Duke Ellington

29 April 1899 – 24 May 1974

Duke Ellington was an American composer, pianist, and bandleader widely regarded as one of the most important figures in jazz. Over a career of more than fifty years he composed thousands of works and led one of the most acclaimed big bands in music history.

Comparing
Compare

Lived at the same time

Well-documented people whose lives overlapped with Duke Ellington.

Life events

Born in Washington, D.C.
29 April 1899

Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington was born in Washington, D.C.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Birth ✓
Moved to New York City
1923

Ellington relocated to New York, where his band became central to the Harlem jazz scene.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Relocation ✓
Began residency at the Cotton Club
1927 – 1931

Ellington's orchestra began its famous engagement at the Cotton Club, gaining national radio exposure.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Career ✓
Composed It Don't Mean a Thing
1931

Ellington co-wrote the standard "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)," helping name the swing era.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Long collaboration with Billy Strayhorn
1939 – 1967

Ellington began his decades-long writing partnership with composer Billy Strayhorn, who penned "Take the A Train."

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Relationship ✓
Triumph at the Newport Jazz Festival
7 July 1956

Ellington's orchestra gave a celebrated performance at Newport that revived his career and made the cover of Time.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Premiered his first Sacred Concert
16 September 1965

Ellington presented the first of his Sacred Concerts, a major undertaking of his later career.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom
29 April 1969

President Richard Nixon presented Ellington with the Presidential Medal of Freedom on his seventieth birthday.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Died in New York City
24 May 1974

Ellington died of lung cancer and pneumonia in New York City.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Death ✓