Duke Ellington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Duke Ellington
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Publicity portrait, c. 1940s
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Edward Kennedy Ellington |
| Born | April 29, 1899 Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Died | May 24, 1974 (aged 75) New York City, U.S. |
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| Instruments | Piano |
| Years active | 1914–1974 |
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Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington (April 29, 1899 – May 24, 1974) was a famous American jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader. He led his jazz orchestra for 50 years, from 1923 until he died.
Ellington was born in Washington, D.C., and later moved to New York City. He became very famous while performing at the Cotton Club in Harlem. He wrote over one thousand pieces of music. Many of his songs became "standards," which means they are still played by many musicians today. He often worked with a talented composer named Billy Strayhorn. Together, they wrote many popular songs, including "Take the "A" Train".
Duke Ellington is considered one of the most important figures in the history of jazz. He called his music "American Music" rather than just jazz. He was known for his creative orchestra leadership and his polite, elegant personality. In 1999, he was given a special Pulitzer Prize to honor his amazing musical work.
Contents
Biography of Duke Ellington
Growing Up in Washington D.C.
Edward Kennedy Ellington was born on April 29, 1899, in Washington, D.C. His parents, James Edward Ellington and Daisy Kennedy Ellington, both played the piano. His father made blueprints for the United States Navy, and his mother was the daughter of former American slaves.
Ellington's parents taught him to be proud of his heritage and to have good manners. When he was seven years old, he started taking piano lessons. His mother wanted him to be elegant and polite. His friends noticed his fancy clothes and noble manners, so they gave him the nickname "Duke."
Even though he took piano lessons, Duke loved playing baseball. He attended Armstrong Technical High School. His first job was selling peanuts at baseball games.
When he was 14, Duke started listening to piano players in local places. This made him love the piano even more. He began to study music seriously. In the summer of 1914, he wrote his first song, "Soda Fountain Rag," while working at a café. He created the song by ear because he had not learned to read music yet.
Duke listened to many piano players to learn different styles. He learned to read sheet music and improved his skills. He started playing music professionally in clubs around Washington, D.C. He was so successful that he decided not to go to art school and focused on music instead.
Becoming a Jazz Musician
In 1917, Ellington formed his first group called "The Duke's Serenaders." He booked the jobs and played the piano. The band played for parties and dances in Washington, D.C. and Virginia.
Later, Ellington moved to New York City to be part of the music scene in Harlem. This time was known as the Harlem Renaissance. In 1923, he and his friends played at a place called the Hollywood Club. Duke became the leader of the band. They made their first records in 1924. The band had a unique sound with trumpets and saxophones that made interesting noises like growls and wah-wahs.
The Cotton Club and Fame
In 1927, Duke Ellington and his orchestra got a very important job. They became the house band at the famous Cotton Club in Harlem. They played music for dance shows and comedy acts. The club had a weekly radio broadcast, which allowed people all over the country to hear Ellington's music.
During this time, the band recorded many hit songs. One of their most famous songs was "Creole Love Call," which he recorded with singer Adelaide Hall. The band's sound was exciting and different, often called "Jungle Style."
Ellington also appeared in a movie called Black and Tan in 1929. By the early 1930s, Duke Ellington was known all over the world. He traveled to England and France to perform.
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Collaboration with Billy Strayhorn
In 1939, Ellington met a young musician named Billy Strayhorn. Strayhorn became Duke's writing partner and best friend. Duke said Strayhorn was like his "right arm." Strayhorn wrote the band's most famous theme song, "Take the "A" Train."
During the early 1940s, the band was excellent. They had great musicians like bassist Jimmy Blanton and saxophonist Ben Webster. They recorded many masterpieces. Duke also wrote longer musical works. In 1943, he performed a long piece called Black, Brown, and Beige at Carnegie Hall. This music told the history of African Americans.
Later Career and World Tours
After World War II, big bands became less popular. Many bands broke up, but Ellington kept his orchestra together. He toured Europe in 1950 and continued to write new music.
In 1956, the band played at the Newport Jazz Festival. The performance was so exciting that the crowd went wild. A saxophone player named Paul Gonsalves played a very long and energetic solo. This concert made Duke Ellington famous all over again. He appeared on the cover of Time magazine.
Ellington continued to travel the world. He wrote music inspired by the places he visited, like the Far East Suite. He also wrote music for movies, such as Anatomy of a Murder. He played with other famous jazz musicians like Louis Armstrong and John Coltrane.
In his later years, Duke wrote religious music which he called "Sacred Concerts." He said this was the most important thing he had ever done. He performed these concerts in churches and cathedrals.
Personal Life
Duke Ellington married his high school sweetheart, Edna Thompson, in 1918. They had one son named Mercer Kennedy Ellington. Mercer grew up to be a musician too. He played trumpet and managed his father's business. After Duke died, Mercer led the orchestra.
Ellington was a very private person. He lived in New York City for many years. His sister Ruth managed his music publishing company.
Death and Legacy
Duke Ellington died on May 24, 1974, at the age of 75. More than 12,000 people came to his funeral. He was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in New York.
Honors and Memorials
Duke Ellington is remembered as a genius of American music.
- Schools: The Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C. is named after him.
- Coins: In 2009, he became the first African American to appear by himself on a circulating U.S. coin. His image is on the District of Columbia quarter.
- Statues: There are statues of him in New York City's Central Park and at UCLA.
- Stamps: The U.S. Postal Service issued a stamp with his picture in 1986.
Awards
Duke Ellington won many awards for his music:
- Grammy Awards: He won 14 Grammy Awards.
- Presidential Medal of Freedom: He received this high honor in 1969.
- Legion of Honour: France gave him this award in 1973.
- Pulitzer Prize: He received a special award in 1999, after he died.
Discography
Duke Ellington recorded hundreds of albums. Some of his most famous songs include:
- "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)"
- "Mood Indigo"
- "Sophisticated Lady"
- "In a Sentimental Mood"
- "Caravan"
- "Take the "A" Train"
Images for kids
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Ellington's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
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Ellington receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Nixon in 1969.
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Ellington on the Washington, D.C. quarter released in 2009.
See also
In Spanish: Duke Ellington para niños
