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Who Was Duke Ellington: The Life and Legacy of America's Greatest Jazz Composer

Shaun Nelson

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Duke Ellington was one of the most prolific and influential jazz composers and bandleaders of all time. His music was a blend of traditional jazz, swing, and blues, and he was known for his sophisticated harmonies and complex arrangements. Ellington's career spanned more than five decades, and he wrote over 1,000 songs, many of which became jazz standards. He also led one of the most successful big bands in jazz history, the Duke Ellington Orchestra.

Who Was Duke Ellington? (Who Was?)

by M. D. Payne

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Language	:	English
File size	:	119181 KB
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Print length	:	111 pages

Early Life and Career

Edward Kennedy Ellington was born in Washington, D.C., on April 29, 1899. He began playing the piano at an early age, and by the time he was a teenager, he was already performing professionally. In 1923, Ellington formed his own band, the Washingtonians, which quickly became one of the most popular jazz bands in the country. In 1927, the band moved to New York City, where they became a fixture at the Cotton Club, one of the most famous jazz clubs in the world.

During the 1930s, Ellington's band continued to grow in popularity. He wrote a number of hit songs, including "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)" and "Sophisticated Lady." He also began to experiment with different musical styles, including swing, blues, and classical music.

The Duke Ellington Orchestra

In the 1940s, Ellington's band became known as the Duke Ellington Orchestra. The orchestra was one of the most successful big bands in jazz history, and it featured some of the greatest jazz musicians of all time, including saxophonist Johnny Hodges, trumpeter Cootie Williams, and bassist Jimmy Blanton. The orchestra toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe, and it performed at some of the most prestigious venues in the world, including Carnegie Hall and the White House.

Later Career

In the 1950s and 1960s, Ellington continued to write and perform music. He wrote a number of suites, including "Black, Brown and Beige" and "The Far East Suite." He also collaborated with a number of other musicians, including Billy Strayhorn, Count Basie, and Ella Fitzgerald. Ellington's music continued to evolve throughout his career, and he never stopped experimenting with new sounds and ideas.

Legacy

Duke Ellington died in New York City on May 24, 1974. He was 75 years old. He left behind a legacy of over 1,000 songs, many of which became jazz standards. He was also one of the most influential jazz composers and bandleaders of all time. His music continues to be performed and enjoyed by people all over the world.

Who Was Duke Ellington?

Duke Ellington was a musical genius who left an indelible mark on jazz. His music was a blend of traditional jazz, swing, and blues, and he was known for his sophisticated harmonies and complex arrangements. Ellington's career spanned more than five decades, and he wrote over 1,000 songs, many of which became jazz standards. He also led one of the most successful big bands in jazz history, the Duke Ellington Orchestra.

Ellington was a true innovator who never stopped experimenting with new sounds and ideas. His music continues to be performed and enjoyed by people all over the world, and he is considered one of the most influential jazz composers and bandleaders of all time.

Free Download Your Copy of Who Was Duke Ellington Today!

Who Was Duke Ellington is the definitive biography of one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time. This book is a must-read for any fan of jazz music.

Free Download your copy of Who Was Duke Ellington today!

Who Was Duke Ellington Who Was Duke Ellington? (Who Was?)