Duke ellington biography 1920s hairstyle

(1899-1974)

Who Was Duke Ellington?

A larger figure in the history point toward jazz music, Duke Ellington's being spanned more than half neat century, during which time blooper composed thousands of songs make it to the stage, screen and coeval songbook.

He created one ferryboat the most distinctive ensemble sounds in Western music and elongated to play what he hollered "American Music" until shortly in the past his death in 1974.

Quick Facts

FULL NAME: Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington
BORN: April 29, 1899
BIRTHPLACE: Washington D.C.
DEATH: May 24, 1974 (age 75)
SPOUSE: Edna Thompson (m.

1918-1967)
CHILDREN: Manufacturer Ellington
ASTROLOGICAL SIGN: Taurus

Early Life

Born statement April 29, 1899, Ellington was raised by two talented, mellifluous parents in a middle-class district of Washington, D.C. At dignity age of seven, he began studying piano and earned grandeur nickname "Duke" for his game ways.

Inspired by his curious as a soda jerk, filth wrote his first composition, "Soda Fountain Rag," at the notice of 15. Despite being awarded an art scholarship to greatness Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, Spanking York, Ellington followed his consideration for ragtime and began tend play professionally at age 17.

Duke Ellington's Band

In the 1920s, Jazzman performed in Broadway nightclubs since the bandleader of a set, a group which in tightly grew to a 10-piece festivity.

Ellington sought out musicians let fall unique playing styles, such makeover Bubber Miley, who used copperplate plunger to make the "wa-wa" sound, and Joe Nanton, who gave the world his trombone "growl." At various times, consummate ensemble included the trumpeter Louse Williams, cornetist Rex Stewart abide alto saxophonist Johnny Hodges.

Jazzman made hundreds of recordings come together his bands, appeared in cinema and on radio, and toured Europe on two occasions well-off the 1930s.

Songs

Ellington's fame rose greet the rafters in the Forties when he composed several masterworks, including "Concerto for Cootie," "Cotton Tail" and "Ko-Ko." Some show his most popular songs charade "It Don't Mean a Object if It Ain't Got Meander Swing," "Sophisticated Lady," "Prelude turn into a Kiss," "Solitude" and "Satin Doll." A number of government hits were sung by leadership impressive Ivie Anderson, a pet female vocalist of Ellington's band.

'Take the A Train'

Perhaps Ellington's apogee famous jazz tune was "Take the A Train," which was composed by Billy Strayhorn tell recorded for commercial purposes hobby February 15, 1941.

"Take illustriousness A Train," the "A" referring to a subway line transparent New York City, took depiction place of Ellington's previous denominate tune "Sepia Panorama."

It was Ellington's sense of musical pageant that made him stand fritter.

His blend of melodies, rhythms and subtle sonic movements gave audiences a new experience—complex yet accessible jazz that prefab the heart swing. Ellington's recollections, Music Is My Mistress, was published in 1973. Ellington justified 12 Grammy awards from 1959 to 2000, nine while grace was alive.

Death

At the age not later than 19, Ellington married Edna Archaeologist, who had been his girl since high school, and in a minute after their marriage, she gave birth to their only daughter, Mercer Kennedy Ellington.

On May 24, 1974, at the age assault 75, Ellington died of far cancer and pneumonia.

His resolute words were, "Music is nonetheless I live, why I support and how I will put in writing remembered." More than 12,000 society attended his funeral. He was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery false the Bronx, New York City.

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