Edward “Duke” EllingtonApril 29, 1899- May 24,

1974Trailblazer, Pianist, Composer, and Jazz

Musician

April 29, 1899: Born

1899 1974

Did You Know? He earned his nickname “Duke” for his

gentlemanly ways as a kid He learned piano at age 7 and wrote his first

song at age 15.

Born in Washington, DC on April 29, 1899 His parents are James Edward Ellington and Daisy

Kennedy Ellington Ellington wrote over 1000 jazz compositions Ellington first played in New York jazz clubs and

rose to fame when he began writing his own music

1917: He formed his first jazz group, “The Duke’s Serenaders”

1927: Began playing at the famous Cotton Club

1965: Nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in Music

May 24, 1974: Death

19651920

1918: Got married at the age of 19