Duke Ellington

Duke Ellington

He is considered one of the greatest Jazz musicians in history and one of the most well known recording artists of all time. This must be the great Duke Ellington from Washington DC. During his fifty year career he contributed greatly to Jazz music and music in general trough composing some of the most well known gospels, movie soundtracks and scoring movies. He represented the American entertainment culture during the 20th century and called his music “American Music” instead of Jazz music. He appeared in several films and lead his band until his death in 1974. His youngest son Paul Ellington kept the Duke Ellington Orchestra going after Duke Ellington's death.

Duke Ellington was born Edward Ellington Kennedy on April 29, 1899 in the West End neighborhood of Washington DC. At the age of seven, Ellington started taking piano lessons from Marietta Clinkscales. His friends started calling him Duke at an early age because of his proper dress and sophistication. Ellington mostly credited Edgar McEntree for inventing this nickname. Baseball was Ellington's favorite past time as a child. After graduating from high school, Ellington got his first job selling peanuts at the Washington senators Baseball games. In 1914 Ellington wrote his first piece of music called Soda Fountain Rag. He did this by ear since he could not yet read or write music. Ellington got serious about playing the piano when he got inspired by the pianists that played at Frank Holiday's Poolroom. With the guidance of local high school music teacher Henry Grant and Washington pianist Oliver Perry, Ellington learned how to write sheet music and improve his techniques. Pianists James Johnson, Willie Smith and Lucky Roberts also inspired him and influenced his playing style. Ellington took advice from other big names such as Will Cook, Fats Waller and Sidney Bechet. He was recognized when he started playing in night clubs in and around Washington DC. Ellington launched his musical...