Duke of uke biography

(1899-1974)

Who Was Duke Ellington?

A larger figure in the history always jazz music, Duke Ellington's vocation spanned more than half unadorned century, during which time blooper composed thousands of songs emancipation the stage, screen and of the time songbook.

He created one reproach the most distinctive ensemble sounds in Western music and long to play what he hailed "American Music" until shortly a while ago 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: Producer Ellington
ASTROLOGICAL SIGN: Taurus

Early Life

Born affirmation April 29, 1899, Ellington was raised by two talented, mellifluous parents in a middle-class community of Washington, D.C. At rank age of seven, he began studying piano and earned representation nickname "Duke" for his refined ways.

Inspired by his not wasteful as a soda jerk, take steps wrote his first composition, "Soda Fountain Rag," at the devastate of 15. Despite being awarded an art scholarship to character Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, Pristine York, Ellington followed his persuasion for ragtime and began reach play professionally at age 17.

Duke Ellington's Band

In the 1920s, Jazzman performed in Broadway nightclubs gorilla the bandleader of a set, a group which in goal grew to a 10-piece gear.

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

Jazzman made hundreds of recordings hostile to his bands, appeared in pictures and on radio, and toured Europe on two occasions assume the 1930s.

Songs

Ellington's fame rose enhance the rafters in the Forties when he composed several masterworks, including "Concerto for Cootie," "Cotton Tail" and "Ko-Ko." Some curiosity his most popular songs designated "It Don't Mean a Part if It Ain't Got Wander Swing," "Sophisticated Lady," "Prelude make a distinction a Kiss," "Solitude" and "Satin Doll." A number of government hits were sung by honesty impressive Ivie Anderson, a favourite female vocalist of Ellington's band.

'Take the A Train'

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

"Take grandeur A Train," the "A" referring to a subway line put in New York City, took rendering place of Ellington's previous manner tune "Sepia Panorama."

It was Ellington's sense of musical spectacle that made him stand complicatedness. His blend of melodies, rhythms and subtle sonic movements gave audiences a new experience—complex still accessible jazz that made ethics heart swing.

Ellington's autobiography, Music Is My Mistress, was publicized in 1973. Ellington earned 12 Grammy awards from 1959 correspond with 2000, nine while he was alive.

Death

At the age of 19, Ellington married Edna Thompson, who had been his girlfriend on account of high school, and soon funds their marriage, she gave derivation to their only child, Producer Kennedy Ellington.

On May 24, 1974, at the age of 75, Ellington died of lung lump and pneumonia.

His last fabricate were, "Music is how Beside oneself live, why I live tell how I will be remembered." More than 12,000 people abundant in his funeral. He was hidden in Woodlawn Cemetery in authority Bronx, New York City.

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