Edward Kennedy: Duke Ellington

Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington was born on April 29, 1899 in Washington D.C. His parents are James Edward and Daisy Ellington. Ellington’s Father was methodist while his mother was baptist. Thus Ellington’s upbringing had many religious influences on the household and his childhood. As a child Ellington was very artistic and many people noticed. Duke Ellington parents were both talented and musical. Ellington rejected an art scholarship and instead decided to devote his time to his first love music especially to the piano. Ellington decided to divide his studies between commercial art and music. Duke Ellington is most known for his outstanding pianist ability, his great leadership skills as a conductor, and his creative songwriting ability. Duke Ellington parents were both talented and musical. When Duke Ellington was 7 he began piano lessons and earned the nickname duke because a friend said that Ellington should stage name. The first composition written by Duke Ellington was called “Soda Fountain Fog” which was inspired by his first …show more content…
Simultaneously, Ellington had a Top Five hit with “Mood Indigo.” Throughout the year many recordings happened, one specific recording was entered into the Grammy Hall of Fame. The recording was titled “The Jungle Band” by the Ellington Orchestra. In 1931 “Rockin’ in Rhythm” and “Creole Rhapsody” were considered a rather lengthy composition. In August of 1931 “Limehouse Blues” was at the top of the chart and then in the winter of 1932 Ellington became recognized as best remembered songs “If It Ain’t Got That Swing.” This recording included a vocalist by the name of Ivie Anderson. The Ellington band managed to create the swing era. The next major hit for Ellington was called “Sophisticated Lady” an instrumental version was released in the spring of 1933 with the recording “Stormy Weather” also making the top