Duke Ellington

1899-1974

Facts

• He went to Armstrong Technical High School. • His full name was Edward Kennedy Ellington.• His fathers name was James Edward Ellington.• His mothers name was Daisy Kennedy

Ellington.• His family descended from slaves.

Early Life

• Ellington was raised by two talented musician parents.

• At age 7, he began studying the piano.• He began writing music at the age of 15.

Adult Life

• Ellington began performing at nightclubs in the 1920’s. One of them was named the Cotton Club.

• He wrote many songs such as, Soda Fountain Rag, Cotton Tail, and Ko-Ko. His most popular one being “Solitude”.

• He was also a composer.

Fame

• He is most known for his 12 Grammy awards (nine of the while he was living)and for being the originator of big-band jazz.

Sources

• www.biagraphy.com/people/duke-ellington-9286338

• http://www.facts-about.org.uk/composers/facts-about-duke-ellington.htm

• http://www.redhotjazz.com/duke.html