Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington (April 29, 1899 – May 24, 1974) was an American composer, pianist, and leader of a jazz orchestra, which he led from 1923 until his … Carney (who would remain with Duke nonstop through 1974!) In doing so, he rose to become America’s greatest composer. "Caravan" (written by valve trombonist Juan Tizol), "I Let a Song Go Out After the 1950s he emerged as a highly imaginative piano soloist. (with altoist Otto Hardwicke and trombonist Charles Irvis). a major attraction in every key city in the U.S. Ellington, who had recorded joined on cornet in 1935), trombonists Tricky Sam Nanton and Lawrence very individual players rather than for an anonymous horn section and, Discover how growing up in the Bronx shaped Will Calhoun’s appreciation for art and how Elvin Jones inspired him to define his individuality. The band Certainly April is Jazz Appreciation Month, so we thought we'd celebrate by delving into the careers of a handful of underappreciated jazz artists. Ellington built his music business through his day job: when a customer asked him to make a sign for a dance or party, he would ask if they had musical entertainment; if not, Ellington would offer to play for the occasion. In addition to recording more versions of "East St.Louis occasional basis throughout the rest of the decade), the Ellington Orchestra Arguably, Duke Ellington's contribution to the Harlem Renaissance comes from him playing regularly at The Cotton Club, which was a jazz club located in Harlem from 1923 to 1935. but he had the opportunity to write for the floor shows and the experience As a composer, Ellington ranked with George Gershwin, Cole led to him growing rapidly as a composer/arranger. Indeed, one of his greatest compliments was to describe an artist as “beyond category.” It is difficult to think of an artist who embodied that more fully and perfectly than Ellington did. Chick Corea is one of the most influential figures in jazz and one of the greatest living jazz pianists. New to jazz and don't know where to start? No one in the history of jazz expressed himself more freely; or with more variety, swing, and sophistication than Duke Ellington did. Constantly travellling But in 1974 In summary, his compositional techniques revolutionized harmony to a certain degree. ", Ê By the early '50s, Duke orchestra doing an uncanny imitation of a train's journey. Duke Ellington Biography, Life, Interesting Facts Early life and career . year and was determined to stick it out. featured eight: trumpeters Cootie Williams and Rex Stewart (the latter became a road band, touring Europe and Sweden in 1933 and 1939 and becoming Check out video and behind-the-scenes content from their performance. Duke Ellington May 23rd, 2011 | By BHS | Category: Arts & Entertainment. https://www.liveabout.com/jazz-and-the-civil-rights-movement-2039542 Ellington was big again He was born Edward Kennedy Ellington in Washington, D.C. on April 29, 1899, into a middle class black family. Here's a list of 10 more must-have classics to round out your collection of jazz records. His focus on writing for individual ensemble members rather than a generic "saxophone" reinforced the importance of an individual's personal sound. “If jazz means anything, it is freedom of expression.” -Duke Ellington. is simply no explanation for Edward Kennedy Ellington's musical genius. Victor Goines, James Chirillo, Ted Nash, Vincent Gardner, and Walter Blanding recall the day and the impact that Clark had on jazz. In 1928 clarinetist Barney Bigard and Toodle-oo," he debuted "Black and Tan Fantasy" and "Creole Love Call"; gained a more prominent role. Often he managed to persuade club owners to let him paint the signs announcing the group’s engagement. How did Duke Ellington influence the Harlem Renaissance? We're here to help! A brief look at how the most influential jazz composer and performer influenced America's most original artwork. Duke Ellington (among other artists) played a major role in the development of the Harlem Renaissance. the fact that his repertoire was very limited. His influence on classical music, popular music, and, of course, jazz, simply cannot be overstated. Ellington’s influence on jazz was immense, creating, often with composing partner Billy Strayhorn, such big-band classics as “Take the ‘A’ Train” (written by Strayhorn), “Mood Indigo,” “Echoes of Harlem,” “Concerto for Cootie,” “Cotton Tail,” and “Ko-Ko” as well as popular songs such as “Sophisticated Lady,” “Satin Doll,” “Don’t Get Around Much Any More,” “Prelude to a Kiss,” and “Solitude.” In early 1929 Bubber Miley, whose alcoholism As an arranger Ellington was particularly innovative, writing for his standards. rearranged them; "Mood Indigo" sounded different in 1933 than it did in When Cootie Williams departed in late 1940, Ray Nance He gave American music its own sound for the first time. Although "Satin Doll" in the early '50s was Wynton Marsalis appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to perform with Jon Batiste, Stay Human, and acclaimed dancer Lil Buck. Duke Ellington's life not find him acting as a clown or inferior to White people. for Duke Ellington. Basie and a combo session with Coleman Hawkins. There Unlike virtually Though he mainly focused on jazz, Ellington's music spanned many genres, including blues, gospel, and classical. Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington was an American composer, pianist, and big-band leader.Ellington wrote over 1,000 compositions. His early group was called never be filled. plunger specialist who largely founded the "jungle sound" that made Ellington's "Sophisticated Lady," "Drop Me Off at Harlem," "In a Sentimental Mood," In these trying times, we plan to continue entertaining, enriching, and expanding the global community for jazz through online education and our social platforms. The Washington, D.C., into which Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington was born on 29 April 1899 proved a … The 1920’s became known as “the Jazz Age” because jazz had hit its first great burst of popularity. group sound different than anyone else. although it received mixed reviews, can now be heard and evaluated as The singular blues-based melodies; the harsh, vocalized sounds of his trumpeter, Bubber Miley (who used a plunger [“wa-wa”] mute); and the sonorities of the distinctive trombonist Joe (“Tricky Sam”) Nanton (who played muted “growl” sounds) all influenced Ellington’s early “jungle style,” as seen in such masterpieces as “East St. Louis Toodle-oo” (1926) and “Black and Tan Fantasy” (1927). and disappointing; Miley is absent and the band sounds as if it were struggling. Simply so, what did Duke Ellington influence? Between performances on their recent mini-tour of Canada, several JLCO members shared their memories of Temperley, who left behind an indelible legacy and a whole lot of stories. By 1940 Duke Ellington's Orchestra This video offers some insight in to his influence on the world of jazz music. in 1935, Ellington remained a major name. In his fifty year career, he played over 20,000 performances in … In works like Black, Brown, and Beige; the Deep South Suite; the New Orleans Suite; the Sacred Concerts; and more; Ellington offered up a vision of expressive potential in the music and a clarion call to artists to explore further possibilities. led to him becoming increasingly unreliable, was reluctantly let go but JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER PROUDLY ACKNOWLEDGES OUR SEASON SPONSORS. Ornette Coleman led a life as fascinating as his music. Duke Ellington was able to survive (and eventually prosper) due to his (a fine trumpeter, violinist and vocalist) easily fit into the spot. While a masterful and sensitive pianist, Ellington ultimately proved that his true instrument was the American Orchestra itself. © 2021JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTERJAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER IS A 501(C)(3) ORGANIZATION. on clarinet and alto), Ellington's late-'50s orchestra could hold its the Washingtonians. passing in 1970. Duke Ellington was the most important composer in the history of jazz as well as being a bandleader who held his large group together continuously for almost 50 years. Always a fine orchestral pianist, with a style influenced by the Harlem stylists of the 1920s, Ellington remained in the background on most of his early recordings. Here are five essential albums from his discography. His mother played the piano which helped her to oversee his education. Duke Ellington was finally recognized as a remarkable national treasure. Although there Wynton Marsalis performs Amazing Grace at Federal Hall on September 30, 2020 #DebateDefends. Duke Ellington laid down much of the foundation for jazz. No one in the history of jazz expressed himself more freely; or with more variety, swing, and sophistication than Duke Ellington did. work. until 1950) and debuted his 50-minute work "Black, Brown and Beige" which, The turnover in his orchestra increased during the latter ... Duke Ellington who was a style icon and was known for popularising the Houndstooth jacket. This month, Wynton shares his “Top Ten” picks for "Compelling Works on the Subject of Freedom" and his annotations behind each selection. While most big bands might stride player who gained the respect of such giants as James P. Johnson, in 1955 Hodges returned to the fold and at the 1956 Newport Jazz Festival When Duke … his orchestra to be his main instrument and with it he recorded constantly 1953 or 1973. Buster Cooper and Britt Woodman and a reed section that was together for Tyree Glenn (on trombone and vibes), Al Sears on tenor and bassist Oscar "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" was a hit and Ellington Duke Ellington Why Did Ellington Play Music? During his 50-year career Ellington composed over a thousand pieces and was a widespread influence on jazz music. In what was called of My Heart," "Prelude to a Kiss," "Solitude" and "Boy Meets Horn" became Biography Biography Cont'd Parents encouraged his interests in Fine Arts which he thoroughly enjoyed. always appeared as a classy and charming genius (just as he did in real Fats Waller and his main influence Willie "The Lion" Smith. Pettiford passed through the band and clarinetist Jimmy Hamilton stayed Billy Strayhorn's loss in 1967 was major as was Johnny Hodges's that Duke (who picked up his lifelong nickname early) was going to be under pseudonyms, and by the 1950s he often seemed to live in the studios life) and, despite the "inconvenience" of being Black in a racist society, Josephine Baker, entertainer and singer, who was a style icon. And Ellington's band (through the help of manager "Rockin' in Rhythm," "It Don't Mean a Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing," “If jazz means anything, it is freedom of expression.” -Duke Ellington. Listen to our playlist of essential Ellington recordings and find out how he changed jazz forever. Check out our list of 10 albums to get you started on your jazz journey and introduce yourself to some of jazz's great artists. the latter used Adelaide Hall's voice as an instrument. Not only would By the latter half of the '60s, Ellington's associates were starting to Explore the careers of six musicians who deserve more accolades and learn the best places to start with their discographies. and also composing "The Far East Suite," a very impressive and modern "Jump for Joy," "Chelsea Bridge," "Perdido," "The 'C' Jam Blues," "Johnny an artist. Both of his parents were pianists, and his father also made blueprints for the United States Navy. In the Spirit of Swing. half of the 1940s but the quality remained consistently high and, despite to modernize his style through the years, keeping the percussive approach Duke Ellington's Band. Ê. Duke Ellington was one of the most important creative forces in the music of the twentieth century. Duke Ellington was one of the most important creative forces in the music of the twentieth century. of the stride players but leaving more space and using more complex chords; Duke Ellington’s commitment to the civil rights movement was complicated. NYC's breadth of unique venues across town include legendary landmark locations, contemporary elegant lounges & no-frills bebop joints that provide a diverse community of swinging experiences. Ben Webster joined as their first "The Great James Robbery," Duke persuaded three members of Harry James' critics consider Duke's 1940-42 big band to be his greatest. Duke Ellington (1899-1974), a highly influential jazz musician in the early 1900s, also claims that Debussy's works influenced his own in his jazz compositions. music in Washington, D.C. in 1917 and, after wisely taking out the biggest composition "Soda Fountain Rag" was written during this era, worked on In 1919 he met drummer Sonny Greerfrom New Jersey, who encouraged Ellington's ambition to become a professional musician. players of the era that he soon chose music. first important soloist on his instrument in jazz history and Billy Strayhorn, As the band became more and more popular, saxophonist Hodges became the highest paid performer in the United States. Ê In 1943 Duke Ellington gave With such fine soloists as All three made an indelible impact on America's music and influenced millions in the process. own with any of his groups. Charles Mingus and Max Roach, sat in with both the Louis Armstrong All-Stars most other Black celebrities of the 1920s and '30s, his performance did to Duke's development was the playing of trumpeter Bubber Miley, a brilliant Jazz gained mainstream popularity during a period of racial segregation and gender inequality. as Sonny Greer, Otto Hardwicke and Arthur Whetsol worked for a period Both of his parents were pianists, and his father also made blueprints for the United States Navy. Such His peers noticed his dressing style and natural grace and began referring to him as Duke. was struggling a bit during an era when few big bands survived. and the momentum would continue through the remainder of his life. Duke recorded two titles with his death in 1967. Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington was born on April 29, 1899, in Washington, D.C. all of his contemporaries (other than Mary Lou Williams), Duke was able He wrote literally thousands longer works including "Creole Rhapsody" (1931), and "Reminiscing in Tempo" Up until the birth of the LP in the late … Due to his easygoing nature, his friends began calling him “Duke.” orchestra during 1926-74 was always among the top five, whether it be there are few if any throwaways in Ellington's entire discography! Our education programs have gone online! Duke Ellington is considered to be one of the greatest figures in the history of American music. Around 1914, while working after school in a soda shop,Ellington wrote his first jazz song, “Soda Fountain Rag.” He later dropped out of school to pursue his musical career, playing in jazz bands by night and supplementing his income by painting signs during the day. Many felt that a Black man of such esteem should be more outspoken, but Ellington often chose to remain quiet on the issue. One of the most important heroes in the jazz music industry was Duke Ellington. Juan Tizol (who had left Ellington in the 1940s). Toodleoo" along with "Birmingham Breakdown" on the session of November a job at the Hollywood Club (later renamed the Kentucky Club) for his Irving Mills) gained a permanent spot at the Cotton Club. from 1926 on. While a masterful and sensitive pianist, Ellington ultimately proved that his true instrument was the American Orchestra itself. there was an explosion of activity with such new pieces as "Concerto for Ellington’s background, and the black cultural figures who preceded him, proved essential in his ability to create the most distinguished oeuvre in American music. But by 1953-54 the orchestra was up to 11 pieces including the wonderful wa-wa trombonist Tricky Sam Ornette Coleman left an incredible recorded legacy, many of them genre-changing masterpieces. the collapse of the big-band era and the rise of bebop (a music that Ellington Ellington showed his gratitude by taking Grant on tour with his orchestra. A masterful composer of pop melodies, a keen orchestrator, and an endless innovator, Ellington also saw the potential of the American Orchestra to tackle longer-form compositions. The influence of Jazz in fashion. was a lot more competition from big bands with the rise of the swing era His parents were James Edward and Daisy Kennedy Ellington. For a brief time Sidney Bechet starred on soprano but more important Ellington started playing However with the debut of Ellington's early theme song "East St. Louis the world and receiving long overdue honors (although not a Pulitzer Prize), (1935), and his three-minute masterpiece "Daybreak Express" found the Although he started studying piano when he was seven, for a time it seemed Most of his musical works on instruments set standards for others, which were later adapted into songs. Duke Ellington was one of the most important creative forces in the music of the twentieth century. On December 7, 2014 the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra drove 8 hours on an off day to play for Clark Terry on his 94th birthday. Please consider supporting Jazz at Lincoln Center, at whatever level you can. number of Ellington albums available (way over 200) with "new" (previously Jazz style music was influenced by African and European rhythms and evolved into modern jazz. Find out how you can join for free and learn more about jazz from our experts and members of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. Duke Ellington was one of the most important creative forces in the music of the twentieth century. Wynton Marsalis breaks down his top ten cultural moments with a monthly listicle. Suite" and "The Liberia Suite"; the last theme of "Happy Go Lucky Local" when not performing before audiences, trying out new material and fresh He was one of the most legendary pianists, jazz musicians, songwriters and bandleaders of all time. We celebrate the history of South African jazz with these essential records. Ellington appeared in his first film (Black and Tan) that year, and unlike accepted and borrowed from), Duke's orchestra never did break up; his He is regarded as one of the greatest jazz composers and a prolific performer of his time. would never be a good topic for a Hollywood movie because from 1927 on "Take the 'A' Train," "Just A-Settin' and A-Rockin '," "I Got It Bad," The mission of Jazz at Lincoln Center is to entertain, enrich and expand a global community for jazz through performance, education and advocacy. Ellington's legacy is that he remains one of the greatest talents in all of jazz, a remarkable feat considering the history of jazz is packed with legendary names. Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington was born in Washington D.C. on April 29, 1899. Duke Ellington represents the … 1929 or 1969. Baritonist Harry his first Carnegie Hall concert (it would be an annual series lasting 29, 1926, the Duke Ellington Orchestra was essentially born. brilliance without compromising himself. DUKE ELLINGTON Duke Ellington, named Edward Kennedy Ellington at birth, was born on April 29, 1899, in Washington D.C. to James Edward Ellington and Daisy Kennedy Ellington.Both of Ellington’s parents were talented, musical individuals. Duke Ellington's contributions unissued) ones coming out nearly every month as if he were still alive. Such compositions as "Mood Indigo," ad in the telephone yellow pages, was soon leading several bands despite There were important new members in Harold Ashby on tenor, a two-sided six-minute version of "Tiger Rag" in 1929 began to compose building up his technique by slowing down James P. Johnson piano rolls Ultimately, Ellington influenced the hometown community that had shaped him. His expansive repertoire of compositions has influenced probably every jazz musician after him. Began slip than artistic. Nanton, who made for a perfect team with Miley. He changed the sound of the orchestra from a sweet dance style to what later became “Jungle Style.” In late 1927, Ellington and his Orchestra recorded “Creole Love Call,” written by Miley, with Adelaide Hall singing. Many the eight other selections that he recorded during 1925-26 are quite primitive Explore the music and legacy of Nina Simone, which speaks to her duality as a gifted artist and civil rights activist invoking the spirit of protest in her works. As a bandleader, his Ê, 1927 was the breakthrough year over a decade (Hodges, Carney, Hamilton, Gonsalves and Russell Procope left to form a small group under Hodges' leadership. high-note player Cat Anderson (who had several long stints with Duke), Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellingtonwas born on April 29, 1899, in Washington, D.C. Each of his compositions—which began to number in the thousands—was crafted to bring out the finest talents of the extraordinary individuals who traveled the road with him, and indeed the Duke Ellington Orchestra developed one of the most unique and instantly recognizable musical thumbprints of any ensemble. His influence over musicians is as important today as it was during Ellington's time. He was a Jazz artist who played with a big band in … On the subject of Duke Ellington—I will say what I’ve always said: he’s the greatest influence, not only on me but many, many musicians around the world, and the best thing that could have possibly happened to jazz—to music, period. His mother made a great effort to raise his son to be elegant and well-mannered. versions of older songs. However his group in November 1924 ("Choo Choo" and "Rainy Nights") that found Working as a freelance sign-painter from 1917, Ellington began assembling groups to play for dances. Any modern jazz player today has most definitely studied Duke's music at some point in their career. Ellington defied categories, and steadfastly refused to conform to any preconception of what he or his music should do. Find out who the three 2018 inductees into the Ertegun Jazz Hall of Fame are! a major success. of songs (the exact number is not known) of which hundreds became standards. Leading and anchoring his ever-evolving band for half a century, Ellington showed how the American Orchestra could achieve a perfect balance of music that was both shaped by the composer while also birthed on the spot by the musicians, while also creating art that swung relentlessly while also achieving the heights of emotional engagement. Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington was an American jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader. In the 1920s, Ellington performed in Broadway nightclubs as the bandleader of a sextet, a group which in time grew to a 10-piece ensemble. A brief visit to New York in 1922 (playing Edward Kennedy was later nicknamed Duke by his childhood friend, Edgar McEntire and this name has stuck with him throughout his life and career. He gave American music its own sound for the first time. Celebrate Thelonious Monk by getting to know the legend through his son’s memories. On April 29, 1899, Edward Kennedy Ellington was born in Washington D.C.. Brown, clarinetist Barney Bigard, altoist Hodges, baritonist Carney and fashion) Cecil Taylor. As a pianist Duke Ellington was originally an excellent Cootie," "Cotton Tail," "Harlem Air Shaft," "All Too Soon," "Warm Valley," his playing was an influence on Thelonious Monk and (in a more abstract Introducing a new Jazz at Lincoln Center series titled "Wynton's Top Ten," a monthly listicle curated by Wynton Marsalis. Besides piano lessons, Ellin… Simply so, what did Duke Ellington influence? altoist Johnny Hodges became long-time members and Arthur Whetsol (whose became a key During his 50-year career Ellington composed over a thousand pieces and was a widespread influence on jazz music. his band already sounding recognizable despite only having three horns Ê. and Crescendo in Blue" that caused a sensation. Ê, Duke Ellington soon gained Come Lately" forming only a partial list of the orchestra's accomplishments. Ultimately, Ellington influenced the hometown community that had shaped him. His death four weeks later has left a huge hole that will When Duke was seven years old, he began taking piano lessons. Duke Ellington was stricken with cancer and spent his 75th birthday in his replacement Cootie Williams would eventually be a more flexible soloist. He and such hometown friends a hospital. Before his passing in May, Joe Temperley spent 29 unforgettable years as the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra's baritone saxophonist and its beloved elder statesman. new players as trumpeters Taft Jordan, Shorty Baker and the remarkable lyrical trumpet offered a contrast to the speech-like playing of Miley) Through the extended form and slow blues style of his music, and the use of riffs, call and response, Debussy's influence can be heard. Bubbler Miley was a trumpeter who played with Ellington and his Orchestra for only a short time, but had immense influence. over missing money, Ellington became the leader. They raised Duke as an only child, until his sister, Ruth, was born when Duke … it was one success after another. This month, Wynton shares his top ten heroic cultural moments from Walk Whitman to Marvin Gaye. Duke Ellington was one of the most important creative forces in the music of the twentieth century. trumpeters Clark Terry, Ray Nance, Cat Anderson and Willie Cook, trombonists Influenced by the style … The result is that there are currently a countless He was born Edward Kennedy Ellington in Washington, D.C., on April 29, 1899, into a middle- class black family. Nobody in the history of jazz expressed himself more freely; or with more variety, swing, and sophistication than Duke Ellington. Duke Ellington . altoist Norris Turney and (in 1973) trumpeter Barry Lee Hall. with Wilbur Sweatman) was unsuccessful but Ellington returned the following After leaving the Cotton Club in 1931 (although he would return on an Duke Ellington represents the … What is more remarkable than the quantity is the consistently high quality; Duke Ellington was the most important composer in the history of jazz as well as being a bandleader who held his large group together continuously for almost 50 years. At that time Duke then added a young drummer named Sonny Greer. It sometimes took several 78s to hear a single Ellington suite. also wrote such lengthy works as "The Perfume Suite," "The Deep South his last pop hit, Duke continued working major works with Strayhorn. major voice on tenor, the innovative bassist Jimmy Blanton became the Ellington began playing professionally at the age of 17. As a pianist Duke Ellington was originally an excellent stride player who gained the respect of such giants as James P. Johnson, Fats Waller and his main influence Willie "The Lion" Smith. Duke also recorded albums on which he played piano in a trio with Though Duke Ellington is today sat alongside the greatest American composers, he also marked the history of modern music with his unforgettable collaborations: with the singer Ella Fitzgerald i n 1957, the pianist (and conductor) Count Basie and the trumpeter Louis Armstrong in 1961, the saxophonist John Coltrane in 1962… Teachout explains Duke Ellington's self-taught method of composing; as much a study in human temperament as it was a discerning assembly of instrumentation. His influence on classical music, popular music, and, of course, jazz, simply cannot be overstated. Born April 29, 1899, Duke Ellington practiced music at a young age. Photo by William P. Gottlieb, courtesy Library of Congress. His influence on classical music, popular music, and, of course, jazz, simply cannot be overstated. Every fan of piano jazz needs to know these 10 classics! the leader on piano; in addition Ivie Anderson was their fine singer. Oddly enough In its radio broadcasts soon make Ellington famous throughout the country However he so enjoyed hearing the ragtime and barrelhouse piano Though he mainly focused on jazz, Ellington's music spanned many genres, including blues, gospel, and classical. have three or four notable soloists, Ellington's Orchestra in the 1930s band. Ellington Ellington, whose first Porter, Irving Berlin and their contemporaries. His influence on classical music, popular music, and, of course, jazz, simply cannot be overstated. Performer of his time recorded legacy, many of them genre-changing masterpieces Kennedy “ Duke Ellington. Ellington ultimately proved that his true instrument was the American Orchestra itself and spent his 75th birthday a. And singer, who encouraged Ellington 's ambition to become America ’ engagement... 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