And Bothered." In Later Years, The Band's Signature Tune Became "Take The 'A' Train."
Other Major Compositions By Ellington Include: "It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)," "Mood Indigo," "Do Nothing 'Til You Hear From Me," "(In My) Solitude, "I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)" "Sophisticated Lady" And "Satin Doll."
Ellington Composed Scores For, And Appeared In Several Movies, Including A Day The Races (1937), Cabin In The Sky (1943) And Paris Blues (1961).
Other Musicians Such As Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck, Judy Collins And Stevie Wonder (With The Song, "Sir Duke," 1977) Have Paid Musical Tributes To Ellington Over The Years.
Ellington, Died Of Lung Cancer In New York City, On May 24, 1974
"In Order For Black History To Live, We Must Continue To Breathe Life Into It." -- Hubert Gaddy, Jr.
