EDWARD KENNEDY ELLINGTON

EDWARD KENNEDY ELLINGTON, (1899 -1974) Pianist, bandleader, and prolific jazz composer also known as “The Greatest American Composer.”

When Duke Ellington died in 1974, he was considered among the world’s greatest composers and musicians. The French government honored him with their highest award, the Legion of Honor, and the United States gave him the highest civil honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Narration:

Pianist, composer, and big band leader. His name – “Duke” Ellington.

Born in 1899 in Washington, D.C. in a middle-class community, Edward Kennedy Ellington was playing the piano by age seven.

A gifted artist and prolific composer, he was nicknamed “Duke” by a childhood friend who admired his style and manner.

Encouraged by jazz pianist, Fats Waller, Ellington moved to New York in 1923. He played the club circuit, and by 1927 his orchestra became the house band at Harlem’s Cotton Club. The club transmitted his music live over weekly radio broadcasts, making the Duke an International star.

He created over two thousand pieces of music across many genres. His songs became American standards, and during his 50-year career, he played over 20,000 performances worldwide and won 13 Grammy awards.

Edward Kennedy Ellington – A Great American

Credits: Editor: Stacy T. Holmes, ACE, Narrator: Steve Schy, Music: PartnersinRhyme.com, Digital Collection: Library of Congress, Copyright: CBN Communications