Edward Kennedy” Duke” Ellington, born on the 29th of April 1899 in Washington D.C. He was one of the most significant and greatest composers and bandleaders in the history of Jazz.
Duke Ellington was the greatest Jazz composer and bandleader of his time. One of the originators of big-band jazz and led his band for more than 50 years. It was said that his gift of melody, rhythms, and compositional forms translated into a body of music unequaled in jazz history.
His childhood
Born to James Edward Ellington and Daisy Ellington. He grew up in a nice family that helped him to develop his talent for music. Both of his parents played the piano, and he began to take piano lessons at the age of seven. His mother always dressed him in smart and elegant clothes, and he was raised around dignified women who taught him manners and grace, which earned him the nickname 'Duke'.
By the age of 15 he had written his first song titled "Soda Fountain Rag", and when he was in high school, he got awarded with a scholarship so he could study art at the Pratt Institute, but did not accept, he was most interested in rag-time music and began playing professionally at the age of 17.
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