Duke Ellington was born on April 29, 1899 In Washington, D.C.
At the age of 7 he started learning piano and got the nickname duke. He wrote his first composition ‘soda fountain rag’ at the age of 15. He was awarded an art Scholarship in the Pratt institute in Brooklyn, New York, Ellington followed his passion for ragtime and began to play professionally at the age of 17.
When Ellington was 7 years old, he began his piano training He took lessons for the same from Marietta Clinkscales.
His Friend Edgar McEntree gave him the nickname “Duke” because of his casual and graceful manner. And the Dapper dress that he wore.
He was very fond of …show more content…
Ellington made thousands hundreds of recordings with his bands, appeared in films in and on the radio. He also toured Europe on two occasions in the 1930’s.
At the age 19 Duke Ellington Married Edna Thompson, who has been his girlfriend since high school. After their marriage she gave birth to their only child, Mercer Kennedy Ellington.
On May 24, 1924 at the age of 75, Duke Ellington died of lung cancer and Pneumonia. His last words were “Music is how I live, why I live and how I will be remembered.” There were more than 12,000 people attended his Funeral.
Duke Ellington was considered one of the greatest jazz composers of all time he was a American pianist who was also a great bandleader. His music was popular around the late 20th century. These are some of his popular songs, “in a sentimental mood,” “sophisticated Lady,” “I got it bad and that ain’t good” and “I’m beginning to see the light.” His band included Sonny Greer on drums, his child friend Otto Hardwick on alto Saxophone, Elmer Snowden on Banjo and Author Whetsol on