Download JOHN TOWNER WILLIAMS (1938

EDWARD KENNEDY ELLINGTON
(1899-1974)
CHILDHOOD
•Duke was born April 29, 1899 in
Washington D.C.
•He grew up in a middle class family
with a strong religious influence.
•His family encouraged his interest in
art and music.
•He began piano at age 7.
•His first compositions were written by
age 14.
CAREER
•Inspired by Ragtime performers.
•Began performing at age 17.
•Went to New York City in 1923.
•Bandleader at Harlem’s famous
“Cotton Club” (1927-1932)
•His band toured Europe after
World War II
MUSIC
•Most of his music was
written for his own band.
He wrote music to fit the
band members’ talents.
•First composer to break
the 3 minute limit for a
recording.
•He played piano on
many of his recordings.
AWARDS
•Grammy awards
• Spingarn Medal (NAACP)
•Honorary Music Degree from Yale
University
•Medal of Freedom at age 70
•Elected to the National Institute of Arts
and Letters.
Duke Ellington composed and
performed until he died in 1974 from
lung cancer.
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