Duke Ellington Essay

Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington was an American composer, pianist, and bandleader of a jazz orchestra. Duke’s career spanned over half a century during which he composed thousands of songs, and was a member in numerous bands. Duke Ellington was one of if not the greatest musician during the Harlem Renaissance. Born on April 29, 1899 in Washington D.C, Duke was raised by two musically talented parents; James Edward Ellington and Daisy Kennedy Ellington. At the age of seven Duke began studying piano

Duke Elington Duke Ellington was an American jazz bandleader, composer, and pianist. He is thought of as one the greatest figures in jazz. The French government honored him with their highest award, the Legion of Honor, while the government of the United States awarded him with the highest civil honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He played for the royalty and for the common people and by the end of his fifty-year career, he had played over 20,000 performances worldwide. He

Duke Ellington: 1899-1974 Edward “Duke” Kennedy Ellington was born April 29, 1899 in Washington, D.C. Duke Ellington was born into a typical family with average income and growing up, the future musician was home-schooled by his parents. His father James Edward Ellington and mother Daisy Kennedy Ellington were both pianist. His father played operatic arias while parlor songs were his mother’s first choice. It is an interesting fact that Duke is not actually Ellington’s name, but it is only his

Duke Ellington Duke Ellington's pre-eminence in jazz is not only because of the very high aesthetic standard of his output and not simply due to his remarkable abilities as a pianist, composer and bandleader, but also to the fact that he has extended the boundaries of jazz more than any other musician, without abandoning the true essence of the music. Perhaps no other American musician left such a massive and challenging legacy in composition and performance. Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington

Duke Ellington was born on April 29, 1899 and died on May 24, 1974. He was born in Washington D.C but later on he moved to New York City. He was an American composer, pianist, and bandleader. He had that career for 50 years. He was known as one of the greatest composers. He had more than two thousand songs that where a hit at that time. He began to play the piano as a child his mom played that piano as well. She over saw his education. Duke played professional at age 17. When he moved to New York

Duke Ellington The Harlem Renaissance was an era full of life, excitement, and activity. The world in all aspects was in gradual recovery from the depression. The world of music was expanding, sharing it’s enthusiasm throughout the world. The evolution of jazz aroused the curiosity of the nation. As Blacks received their freedom, they were able to express themselves as talented individuals. Certain blacks contributed immensely to the era of jazz, for example, Duke Ellington. Ellington entered

One of the biggest names in jazz, even 118 years after his birth. Edward “Duke” Ellington was born on April 29 1899 in Washington D.C. (PBS.org). He was an only child to his mother and father (PBS.org). His mother started teaching him piano at age 7 (Biography.com), and his gentlemanly way of dress and action earned him the nickname Duke from his friends (Biography.com). His first job was at 15 as a local soda jerk, and at that job he wrote his first song, called Soda Fountain Rag. He was playing

American jazz legend Duke Ellington said, “A problem is a chance for you to do your best.” When I hear this quote, all I can think about is that you have to fail to be successful the next time around. I love what Duke Ellington said because when there's a problem, all I want to do is solve it and be my best when I’m solving the problem. Every problem in life is just a way to make me a better person and a better individual. Just like how Duke Ellington said, problems are just ways to be the

I attended the Jazz Ensembles Concert, The Music of Duke Ellington, on Wednesday, September 30, 2015 at the Griffin Concert Hall, University Center for the Arts. I was not really sure what to expect since I had never experienced Jazz in a concert hall setting, however, I believe I am still able to make an informed and unbiased review. Not only was this my first Jazz concert, but it was also my first time visiting the University Center for the Arts. I was greeted immediately and with a very welcoming

Duke Ellington is one of the most influential American composers in the history of music. Ellington expanded the boundaries of jazz with his influential innovativeness. Ellington wrote many pieces, but one that stands out in particular is his piece “Cotton Tail.” The piece was a very smooth crispy feel to it throughout the piece. The rhythm within the piece can be considered moderately fast or allegro. The tempo and feel of this piece is very happy and also has a swinger feel to it. The tempo of