Duke Ellington
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President Nixon stated, “In the royalty of American music, no man swings more or stands higher than the Duke.” Ellington brought elegance and sophistication to Jazz that was long needed. He was named one of the greatest performers and composers. When asked, ÐHow do you create such hits,” he responded, “I merely took the energy it takes to pout and wrote some blues.” Praised for his genius in instrumental combinations, jazz arranging and improvisation, he became a legend throughout the world.
James Edward Ellington, son of a former slave, was born on April 15, 1879 in North Carolina. He then moved to Washington, D.C where he met his wife Daisy Kennedy Ellington. Then in 1899, they had a son named Edward Kennedy Ellington, which was later nicknamed Duke from a childhood friend who admired his regal air. Both Daisy and James were pianist and introduced Edward to the emotional power of music. Duke attended Armstrong Manual Training School to study commercial art versus attending an academic-based institution. Ellington began his first piano lessons at the age of eight and claims “he missed more lessons than he went to.” Duke was more interested in sports and arts, feeling that the piano was not his talent. While vacationing in Philadelphia with his mother, he was overcome by one pianist named Harvey Brooks. Then before returning back to Washington, he sought out Harvey and was fascinated by his pianist tricks. When asked to reflect on this, he recounted, “When I got home I had a real yearning to play.” Before realizing his interest in music, he planned to study art while attending The Pratt Institute of Fine Art. But to focus on his music career, he turned down his scholarship. He then thought himself harmony at the tender age of seventeen and made his professional debut. Thus the music phenomenon of Duke Ellington was born.
Between 1918 and 1919, Ellingtons life would take a one hundred and eighty degree turn to independence. He left his parents house to by his own home. He also married Edna Thompson and on March 11, 1919 had a son named Mercer Kennedy Ellington. Later, Ellington would eventually separate from his wife without officially divorcing her. But his life long companion was a woman by the name of Beatrice Ellis who would eventually be buried next to Ellington two years after his death.
Being at a young age, Duke stilled needed touch ups on things and was Ðtaken under the wings of Oliver Perry and Louis Brown. With these advisors, he was taught piano playing skills and how to properly play music. His piano technique was influenced by pianist such as Willie Smith and James P. Johnson. After the training, Duke began playing at cafes and clubs throughout Washington D.C. Ellington decided to re-locate to New York with his musical group called the Washingtonians. This group experimented with and developed the style that would quickly bring them, especially Duke, worldwide recognition. The Washingtonians became the house band of the Kentucky Club. They also were offered the position as house band for the infamous Cotton Club. With much help to the radio receivers, the Washingtonians were broadcasted across the nation live on “From the Cotton Club”. This accomplishment helped skyrocket Ellingtons career.
Each member of The Washingtonians brought something unique to the group. Ellington was exceptional at composing and was a great pianist. Johnny Hodges, the bands superstar soloist, had perfected “the romantic alto saxophone ballads with his swooning, creamy, style remaining influential for years.” Then there was Barney Bigard who mastered the New Orleans jazz clarinet and was a Washingtonian for twelve years. There was also a trombone player by the name of Lawrence Brown that brought an elegant style to the trombone. The longest member of the orchestra was the baritone saxophone player names Harry Carney. Finally to add the rhythm, there was the drummer Sonny Greer and guitarist Fred Guy.
As the 1930s came rolling in, Ellingtons popularity increased which could be accredited to his