Duke Ellington

Full Name: Edward Kennedy Ellington
Profession: Jazz Musician and Composer

Nationality:

Biography: Duke Ellington was an American jazz musician, known as leader of the Duke Ellington jazz orchestra from 1923 until his death in 1974. He first came to fame with his orchestra with their appearances at the Cotton Club in Harlem.

Alongside his work as an orchestra leader, Ellington also composed a vast quantity of jazz tunes. He continued this especially in his collaboration with Billy Strayhorn. Many of Ellington's works have gone on to become standards.

Many consider Ellington to have been the most significant jazz composer of all time, although Ellington himself preferred to remain beyond labels of jazz and instead fell within the broader category of American music.

Born: April 29, 1899
Birthplace: Washington, District of Columbia, USA

Generation: Lost Generation
Star Sign: Taurus

Died: May 24, 1974 (aged 75)
Cause of Death: Lung cancer and pneumonia