Edward kennedy duke ellington biography timeline

Born 29 April 1899 in Washington DC, composer, bandleader, and pianist Edward Kennedy ("Duke") Ellington was recognized in his lifetime as one of the greatest jazz composers and performers. Nicknamed "Duke" by a boyhood friend who admired his regal air, the name stuck and became indelibly associated with the finest creations in big band and vocal jazz. A genius for instrumental combinations, improvisation, and jazz arranging brought the world the unique "Ellington" sound that found consummate expression in works like "Mood Indigo," "Sophisticated Lady," and the symphonic suites Black, Brown, and Beige (which he subtitled "a Tone Parallel to the History of the Negro in America") and Harlem ("a Tone Parallel to Harlem").

Beginning keyboard studies at the age of seven, Ellington's earliest influences were the ragtime pianists. He taught himself harmony at the piano and at 17, made his professional debut. Encouraged by Fats Waller, he moved to New York in 1923 and, during the formative Cotton Club years, experimented with and developed the style that would quickly bring him worldwide success and recognition. Ellington would be among the first to focus on musical form and composition in jazz using ternary forms and "call-and-respon

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A History Timeline About Duke Ellington

History of Music

Duke Ellington, born Edward Kennedy Ellington in 1899, was a renowned American composer, pianist, and bandleader in the jazz genre. Throughout his career, which spanned over 50 years, Ellington composed thousands of pieces, including jazz standards like "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)" and "Take the 'A' Train." His orchestra, the Duke Ellington Orchestra, was one of the most famous and influential jazz bands of the 20th century. Ellington's innovative approach to jazz music helped to popularize the genre and solidify his legacy as one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time.

Birth of Duke Ellington

Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington was born in Washington, D.C. He would go on to become one of the most influential jazz musicians and composers in history.

Formation of The Washingtonians

Duke Ellington and his bandmates formed The Washingtonians, a group that would later become known as Duke Ellington and His Orchestra.

Debut at the Cotton Club

Duke Ellington and His Orchestra had their first major gig at the famous Cotton Club in Harlem, New York. This residency would help propel Ellington to national fame.

Premier of "Black, Brown, and Beige"

Duke Ellington premiered his groundbreakin

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Duke was Born

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  Duke's life

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