Duke Ellington House facts for kids
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Duke Ellington House
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 Duke Ellington House
Location in Manhattan
Duke Ellington House
Location in New York
Duke Ellington House
Location in the United States
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| Location | 935 St. Nicholas Avenue, Manhattan, New York City, New York |
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| Built | 1915 |
| Architectural style | Late Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 76001239 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | May 11, 1976 |
| Designated NHL | May 11, 1976 |
The Duke Ellington House is a famous apartment building in Manhattan, New York City. It is located at 935 St. Nicholas Avenue. From 1939 to 1961, Apartment 4A in this building was the home of Duke Ellington. He was a very important African American composer and jazz pianist. Because of its history, the building was named a National Historic Landmark in 1976. This means it is a place of great national importance.
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What is the Duke Ellington House?
The Duke Ellington House is part of an apartment building. It stands in the Washington Heights area of northern Manhattan. You can find it at the corner of St. Nicholas Avenue and 157th Street.
Building Design and History
This building is six stories tall and made of stone. It was built in 1915. Its style is called Late Gothic Revival. This means it looks a bit like old European castles or churches.
The bottom floor looks like a raised basement. It has stone bands between its windows. The next four floors look very similar. Some window sections have cool carved designs between them. The top floor has windows shaped like pointed arches. They have fancy decorations around them.
The very top of the building has a stone wall called a parapet. It also has stone towers and parts that stick out. The main entrances are in the middle of the St. Nicholas Avenue side. They are set back deeply into pointed arch openings.
Duke Ellington's Time at This Home
Duke Ellington moved into Apartment A4 in 1939. By then, he was already a very famous musician. People all over the country knew his music.
Important Music Created Here
While living in this apartment, Duke Ellington wrote many of his most important songs. One of his most famous works from this time was Black, Brown and Beige. This was his first big jazz piece for a chorus and orchestra.
Ellington's Cultural Impact
During his years here, Duke Ellington's music and personal style had a huge effect. He greatly influenced African-American culture. His work also shaped music trends in general. He helped make jazz music popular around the world.
