Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington (1899 - 1974) · Counternarratives Digital Archive

Name: Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington (1899 - 1974)
Date of Birth: April 29, 1899
Date of Death: May 24, 1974
State Assigned Gender: Male
Hometown or Region: Washington D.C.
Freedom Status: Free
Occupation: Musician
Biography: Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington was an influential big band leader.; Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington was born on April 29th, 1899 in Washington D.C. Ellington was active from the early 1920s to his death on May 24th, 1974. He was born into a family of musicians (provide examples) so he was impacted by music from a very early age. In the early 1920s, he began his soon-to-be lengthy and critically acclaimed career as a performer, orchestra leader, band leader, and composer. He was a pivotal figure in jazz and is known for his contributions to the genre. He is especially well known for his highly influential jazz orchestra. He is also well known for his many different types of creative works featuring aspects of black culture or history and influences of religion and gospel. One of the most well-known examples of this inclusion of Black history specifically is the jazz orchestra piece titled “Black, Brown, and Beige” which debuted on January 23rd, 1943, and was 48 minutes in length. This piece sought to tell a story of African American history through the three movements and received mixed critical reviews. This work was the culmination of many years of both work and research. This orchestral piece is also his most lengthy work. Due to all of this impact and influence, Ellington’s legacy is forever cemented within the fields of musicology, history, and jazz studies.; Click here to review Primary Sources related to Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington .
Student Researcher: Madelyn Smythia