Duke Ellington: Difference between revisions
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[[ | [[File:Duke Ellington St. Louis Toodle-Oo.jpg|thumb]] [[File:Vu (magazine) N°77.JPG|thumb]] [[File:Symphony in Black (1935).webm|thumb]] [[File:Duke Ellington in ons land.ogv|thumb]] {{Infobox musical artist | ||
| name = Duke Ellington | |||
| image = <!-- Image of Duke Ellington --> | |||
| caption = Duke Ellington in 1943 | |||
| birth_name = Edward Kennedy Ellington | |||
| birth_date = April 29, 1899 | |||
| birth_place = Washington, D.C., U.S. | |||
| death_date = May 24, 1974 | |||
| death_place = New York City, U.S. | |||
| genre = Jazz, swing | |||
| occupation = Composer, pianist, bandleader | |||
| years_active = 1914–1974 | |||
| label = RCA Victor, Columbia, Capitol | |||
}} | |||
[[ | '''Duke Ellington''' (April 29, 1899 – May 24, 1974) was an American composer, pianist, and bandleader of a [[jazz]] orchestra, which he led from 1923 until his death in a career spanning over fifty years. Born in [[Washington, D.C.]], Ellington was based in [[New York City]] from the mid-1920s onward and gained a national profile through his orchestra's appearances at the [[Cotton Club]] in Harlem. | ||
== Early Life and Education == | |||
Edward Kennedy Ellington was born to James Edward Ellington and Daisy Kennedy Ellington. His parents were both pianists, and they nurtured his interest in music from a young age. Ellington began taking piano lessons at the age of seven and was influenced by the ragtime pianists of the time. He earned the nickname "Duke" from his friends due to his gentlemanly demeanor. | |||
== | == Career == | ||
== | === Formation of the Washingtonians === | ||
Ellington's | In 1917, Ellington formed his first group, "The Duke's Serenaders," which later became "The Washingtonians." The band moved to New York City in 1923, where they became the house band at the [[Cotton Club]]. This residency helped Ellington gain national exposure through radio broadcasts. | ||
=== | === Musical Style and Innovations === | ||
Ellington's music was characterized by his innovative use of the orchestra, blending different sections to create a unique sound. He was known for his "jungle style" of jazz, which featured growling brass and complex rhythms. His compositions often included elements of [[blues]], [[gospel]], and classical music. | |||
=== | === Notable Compositions === | ||
Some of Ellington's most famous compositions include "[[Mood Indigo]]," "[[It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)]]," "[[Sophisticated Lady]]," and "[[Take the 'A' Train]]." His work "[[Black, Brown and Beige]]" is a notable example of his longer-form compositions, which he referred to as "tone parallels." | |||
== | === Collaborations === | ||
Ellington collaborated with many other musicians and composers, including [[Billy Strayhorn]], who became his close friend and co-composer. Strayhorn's "Take the 'A' Train" became the band's signature tune. Ellington also worked with [[Louis Armstrong]], [[Ella Fitzgerald]], and [[John Coltrane]]. | |||
== | == Legacy == | ||
Duke Ellington's influence on jazz and American music is profound. He was awarded the [[Presidential Medal of Freedom]] in 1969 and a [[Pulitzer Prize Special Citation]] posthumously in 1999. His music continues to be celebrated and performed worldwide. | |||
== Also see == | |||
* [[Jazz]] | * [[Jazz]] | ||
* [[Cotton Club]] | * [[Cotton Club]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Billy Strayhorn]] | ||
* [[Swing music]] | |||
* [[Big band]] | * [[Big band]] | ||
{{Authority control}} | |||
[[Category:American jazz musicians]] | |||
[[Category:American composers]] | |||
[[Category:American bandleaders]] | |||
[[Category:1899 births]] | [[Category:1899 births]] | ||
[[Category:1974 deaths]] | [[Category:1974 deaths]] | ||
Latest revision as of 15:28, 9 December 2024
_N%C2%B077.JPG)
File:Symphony in Black (1935).webm File:Duke Ellington in ons land.ogv
| Birth name | Edward Kennedy Ellington |
|---|---|
| Also known as | |
| Born | April 29, 1899 Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Origin | |
| Died | May 24, 1974 New York City, U.S. |
| Genres | Jazz, swing |
| Occupation(s) | Composer, pianist, bandleader |
| Instrument(s) |
Duke Ellington (April 29, 1899 – May 24, 1974) was an American composer, pianist, and bandleader of a jazz orchestra, which he led from 1923 until his death in a career spanning over fifty years. Born in Washington, D.C., Ellington was based in New York City from the mid-1920s onward and gained a national profile through his orchestra's appearances at the Cotton Club in Harlem.
Early Life and Education[edit]
Edward Kennedy Ellington was born to James Edward Ellington and Daisy Kennedy Ellington. His parents were both pianists, and they nurtured his interest in music from a young age. Ellington began taking piano lessons at the age of seven and was influenced by the ragtime pianists of the time. He earned the nickname "Duke" from his friends due to his gentlemanly demeanor.
Career[edit]
Formation of the Washingtonians[edit]
In 1917, Ellington formed his first group, "The Duke's Serenaders," which later became "The Washingtonians." The band moved to New York City in 1923, where they became the house band at the Cotton Club. This residency helped Ellington gain national exposure through radio broadcasts.
Musical Style and Innovations[edit]
Ellington's music was characterized by his innovative use of the orchestra, blending different sections to create a unique sound. He was known for his "jungle style" of jazz, which featured growling brass and complex rhythms. His compositions often included elements of blues, gospel, and classical music.
Notable Compositions[edit]
Some of Ellington's most famous compositions include "Mood Indigo," "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)," "Sophisticated Lady," and "Take the 'A' Train." His work "Black, Brown and Beige" is a notable example of his longer-form compositions, which he referred to as "tone parallels."
Collaborations[edit]
Ellington collaborated with many other musicians and composers, including Billy Strayhorn, who became his close friend and co-composer. Strayhorn's "Take the 'A' Train" became the band's signature tune. Ellington also worked with Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and John Coltrane.
Legacy[edit]
Duke Ellington's influence on jazz and American music is profound. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1969 and a Pulitzer Prize Special Citation posthumously in 1999. His music continues to be celebrated and performed worldwide.
