Duke Ellington: An Apolitical Man

Duke Ellington Duke Ellington was a famous jazz musician in the 1920s. He was the leader of a band and composed songs such as “Ko-Ko”, “It Don’t Mean a Thing if it Ain’t Got That Swing”, and “Cotton Tail”. The jazz he played was distinctive just like his band was. Ellington was more than just a musician, however. Many people thought he was an apolitical man, however this was untrue. Ellington, like most Americans, practiced his rights in politics. Duke Ellington spent his life focused on composing music, politics, and performing for over 50 years. Duke Ellington’s music stood out because of his unique blends. It was Ellington's sense of musical drama that made him stand out. His blend of melodies, rhythms and subtle sonic movements gave audiences a new experience—complex yet accessible jazz that made the heart swing (Duke Ellington). Ellington added to the new, unique type of music that was arising in the 1920s. …show more content…
Ellington first played in New York City in 1923. Later that year he moved there and, in Broadway nightclubs, led a sextet that grew in time into a 10-piece ensemble (Duke Ellington). Jazz was growing fast, and so was he. Duke performed for audiences for over 50 years. When he got more famous, him and his band made it big time when they were asked to play at the Cotton Club, a popular music joint in Harlem, New York. Extended residencies at the Cotton Club in Harlem (1927–32, 1937–38) stimulated Ellington to enlarge his band to 14 musicians and to expand his compositional scope. He selected his musicians for their expressive individuality (Duke Ellington). One of the members, Bubber Miley, played with a plunger mute. Jazz existed to be twisted and with members like Bubber Miley, Ellington achieved his vision. Duke Ellington’s upbeat, swing dance music is still remembered by everybody of the Golden Age