Born in 1899 in Washinton, D.C., Edward Kennedy (Duke) Ellington was one of the most influential composers in the development of American jazz. Ellington himself did not call his music “jazz”; he said he wrote and played “American Music.” Indeed, both musicians and music critics have often termed his music “beyond category.” Jazz master Winton Marsalis said, “His music sounds like America.”
During his career, which stretched from his teenaged years playing for dances in his hometown to his death in 1974, Duke Ellington wrote over 3,000 songs, played more that 20,000 performances, won 13 Grammy Awards, the Pulitzer Prize, the French Legion of Honor, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Elegant Ellington will feature some of his most popular and influential works, including “It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing,” “Satin Doll,” Take the ‘A’ Train.” “Sophisticated Lady,” and “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.”
Born in 1899 in Washinton, D.C., Edward Kennedy (Duke) Ellington was one of the most influential composers in the development of American jazz. Ellington himself did not call his music “jazz”; he said he wrote and played “American Music.” Indeed, both musicians and music critics have often termed his music “beyond category.” Jazz master Winton Marsalis said, “His music sounds like America.”
During his career, which stretched from his teenaged years playing for dances in his hometown to his death in 1974, Duke Ellington wrote over 3,000 songs, played more that 20,000 performances, won 13 Grammy Awards, the Pulitzer Prize, the French Legion of Honor, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Elegant Ellington will feature some of his most popular and influential works, including “It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing,” “Satin Doll,” Take the ‘A’ Train.” “Sophisticated Lady,” and “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.”
Born in 1899 in Washinton, D.C., Edward Kennedy (Duke) Ellington was one of the most influential composers in the development of American jazz. Ellington himself did not call his music “jazz”; he said he wrote and played “American Music.” Indeed, both musicians and music critics have often termed his music “beyond category.” Jazz master Winton Marsalis said, “His music sounds like America.”
During his career, which stretched from his teenaged years playing for dances in his hometown to his death in 1974, Duke Ellington wrote over 3,000 songs, played more that 20,000 performances, won 13 Grammy Awards, the Pulitzer Prize, the French Legion of Honor, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Elegant Ellington will feature some of his most popular and influential works, including “It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing,” “Satin Doll,” Take the ‘A’ Train.” “Sophisticated Lady,” and “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.”