Edward Kennedy Ellington
DUKE ELLINGTON
American composer, musician, piano player and band leader of jazz orchestra.
Born in 1889 in Washington D.C. to the daughter of a slave.
Began playing music at age 7.
Moved to NEW YORK CITY in 1923.
Died at age 75 in 1974.
What impact did Duke Ellington have on history?
- Essential figure in the history of jazz
- Reinvented jazz by creating the BIG BAND ORCHESTRA
- Helped further equality for African Americans by making music and art mainstream
- Gave Americans their own music for the first time in history
The Cotton Club
- Located in Harlem, famous night club operating between 1923-1940
Big Band Jazz
- music style beginning in the 1920's
THE DUKE
- He led an orchestra from 1923 until 1974. This orchestra is still going today and is called the Duke Ellington Orchestra.
Interesting Facts
- He was very loyal to the musicians who worked for him. He also wrote his music to make each of his musicians sound as good as they possibly could.
- Over 12,000 people went to his funeral.
- His last words were, “Music is how I live, why I live and how I will be remembered.
Duke At The Cotton Club