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Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington,
b. Washington, D.C., Apr. 29, 1899, d. May 24, 1974, was a
pianist and orchestra leader and the most prolific composer
in JAZZ history. As the leader of his own band, Ellington
became a popular New York City jazzman in the early 1920s.
From 1927 to 1931, he and his orchestra were the stars of
Harlem's famous Cotton Club; Ellington's broadcasts from the
club made him a national celebrity. His first European tour
(1933), brought him international fame as well. His orchestra
featured many of the greatest jazz artists of the time and
Ellington's compositions were tailored to their special talents.
They created a unique sound and a precision and clarity that
won them a reputation as the finest orchestra in jazz.
Ellington wrote over 1,000 short pieces--"Mood Indigo,"
1930, was his first important hit, and there were countless
others; concertos for orchestra and jazz soloist, including
"Clarinet Lament" and "Concerto for Cootie"
(both 1935); long concert pieces in the jazz idiom, such as
"Black, Brown and Beige," (1943); three large religious
works; and several movie scores.
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