On September 11, 1959, Duke Ellington, the legendary jazz composer, pianist, and bandleader, was awarded the prestigious Spingarn Medal by the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) for his outstanding musical achievements. The Spingarn Medal is awarded annually to individuals who have made significant contributions to African American culture and society. Ellington’s influence on jazz and American music as a whole made him a fitting recipient of this honor.
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