Written by Bernice
Modified & Updated: 23 Sep 2024
Reviewed by Jessica Corbett
Duke Ellington facts never go out of style. You may know him for his music, his guest appearances, or even simply, by his face. Duke Ellington is one of the greatest jazz musicians that ever graced the planet Earth. His songs have been performed by countless other musicians and inspired many famous jazz artists, even to this day. In fact, he is so widely credited for his contribution to jazz music that there’s even a festival named after him: the Duke Ellington Jazz Festival, which is also known as the DC Jazz Festival.
Listed below are the many facts about Duke Ellington that you’ll love to know if you’re curious about one of the Harlem Renaissance’s pioneers. Whether it’s because you found an odd cartoon with him as a character, or heard his live performance of ‘Take the “A” Train’ somewhere, or even just researching about an inspirational life for fun, there’s something interesting here that will give you a glimpse of this Jazz musician’s creative life.
- 01Duke began playing ragtime professionally at 17.
- 02He wrote his first song, “Soda Fountain Rag” at 15.
- 03Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York City declared April 29 to be Duke Ellington Day.
- 04About 12,000 people went to his funeral.
- 05Duke Ellington’s 14-member band was chosen for their individual playing styles.
- 01His real name is Edward Kennedy Ellington.
- 02He was born in Washington, D.C. on April 29, 1899
- 03He was a composer for the film industry as well.
- 04Edna Thompson was his wife.
- 05His parents were pianists Daisy and James Edward Ellington.
- 06He is the pioneer of Big Band Jazz.
- 07He studied at the Armstrong Technical High School.
- 08His successful career expanded for over fifty years.
- 09He had won nine Grammy awards in his lifetime.
- 10Duke was also given a Pulitzer Prize award after his death.
- 01One of the most famous jazz songs, Take the “A” Train, is by Duke Ellington.
- 02From 1923 to 1974, songs that were performed by the Duke Ellington band were led by the Duke himself.
- 03Duke Ellington performed in the White House for former President Richard Nixon.
- 04The nickname “Duke” came from his childhood friends, thanks to his mother teaching him to be respectful.
- 05The bandmates also called him “Dumpy” because of the way he ate generously.
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