The Duke Ellington and Count Basie orchestras recorded together with the album First Time! The Count Meets the Duke (1961). In the early 1960s, Ellington embraced recording with artists who had been friendly rivals in the past, or were younger musicians who focused on later styles. His “blend of melodies, rhythms and subtle sonic movements gave audiences a new experience - complex yet accessible jazz that made the heart swing.” He sought out musicians with unique playing styles, such as Bubber Miley, (who is famous for using a plunger to make the “wah-wah” sound) and Joe Nanton, who first introduced the trombone “growl.” Ellington made hundreds of recordings with his bands, appeared in films, and toured Europe on two occasions in the 1930s.Įllington’s fame rose significantly in the 1940s when he composed various masterworks, including Concerto for Cootie, KoKo and Cotton Tail. It was Ellington’s “sense of musical drama” that made him stand out. In the 1920s, Ellington began performing in Broadway nightclubs as the bandleader of a sextet, which eventually grew to a ten piece ensemble. Instead, Ellington followed his passion for ragtime and began playing professionally at the age of 17. His natural talent was obvious, and he was offered a scholarship to the Pratt Institute in New York, which he declined. At the age of 15, Ellington wrote his first composition titled Soda Fountain Rag while working as a soda jerk. He was nicknamed “Duke” because of his “gentlemanly ways” when he performed. Due to his parents’ success, Ellington grew up in a middle-class neighbourhood and began studying music and piano at the age of seven. Raised by parents who were both talented musicians, Ellington became totally engrossed in music at an early age. Click here to find out more.Įdward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington was born on April 29, 1899, in Washington, D.C. This biographical article is part of JAZZ.FM91’s supplementary research component to expand on The Journey to Jazz and Human Rights documentary podcast series.

Duke ellington music video