10 Fascinating Facts About Duke Ellington
Duke Ellington, born Edward Kennedy Ellington on April 29, 1899, in Washington, D.C., was a pioneering figure in American music whose impact on jazz and beyond is immeasurable. His life and career spanned the better part of the 20th century, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape.
From an early age, Ellington showed a keen interest in music. He began studying piano at the age of seven, and by his teens, he was already performing professionally. Ellington’s early influences included ragtime and stride piano players, but it was his unique style and innovative approach to composition and orchestration that set him apart.
