Duke Ellington Memorial facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Duke Ellington Memorial |
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| Location | New York City, New York, U.S. |
The Duke Ellington Memorial is a special statue in New York City. It honors the famous musician Duke Ellington. The memorial was created by artist Robert Graham. You can find it in Manhattan, at a place called Duke Ellington Circle.
About the Duke Ellington Memorial
This amazing monument shows Duke Ellington sitting at a piano. The piano is supported by three tall columns. Each column has three figures carved into it. These figures are called caryatids, which are statues of women used as columns. Together, these nine figures represent Duke Ellington's "muses." Muses are like sources of inspiration for artists.
The memorial was finished in 1997. It was officially opened on July 1 of that year.
How the Memorial Came to Be
The idea for this memorial started way back in 1979. A pianist named Bobby Short thought it would be a great way to honor Duke Ellington. It took many years for the idea to become a reality. When it was finally built, it became the very first statue in the United States made to honor Duke Ellington.
Who Was Duke Ellington?
Duke Ellington (born Edward Kennedy Ellington) was an incredibly important American musician. He was a composer, pianist, and bandleader. He led his jazz orchestra for over 50 years! Duke Ellington is considered one of the most important figures in jazz music. He wrote thousands of songs and performed all over the world. His music is still loved and played today.
