News About Jazz Maestro Duke Ellington
Edward Kennedy Big Band’s Timeless Musical Genius
Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington was born on April 29, 1899 in Washington, D.C. He was the son of Daisy Kennedy and James Edward Ellington. Duke Ellington’s father worked at a Navy yard; his mother worked as a housewife caring for Duke and his older sister, Ruth.
Duke Ellington – A Musical Genius’ Early Years
The piano was a familiar instrument to James and Daisy. It is no wonder that Duke Ellington started receiving his first piano lessons when he was only seven years old. Art captivated Duke; his passion earned him a scholarship to Brooklyn, New York’s Pratt Institute, an offer Duke declined.
Although a good student, Duke Ellington dropped out of Armstrong High School when he was in his senior year. As noted at Gale Schools’ official website, it would later become a decision he would wish to make right, and he would. In 1971 at the age of 72, Duke Ellington received his high school diploma. Prior to receiving his high school diploma he had received numerous honorary doctorate degrees, but it was his high school diploma he greatly desired.
New York City Calls Out To A Jazz Legend
With 17 years of living under his belt, Duke Ellington started to perform his music in public. By the time 1923 rolled around, the jazz and big band maestro was living in New York City and leading a 10-piece band. The Cotton Club, Hollywood Club and Club Kentucky were early venues that Duke Ellington and his band performed at.
Leading musicians in the band included Cootie Williams who played the trumpet. Rex Stewart played the cornet. Lawrence Brown worked the trombone while Harry Carney played baritone saxophone. Barney Bigard sweetened songs by playing out notes on the clarinet. Johnny Hodges unleashed his inborn talents on the alto saxophone. Norris Turney, cousin to author Denise Turney, joined the band in 1969 after Johnny Hodges health began to fail.
Musical Shifts Bring Change to Duke Ellington’s Career
Throughout the early 1930s, Duke Ellington and his band which later became a 14-piece orchestra, played at venues around the United States and Europe. After his mother passed in 1935, the musician slowed down his career. He was grief stricken over the passing of his mother, a woman he was very close to.
The 1940s brought change to the big band music scene. Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Chick Webb and Count Basie were bringing swing into style. The Great Depression ending and a second world war on the horizon, music provided a much needed outlet for Americans and millions of other global citizens. Songs like “It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing” and “Black Beauty” demonstrated Ellington’s talent to swing.
Combined with his strong composition skills, awareness of current community, cultural and national pulses and his taste for exhibiting mood through music, Duke Ellington took on the challenge to reinvent himself in order to appeal to younger audiences. By the 1940s Duke Ellington was again in high form.
Jazz Mart, FYE, CD Baby and Tower Records carry music created by Duke Ellington and his orchestra. Retailers like Target, Walmart, the Bop Shop and London’s Rough Trade record store also carry Duke Ellington’s albums. Amazon.com, Borders, Barnes and Noble, Cushcity.com and Waldenbooks carry books written by or about Duke Ellington.
Sources:
Duke Ellington Official Website. 13 November 2009.
Duke Ellington Orchestra
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