Duke Ellington

Edward Kennedy Ellington (1899–1974), known as Duke Ellington, changed the sound of popular music in America and around the world. He began by playing the piano at age 7. In 1917 he formed his first band, called The Duke’s Serenaders. They played in their hometown of Washington D. C. until Ellington left the comforts of home for the creative energy and opportunity of Harlem. Once there, Ellington’s band played frequent gigs at the famous Cotton Club. It was a whites only club, but fans could tune in to hear live broadcasts of the shows. The Duke became famous and his band played on throughout the Great Depression.

Over a span of 50 years Ellington wrote music for 3-minute records, for movies, the theater, orchestras, and the church. He played and led a band that toured the world, giving 20,000 performances and changing the sound of music wherever they went. Ellington received 13 Grammy Awards and 16 university degrees. He was awarded the President’s Gold Medal by President Johnson, as well as the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Nixon. The country of France gave him their highest award, the Legion of Honor. But the highest praise was from his fellow musicians. The great Miles Davis said, “I think all the musicians in jazz should get together on one certain day and get down on their knees to thank Duke.”

Duke Ellington died in New York in 1974. On the day of the funeral a black man, who had come down from Harlem, said, "I'm just here to bear witness. A man passed through and he was a giant."