Edward Kennedy Ellington (Duke Ellington)
1899 - 1974
American
Summary
Beginning keyboard studies at the age of seven, Ellington's earliest influences were the ragtime pianists. He taught himself harmony at the piano and at 17, made his professional debut. Encouraged by Fats Waller, he moved to New York in 1923 and, during the formative Cotton Club years, experimented with and developed the style that would quickly bring him worldwide success and recognition. Ellington would be among the first to focus on musical form and composition in jazz using ternary forms and "call-and-response" techniques in works like Concerto for Cootie (known in its familiar vocal version as Do Nothin' till You Hear from Me) and Cotton Tail and classic symphonic devices in his orchestral suites. In this respect, he would influence the likes of Monk, Mingus, and Evans.
Biography
Born 29 April 1899 in Washington DC, composer, bandleader, and pianist Edward Kennedy ("Duke") Ellington was recognized in his lifetime as one of the greatest jazz composers and performers. Nicknamed "Duke" by a boyhood friend who admired his regal air, the name stuck and became indelibly associated with the finest creations in big band and vocal jazz. A genius for instrumental combinations, improvisation, and jazz arranging brought the world the unique "Ellington" sound that found consummate expression in works like "Mood Indigo," "Sophisticated Lady," and the symphonic suites Black, Brown, and Beige (which he subtitled "a Tone Parallel to the History of the Negro in America") and Harlem ("a Tone Parallel to Harlem").
Beginning keyboard studies at the age of seven, Ellington's earliest influences were the ragtime pianists. He taught himself harmony at the piano and at 17, made his professional debut. Encouraged by Fats Waller, he moved to New York in 1923 and, during the formative Cotton Club years, experimented with and developed the style that would quickly bring him worldwide success and recognition. Ellington would be among the first to focus on musical form and composition in jazz using ternary forms and "call-and-response" techniques in works like Concerto for Cootie (known in its familiar vocal version as Do Nothin' till You Hear from Me) and Cotton Tail and classic symphonic devices in his orchestral suites. In this respect, he would influence the likes of Monk, Mingus, and Evans.
Among Ellington's many honors and awards were honorary doctorates from Howard and Yale Universities, membership in the American Institute of Arts and Letters, election as the first jazz musician member of the Royal Music Academy in Stockholm, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Several arrangements and editions by Jeff Tyzik are available to orchestras, including: The Nutcracker Suite and Ellington Portrait, and The Essential Ellington: Music of Ellington and Strayhorn.
Beginning keyboard studies at the age of seven, Ellington's earliest influences were the ragtime pianists. He taught himself harmony at the piano and at 17, made his professional debut. Encouraged by Fats Waller, he moved to New York in 1923 and, during the formative Cotton Club years, experimented with and developed the style that would quickly bring him worldwide success and recognition. Ellington would be among the first to focus on musical form and composition in jazz using ternary forms and "call-and-response" techniques in works like Concerto for Cootie (known in its familiar vocal version as Do Nothin' till You Hear from Me) and Cotton Tail and classic symphonic devices in his orchestral suites. In this respect, he would influence the likes of Monk, Mingus, and Evans.
Among Ellington's many honors and awards were honorary doctorates from Howard and Yale Universities, membership in the American Institute of Arts and Letters, election as the first jazz musician member of the Royal Music Academy in Stockholm, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Several arrangements and editions by Jeff Tyzik are available to orchestras, including: The Nutcracker Suite and Ellington Portrait, and The Essential Ellington: Music of Ellington and Strayhorn.
News
Performances
27th June 2025
- PERFORMERS
- Berliner Philharmoniker
- CONDUCTOR
- Gustavo Dudamel
- LOCATION
- Waldbühne, Berlin, Germany
28th June 2025
- PERFORMERS
- Berliner Philharmoniker
- CONDUCTOR
- Gustavo Dudamel
- LOCATION
- Waldbühne, Berlin, Germany
5th July 2025
- PERFORMERS
- Berliner Philharmoniker
- CONDUCTOR
- Gustavo Dudamel
- LOCATION
- Stellar Theatre, Kawaguchiko, Japan
6th July 2025
- PERFORMERS
- Berliner Philharmoniker
- CONDUCTOR
- Gustavo Dudamel
- LOCATION
- Stellar Theatre, Kawaguchiko, Japan
29th July 2025
- PERFORMERS
- Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
- CONDUCTOR
- Russell John Morris
- LOCATION
- Cottell Park Deerfield Township, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
Features
- Symphonic Ellington
- Wise Music is pleased to present 'Symphonic Ellington: A Guide to the Duke’s Orchestral Work' about symphonic arrangements of Ellington’s suites and other large-scale works.
- Brilliant Concert Openers for Non-Professional Orchestras
- Discover music to begin your concert suitable for performance by amateur orchestras
- Independent Repertoire: American Cityscapes and Landscapes
- Numerous composers have drawn inspiration both from the United States’ natural beauty and the vibrant character of its cities. From iconic neighborhoods to breathtaking views, rural agrarian life to industrial skylines, the following works evoke this country’s distinctive landscapes through sound.
- Black History Month
- Celebrate Black History Month: explore a curated playlist from Wise Music Classical.
- Dancing Ellington
- The music of Duke Ellington is perfect soundtrack to the holiday season.