Duke Ellington
“It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing.” — Duke Ellington
Seventy-five years have passed since jazz composer
Duke Ellington’s heyday, but his timeless tunes
haven’t lost that “thing” that made them swing.
During his 50-year career, Ellington wrote classics
such as “Caravan,” “Daydream,” “I Let A Song Go Out Of
My Heart,” and “In A Sentimental Mood.” These
compositions were embraced by scores of fans and
ensured Ellington a place in musical history.
Born in 1899 in Washington, DC, Ellington was
considered one of the greatest jazz composers and
performers who ever lived. The self-taught musician
was best known for his unique instrumental
combinations and jazz arranging.
Duke’s creativity was honed working as a band leader
in famous New York clubs from 1927-1932. He and his
band, “The Washingtonians” played hotspots such as the
Exclusive Club, Connie’s Inn, the Hollywood Club (Club
Kentucky), Ciro’s, the Plantation Club, and the Cotton
Club. His skillful conducting and arranging
attracted national attention through radio broadcasts
called “From the Cotton Club.”
The Washingtonians’ music spread rapidly and by 1935,
Duke and his band’s career was in full-swing. More
hits emerged including “Sophisticated Lady,” “Mood
Indigo,” “Rockin’ in Rhythm,” “Satin Doll,” “New
Orleans,” “A Drum is a Women,” “Take the ‘A’ Train,”
“Happy-Go-Lucky Local,” “The Mooche,”and “Crescendo
in Blue.”
The ensemble went on to play everywhere from New York
to Los Angeles to London. They performed with greats
such as Miles Davis, Cab Calloway, Dizzy Gillespie,
Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett and Louis Armstrong.
Ellington and his band’s success continued until the
end of World War II, when the country’s musical tastes
began to change. Big bands were no longer in demand
like they had been and earning a paycheck became
increasingly difficult. But Ellington continued to
use his talents in other projects. In the 1960’s, he
teamed up with composer Billy Strayhorn to write music
for film, television and theater.
Throughout his lifetime, Ellington’s achievements were
recognized with honorary doctorates from Howard and
Yale Universities, membership in the American
Institute of Arts and Letters and election as the
first jazz musician member of the Royal Music Academy
in Stockholm.
The French government honored him with their highest
award, the Legion of Honor. The government of the
United States bestowed upon him the highest civil
honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In addition,
he gave over 20,000 performances worldwide.
Duke died on May 24, 1974 at the age of 75.
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