One of the greatest composers in American history, jazz giant Duke Ellington (1899-1974), pioneered the big band and swing styles, while writing and recording thousands of works.
- Born in Washington D.C. as Edward Kennedy Ellington, he learned piano from his mother at an early age, and was a performer by seventeen.
- Duke moved to New York in 1923 and eventually started performing at Harlem's famous Cotton Club, which launched his career into stardom.
- As he toured, he developed his big band sound, which was noted for allowing the skill of individual soloists to shine. This led to Ellington working closely with Billy Strayhorn.
- Ellington would create thousands of recordings over his career, including with other legends like John Coltrane, Charles Mingus, Frank Sinatra, and many more.
