1899 – 1974
Duke Ellington
A gentleman at the piano who made jazz sound like a whole storybook.
The Story
Edward grew up in Washington, D.C., and had such nice manners that his friends called him 'Duke.'
He fell in love with the piano and taught himself to hear music like colors and pictures.
He wrote songs for a big band of friends, and their music filled dance halls all over America.
His most famous song is called 'It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing).'
Duke made jazz feel elegant and joyful at the very same time.
Learn More
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