Once upon a time many years ago there was a very influential black male born. Can you guess who that might be? His name was Edward Kennedy Ellington but you may know him as Duke.

Duke was born April 29, 1899 in Washington, D.C.

Ellington was very talented and received a scholarship in art to Pratt Institute but turned it down to pursue his actual calling to music.

At the age of 17, he began to perform professionally.

When he was 24 years old he then began to play in big New York night clubs, later he moved there and played in broadway clubs.

In 1927 signed a contract with one of the most famous nightclubs called the Cotton Club in Harlem at this time, which lasted until 1932.

Ellington and his band mates took their first trip to Europe in 1932. Then after World War II they traveled to South America, Far East, and Australia.

While out touring out of the country he and his band began to put out lots and lots of records.