Duke Ellington

Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington (April 29, 1899 - May 24, 1974) was an American jazz composer, pianist and bandleader. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1969 and the Legion of

Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington (April 29, 1899 - May 24, 1974) was an American jazz composer, pianist and bandleader. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1969 and the Legion of Honor by France in 1973. Both are the highest civilian honors of each country. He was known as "The Duke" (see: Jazz royalty). Duke Ellington was a major force in jazz from the 1920s through the 1960s and his work continues to be influential today. He is considered by many to be the greatest American composer. He had many hits including Take the A Train (words and music by Billy Strayhorn), Satin Doll, Rockin' in Rhythm, Mood Indigo, Caravan, Sophisticated Lady, and "It Don't Mean a Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing". Throughout the 1920s and 30s, Ellington often shared composer credit with his manager Irving Mills until they had a falling out in the late 1930s. Billy Strayhorn became Ellington's collaborator (not always credited) from 1940 until Strayhorn's death in the mid 1960s.

His works were always tailored to the talents of the musicians in his band, including Johnny Hodges, Cootie Williams, Bubber Miley, Joe "Tricky Sam" Nanton, Barney Bigard, Ben Webster, Harry Carney, Sonny Greer, Otto Hardwick, Paul Gonsalves and Wellman Braud. Many musicians stayed with him for decades.