Mercer Ellington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mercer Ellington
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Ellington in concert at the University of Rochester, 1975, photo by Tom Marcello.
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Mercer Kennedy Ellington |
| Born | March 11, 1919 Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Died | February 8, 1996 (aged 76) Copenhagen, Denmark |
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| Instruments | Trumpet |
| Years active | 1939–1996 |
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Mercer Kennedy Ellington (born March 11, 1919 – died February 8, 1996) was an American musician, composer, and arranger. He was the only son of the famous jazz legend, Duke Ellington. Mercer took over his father's band and led it for 20 years after Duke Ellington passed away.
Contents
Biography
Early Life and Learning
Mercer Ellington was born in Washington, D.C., in the United States. His parents were the famous composer and bandleader Duke Ellington and Edna Thompson. Mercer was their only child.
He grew up mostly in Harlem, New York, from the age of eight. By the time he was eighteen, Mercer had already written a song. His father's band even recorded this song, called "Pigeons and Peppers." Mercer went to several colleges, including Columbia University, New York University, and the Juilliard School.
Music Career
Mercer Ellington led his own bands at different times, starting in 1939. Many musicians who played in his bands later became famous. Some of these included Dizzy Gillespie, Charles Mingus, and Carmen McRae.
In the 1940s, Mercer wrote several songs that became well-known jazz tunes. These included "Things Ain't What They Used to Be", "Jumpin' Punkins", and "Moon Mist". He also wrote the words for the popular song "Pass Me By". Famous singers like Lena Horne recorded this song.
Mercer also worked for his father, Duke Ellington, as a composer. He also managed tours for other bands, like Cootie Williams' orchestra. Later, he returned to his father's orchestra as a trumpeter. He also helped manage the band on the road.
When his father died in 1974, Mercer took over the famous Duke Ellington Orchestra. He led the band on tours to Europe in 1975 and 1977. His son, Edward Ellington, played in the band during this time. Later, his other son, Paul Mercer Ellington, took over the orchestra.
In the early 1980s, Mercer became the first conductor for a Broadway musical. The show was called Sophisticated Ladies. It featured his father's music and ran from 1981 to 1983. Mercer's album Digital Duke won a Grammy Award in 1988. This award was for the Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album.
Death and Legacy
Mercer Ellington passed away from a heart attack on February 8, 1996. He was 76 years old.
His daughter, Mercedes Ellington, is now the president of the Duke Ellington Center for the Arts. After Mercer's death, his son Paul became in charge of the Duke Ellington estate. Paul has continued to keep the Duke Ellington Orchestra performing. Mercer's oldest grandson, Edward Kennedy Ellington II, is also a musician. He leads a band called the Duke Ellington Legacy.
Personal Life
Mercer Ellington was married three times. He had two children, Gayl and Edward, with his first wife, Evelyn Walker. He later married singer Della Reese in 1961, but their marriage was ended shortly after. His third marriage was to Lene Margrethe Scheid. They had one child together, Paul Ellington.
Discography
As a Leader
- Steppin' into Swing Society (Coral, 1958)
- Colors in Rhythm (Coral, 1959)
- Black and Tan Fantasy (MCA, 1974)
- Continuum (Fantasy, 1975)
- Hot and Bothered (A Re-Creation) (Doctor Jazz, 1985)
- Digital Duke (GRP, 1987)
- Music Is My Mistress (Musicmasters, 1989)
- Take the Holiday Train (Special Music, 1992)
- Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz with Guest Mercer Ellington (Jazz Alliance, 1994)
- Only God Can Make a Tree (Musicmasters, 1996)
As an Arranger
With Clark Terry
- Duke with a Difference (Riverside, 1957)
See also
In Spanish: Mercer Ellington para niños
