Duke Ellington

Duke Ellington was a jazz composer, pianist, and bandleader from the USA whose orchestra became one of the central institutions of 20th-century music. His works include Mood Indigo, Sophisticated Lady, Black, Brown and Beige, and Take the “A” Train. Ellington shaped jazz through orchestral color, distinctive soloists, and long-form composition.

6 articles related to Duke Ellington:

PIANO

Zawinul incited his electric piano to report the jazz weather

European jazz pianist Joe Zawinul is best known for his founding the iconic band Weather Report which is highly...
PIANO

Billy Strayhorn redefined jazz with a touch of classical

A versatile composer and pianist Billy Strayhorn was among the most grandiose personalities in American jazz,...
Big band

Great Depression cut short the extraordinary dance life of McKinney’s Cotton Pickers

Since the very start of the prohibition during the Roaring Twenties, many Americans sought refuge in entertainment clubs...
PIANO

Abdullah Ibrahim created his African music of peace in exile

The works of South African pianist Abdullah Ibrahim, born Adolph Johannes Brand, fuse the melodic sounds of his homeland...
Big band

Take 'A' train jazz standard originated from Duke Ellington's letter

Take the 'A' Train is a Billy Strayhorn composition that became a signature tune of the Duke Ellington Orchestra and is...
SONGWRITER

Ellington's classic song established swing as a jazz form

It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing) is a 1931 composition by Duke Ellington with lyrics by Irving Mills,...