Duke Ellington
Many people know "Duke" Edward Kennedy
Ellington for his musical career, and the many contributions he’s
made to jazz as we know it. Surprisingly enough though, not as many
people know about the Duke’s life and how he came into music. For
that reason the Jazzine is proud to tell the story of the Duke.
"Duke" Edward Kennedy Ellington was born in Washington
DC on April 29, 1899. Born in the house of his paternal grandparents
and living in a strong African-American neighborhood, the root of
character was quickly formed. Growing up as a teen, Duke took to the
piano, trying to play like a ragtime pianist. Musical talent was not
essentially his though, as proven by the fact that he was kicked out
of 2 larger musical groups. Playing in smaller groups was easier for
him, and he soon enough started to book performances under the name
of Duke Ellington’s Serenaders.
It wasn’t too long after that that he moved out of Washington
DC, and moved to New York with his wife, Edna, and son, Mercer. For
several years, Ellington worked to become a better musician,
bandleader, and learn how to compete on the tough New York music
scene. He strengthened his skills by conducting a group called the
Washingtonians who performed regularly at the Kentucky Club in Times
Square. After much hard work, Ellington finally began to show his
unique style in 1926 and 1927 with songs like Black and Tan Fantasy
and Immigration Blues.
Ellington’s orchestra quickly navigated through a trail of
success including work in movies, European tours, recordings, and
demanded performances. Ellington also worked on and completed an
opera in 1938 entitled Black, Brown, and Beige. On his trail of
success is also Ellington’s premiere in Carnegie Hall on January
23, 1943. Ellington’s performance then marked the first time a
black composer presented a night of original music in the famous
hall.
Unfortunately, by the fifties, the music scene shifted from swing
and big bands to rock and roll, causing the demand to slowly
decline. Ellington continued to record and perform his music though,
until his death from cancer on May 24th, 1974. During the
course of these last years, Ellington continued to stretch his
creativity right to the end, creating variations on popular and
liturgical music.
Lauren Peterson |
