Sir Duke

Born on this day in 1899 right here in Washington, DC – Edward Kennedy Ellington would go on to become one of the greatest composers, pianist and jazz band leader ever. Duke Ellington was an originator of big band jazz who composed over one thousand songs in a career that spanned more than six decades.

At the age of seven, he began studying piano and earned the nickname "Duke" for his gentlemanly ways. Inspired by his job as a soda jerk, he wrote his first composition, "Soda Fountain Rag," at the age of 15.

He made his professional debut in 1916 having learned ragtime piano from a pianist named Doc Perry and played in the capitol’s nightspots with a group that included drummer Sonny Greer, who worked with Duke for many years.

His innovative arrangements featured his piano playing against a rich, deep sound played by the brilliant musicians of his orchestra

Some of his most famous songs included “Satin Doll", "Mood Indigo”, “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)”, “Stormy Weather” and “Take the A Train” – This list can go on and on. He was a genius.

So much has been written about Ellington – I chose to feature him today for many reasons. My love of jazz music started with Duke Ellington in my parent’s basement with the many jazz records my dad owned. I chose to feature him because he was born in Washington, DC (just like me and my kids), I chose him because my daughter attends a school named after him.

Another jazz composer wrote of Ellington, “Ellington composed incessantly to the very last days of his life. Music was indeed his mistress; it was his total life and his commitment to it was incomparable and unalterable. In jazz he was a giant among giants. And in twentieth century music, he may yet one day be recognized as one of the half-dozen greatest masters of our time.”

On May 24, 1974, at the age of 75, Ellington died of lung cancer and pneumonia. His last words were, "Music is how I live, why I live and how I will be remembered."