Duke Ellington was a major figure in musical history. He was well known for his compositions in the jazz genre.

Ellington was born on April 29, 1899 to musical parents in Washington DC. He began taking piano lessons at the age of seven.

Ellington was given the nickname “Duke” as he was known for his gentle playing. He will forever be known as Duke as he began using it as gigged throughout the world.  

Early on Ellington worked in a soda shop selling soda and ice cream. This inspired his first composition at the age of 15. This was only the beginning of his career as at the age of 17 he began playing professionally.

Ellington was a bandleader, meaning he was the lead player and conductor of the ensemble. He began with a group of 6 and grew to 10 people. 

In this band, Ellington sought out musicians that had a unique sound. He worked with Bubber Miley who used a plunger to make a “wa-wa” sound. Joe Nanton played the trombone and was known for his “growl” sound.

Joe Nanton

Ellington and his band made over a hundred recordings, appeared in films and radios. His band also took a tour to Europe TWO TIMES in the 1930's.

“Solitude”, “Satin Doll”, and “I Don’t Mean a Thing if It Ain’t Got That Swing” are just three of Ellington's songs he composed in the 1940s.

Ivie Anderson, a female vocalist, and Ellington often worked together on several songs throughout their careers. This was in the height of Ellington's career in jazz and music.

Ellington soared through the 1940’s with several masterworks. These compositions included ‘Concerto for Cootie” and a fast -tempo showpiece called “Cotton Tail.”

Billy Strayhorn worked closely with Ellington as they expanded in the jazz genre. Strayhorn wrote a piece called “Take the A Train” that became the band's theme song. 

Ellington began exploring the idea of classical 

forms in the jazz genre. He wrote a musical suite called 

“Black, Brown and Beige" in 1943.