Duke Ellington

Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington was a prolific American jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader. Based in New York City from the 1920s, he gained fame through his orchestra's performances at the Cotton Club. With over a thousand compositions, his work is a cornerstone of jazz history. Notable for his miniatures on 78 rpm records, he also crafted extended compositions in collaboration with Billy Strayhorn. Ellington's orchestra reached creative heights in the late 1930s with musicians like Ben Webster and Jimmy Blanton. An iconic figure, his "beyond category" approach transcended genre, earning him the Pulitzer Prize Special Award and a lasting legacy.

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6 articles related to Duke Ellington:

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  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...
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  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,...
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  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...
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  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...
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  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...
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  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,...