Edward K. ‘Duke’ Ellington

By Tyler Hosler

Duke Ellington

Born April 29th, 1899 in Washington D.C.

Died May 24th, 1974 in New York City of lung cancer and pneumonia.

He began playing piano at age 7 and made his first professional appearance at age 17.

Composer, bandleader, and pianist Duke was recognized in his lifetime as one of the greatest jazz composers and performers.

Edward’s friends noticed his elegance, manners and sharp appearance and nicknamed him “Duke.”

Career

Duke Ellington had an astonishing musical career with a discography reaching 100+ since 1927.

Black Beauty

Jig Walk

Swampy River

The Duke and His Men

Daybreak Express

Jubilee Stomp

Released with many major record companies.

RCA

Capitol

Columbia

Reprise

Prestige

CBS

Allegro

Career cont’d

FilmsEllington also had an astounding presence in the film industry.

The Duke Ellington Orchestra is featured in a 1929 Hollywood short film, ‘Black and Tan’ and many more thereafter

His music is featured in over 130 films.

Hot Chocolate

Cabin in the Sky

Date with Duke

Bands and sessionsLead 11 bands and sessions

Formed the Duke Ellington Orchestra in 1927 and under the management of Irving Mills the orchestra made about 200 recordings

The Washingtonians

Harlem Hot Chocolates

The Jungle Band

Joe Turner and His Memphis Men

Career cont’d

Duke is best remembered for the over 3000 songs he composed during his life.

He was most creative out on the road. He wrote his most famous piece “Mood Indigo” while on the road.

His compositions set the bar for generations of brilliant jazz, pop, theatre and soundtrack composers to come.

Ellington – “My men and my race are the inspiration of my work. I try to catch the character and mood and feeling of my people.”

Accomplishments

President Lyndon Johnson presented Duke Ellington with the President’s award in 1966.

President Richard M Nixon presented Duke Ellington with the medal of Freedom in 1969.

Duke Ellington Received 13 Grammy awards.

Accomplishments cont’d

Duke Ellington received the Pulitzer prize.

Was awarded the French Legion of Honor in 1973.

Has a United States Commemorative stamp with his image on it issued in 1986.

Duke Ellington & His Orchestra -Take the “A” Train

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRGFqSkNjHk

“You’ve got to find some way of saying it

without saying it”

Duke Ellington –Mood Indigo

Duke’s son, Mercer, played the trumpet in his fathers band from 1940-1941.

Considered the piece that brought him world wide fame.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GohBkHaHap8

Duke Ellington -“C” Jam Blues

Duke referred to his music as “American Music” rather than Jazz.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOlpcJhNyDI

References

"Duke Ellington." The Red Hot Jazz Archive. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Dec. 2012. <http://http://www.redhotjazz.com/duke.html>.

"Edward K. (Duke) Ellington." Schirmer. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Dec. 2012. <http://www.schirmer.com/>.

"Ellington, Edward Kennedy “Duke” : San Francisco Classical Voice." San Francisco Classical Voice: Classical Music in the Bay Area. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Dec. 2012. <http://www.sfcv.org/>.

"The Duke Ellington Home Page." The Official Website of Jazz Legend Duke Ellington. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Dec. 2012. <http://www.dukeellington.com/home.html>.