Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington | 1978-7

Early Life and Introduction to Music

Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington was born in Washington DC, on April 29, 1899. His father, James Edward, was a blueprint maker for the United States Navy and provided a comfortable life for young Edward, his sister Ruth, and their mother Daisey. Both parents played the piano, and by age 14, Edward was interested in piano and music.

Discovering Jazz and Crafting a Persona

He began to spend a great deal of time at the movies, listening to the piano symphonies that accompanied many westerns. The poolrooms then were social clubs and provided a piano for local patrons to sharpen their skills and challenge newcomers. Hustlers and musicians frequented the poolroom along with young Edward. In this setting, Edward Kennedy Ellington developed his keyboard technique. Local house parties became his practice field.

When a school friend nicknamed him “Duke,” to make him sound more impressive, he soon had girls leaning over the piano as he played. He kept the nickname and maintained the same effect on pretty girls for years to come. When he was 16, Duke wrote his first piece of music — Soda Fountain Rag.

Rise to Fame with the Washingtonians

Duke and several friends ventured to New York and found work. In 1928, the Club Baron on 134th Street and Seventh Avenue hired the “Washingtonians”. From the Baron, Duke and his group moved to the Kentucky Club (Hollywood) on 4th and Broadway. They were engaged there for four years.

Crafting a Legendary Band

Duke Ellington possessed the ability to attract and retain some of the best jazz musicians in the business — Harry Carney, Barney Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Jimmy Blanton, Billy Strayhorn, Ben Webster, Cootie Williams, Paul Gonsalves, Tyree Glenn, Car Anderson, and countless others. Duke and his band traveled to Europe, Asia, India, Africa, and South American countries at a whirlwind pace, adding new material as they went along. The United States government sponsored many of Duke’s trips, for the band represented a true original American art form — Jazz.

Musical Philosophy and Iconic Compositions

While Duke could have made more money as an independent superstar, he chose to keep a fifteen-piece band together for almost fifty years. His musicians gave to him as well as he gave to them. Jazz to Duke meant, “Freedom of expression.” Together, he and his band created some of the most outstanding compositions — Mood Indigo, Duke said, “Took 15 minutes to write, Solitude took 20, but Sophisticated Lady took 10 days.” Creole Rhapsody, It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing, Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue, Don’t Get Around Much Anymore, Satin Doll, Black and Tan Fantasy; the list goes on of songs that have become American classics.

Personal Life and Collaborations

Duke was a very private person. His friendships were long and close. Among his musicians, it was Billy “Sweet Pea” Strayhorn who collaborated with Duke to create Take the A Train. Billy Strayhorn, it was felt by many, was Duke’s alter ego. Duke had implicit trust in Strayhorn, and they had a rewarding, harmonious union that lasted from 1939 until Billy’s death in 1967.

Except for women, Duke spent very little time away from music. His marriage to Edna Thompson in 1918 produced one son, Mercer. The marriage did not withstand the demands of his career. He spent the remainder of his life in the company of Beatrice Ellis, who became known as Evie Ellington. She maintained a New York apartment with Duke for 35 years.

Eccentricities and Later Works

Duke was an eccentric. He wouldn’t wear a watch. He evaded discussing age, insurance, wills, or death. He loved blue but hated green. He never owned a private home. The road was his home, and, as he entitled his autobiography Music Is My Mistress — it proved to be true.

In his later years, he dedicated a great deal of time and energy to the Sacred Concerts and considered these works to be his finest contributions to the music world. These concerts fused jazz and spirituals, creating a unique and profound musical experience that resonated with audiences worldwide.

Honors and Legacy

On his 70th birthday, he returned to his hometown for a birthday party at the White House. The honor was befitting, considering the contributions he made to music. He received the Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor the United States Government can bestow.

Duke Ellington died at age 75. His death ended an era. At the time of his death, he was working on Three Black Kings. Ironically, Paul Gonsalves and Tyree Glenn, members of his band, had also died around the same time. All three were laid out together in an Eastside New York funeral parlor on the night of May 24, 1974.

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