Duke Ellington

 

Duke Ellington (1899-1974) was an American pianist, composer, and bandleader, considered one of the most influential musicians in the history of jazz. He was born in Washington D.C. and from a young age showed talent for piano and composition. In 1927, his orchestra became the resident band at the Cotton Club in Harlem, catapulting him to fame.

Over the course of his career, he composed more than 1,000 pieces, including classics such as Take the "A" Train, Mood Indigo, and Sophisticated Lady. His innovative style combined swing with complex orchestral arrangements, expanding the boundaries of jazz.

He worked with legendary musicians such as Johnny Hodges, Cootie Williams, and Billy Strayhorn, his main collaborator. He also took jazz to new heights with more ambitious works, such as Black, Brown and Beige, a symphonic suite on African-American history.

Active until his death in 1974, Ellington left an immense legacy and redefined jazz as a sophisticated and universal art.