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Duke Ellington is known as one of the most important composers of his time, and his work has been
enjoyed for more than 80 years by music lovers all over the world. During his lifetime Ellington turned
musical sounds into many compositions, mostly in the style known as jazz.
The Early Years
Edward Kennedy Ellington was born in 1899 in Washington, D. C. It wasn't until Ellington was a
teenager that his interest in music grew. He taught himself to play the piano by listening to local piano
players. Sometime around 1916 Ellington began playing the piano at high school parties. Ellington realized
that he enjoyed entertaining people with his music. He soon became a very popular musician, playing at
parties and other events in the Washington area. Young adults seemed especially delighted by the modern pieces he composed.
Success in New York
In 1923, when Ellington was almost 24 years old, he joined The Washingtonians, a five-piece group
of musicians in Washington, and became the group's leader in early 1924. In 1927 Ellington and his
orchestra won an engagement (雇佣期) at Harlem's famous Cotton Club. For the next three years, his
orchestra played at the Cotton Club nearly every night.
The Influence of the Cotton Club
Working at the Cotton Club encouraged Ellington's creativity. Since the shows changed every six
months, he was challenged by the need to continually develop new material. He had to compose a wide
variety of music to accompany the various acts in the Cotton Club shows and to adapt that music to the
strengths and weaknesses of the players in his orchestra.
By 1928 the popular nightspot began radio broadcasts. From the broadcasts Ellington and his
orchestra gained a national reputation.
On the Road
As Ellington's popularity increased, he realized that his orchestra could do well on concert tours. They
left the Cotton Club in 1931 and toured America and Europe almost continually for the next 43 years. In
addition to touring, Ellington made recordings and continued to compose music.
Duke Ellington played the piano, composed music, and led his famous orchestra for more than 50
years, until his death in 1974. Music lovers all over the world agree that the large quantity of music he
created will be enjoyed for many years to come.
