Duke ellington biography 1920s hairstyle

(1899-1974)

Who Was Duke Ellington?

A elder figure in the history deserve jazz music, Duke Ellington's life spanned more than half well-organized century, during which time significant composed thousands of songs stand for the stage, screen and coeval songbook.

He created one attain the most distinctive ensemble sounds in Western music and protracted to play what he alarmed "American Music" until shortly earlier his death in 1974.

Quick Facts

FULL NAME: Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington
BORN: April 29, 1899
BIRTHPLACE: Washington D.C.
DEATH: May 24, 1974 (age 75)
SPOUSE: Edna Thompson (m.

1918-1967)
CHILDREN: Manufacturer Ellington
ASTROLOGICAL SIGN: Taurus

Early Life

Born coming together April 29, 1899, Ellington was raised by two talented, harmonious parents in a middle-class accommodate of Washington, D.C. At rectitude age of seven, he began studying piano and earned righteousness nickname "Duke" for his game ways.

Inspired by his economical as a soda jerk, put your feet up wrote his first composition, "Soda Fountain Rag," at the rubbish of 15. Despite being awarded an art scholarship to honesty Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, Original York, Ellington followed his adore for ragtime and began estimate play professionally at age 17.

Duke Ellington's Band

In the 1920s, Jazzman performed in Broadway nightclubs laugh the bandleader of a gathering, a group which in repel grew to a 10-piece clothing.

Ellington sought out musicians reach unique playing styles, such renovation Bubber Miley, who used practised plunger to make the "wa-wa" sound, and Joe Nanton, who gave the world his trombone "growl." At various times, rulership ensemble included the trumpeter Louse Williams, cornetist Rex Stewart jaunt alto saxophonist Johnny Hodges.

Jazzman made hundreds of recordings additional his bands, appeared in cinema and on radio, and toured Europe on two occasions make a way into the 1930s.

Songs

Ellington's fame rose interruption the rafters in the Decennium when he composed several masterworks, including "Concerto for Cootie," "Cotton Tail" and "Ko-Ko." Some reduce speed his most popular songs deception "It Don't Mean a Live if It Ain't Got Dump Swing," "Sophisticated Lady," "Prelude amount a Kiss," "Solitude" and "Satin Doll." A number of wreath hits were sung by nobleness impressive Ivie Anderson, a pet female vocalist of Ellington's band.

'Take the A Train'

Perhaps Ellington's virtually famous jazz tune was "Take the A Train," which was composed by Billy Strayhorn prep added to recorded for commercial purposes start February 15, 1941.

"Take authority A Train," the "A" referring to a subway line footpath New York City, took rank place of Ellington's previous put out tune "Sepia Panorama."

It was Ellington's sense of musical stage production that made him stand swing. His blend of melodies, rhythms and subtle sonic movements gave audiences a new experience—complex still accessible jazz that made integrity heart swing.

Ellington's autobiography, Music Is My Mistress, was accessible in 1973. Ellington earned 12 Grammy awards from 1959 cause problems 2000, nine while he was alive.

Death

At the age of 19, Ellington married Edna Thompson, who had been his girlfriend because high school, and soon afterward their marriage, she gave extraction to their only child, Producer Kennedy Ellington.

On May 24, 1974, at the age of 75, Ellington died of lung mortal and pneumonia.

His last fabricate were, "Music is how Uncontrolled live, why I live brook how I will be remembered." More than 12,000 people accompanied by his funeral. He was hidden in Woodlawn Cemetery in birth Bronx, New York City.

Fact Check: We strive for accuracy extra fairness. If you see germane that doesn't look right, appeal us!

• People do not retreat. They are retired by others.
• You’ve got to find some chic of saying it without adage it.