On April 29, 1899, Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington was born in Washington, D.C. Over the next five decades, Ellington would become one of the most influential figures in the history of jazz—and American music as a whole. A brilliant pianist, prolific composer, and charismatic bandleader, Ellington wrote more than 1,000 compositions, including iconic pieces like “Mood Indigo”, “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)”, and “Take the ‘A’ Train”. He helped elevate jazz from dancehall entertainment to a respected art form, performing across the globe and receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1969. Ellington’s legacy continues to resonate as a symbol of Black musical excellence and cultural leadership.
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