"The most significant
composer of the genre"
- Gunther Schuller and Barry Kernfeld
Introduction
Duke Ellington, (Edward Kennedy Ellington), (born April 29, 1899, Washington, D.C., U.S.—died May 24, 1974, New York, N.Y.), American pianist who was the greatest jazz composer and bandleader of his time. One of the originators of big-band jazz, Ellington led his band for more than half a century, composed thousands of scores, and created one of the most distinctive ensemble sounds in all of Western music.
Music
“Take the A train” (1939)
"Take the A Train" is a jazz standard composed by Billy Strayhorn, with lyrics added by Duke Ellington. The song was first recorded by Ellington and his orchestra in 1941, and quickly became one of his most popular and recognizable compositions. The song's title refers to the A train, which was the subway line that ran from Brooklyn to Harlem in New York City. The lyrics describe the route that the train takes, and encourage listeners to "take the A train" to Harlem, where the music is lively and the atmosphere is festive. The song's melody is characterized by a swinging, uptempo rhythm and features a memorable opening riff that has become one of the most recognizable in jazz music. The song also features a series of solos by various members of the band, including Ellington himself on piano. "Take the A Train" has been widely covered by jazz musicians and has become a beloved standard in the genre. The song's enduring popularity can be attributed to its catchy melody, lively rhythm, and the way it captures the spirit and energy of Harlem during the swing era. It is considered one of Ellington's signature tunes and is a testament to his enduring influence on jazz music.
“It don’t mean a thing” (1943)
"It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)" is a jazz standard composed by Duke Ellington, with lyrics by Irving Mills. The song was first recorded by Ellington and his orchestra in 1932, and has since become one of Ellington's most famous and enduring compositions. The song's title reflects its central theme, which is the importance of swing rhythm in jazz music. The lyrics assert that music without swing is lacking in vitality and emotional impact. The melody is characterized by a catchy, syncopated riff that serves as the song's main hook. The song's lyrics are playful and clever, featuring puns and wordplay that add to its joyful, exuberant tone. "It Don't Mean a Thing" has been widely covered by jazz and pop musicians over the years, and has been featured in numerous films and television shows. The song's enduring popularity can be attributed to its infectious melody, witty lyrics, and the way it encapsulates the spirit of swing-era jazz. It is widely regarded as a classic example of the genre and a defining moment in Duke Ellington's illustrious career.
Legacy
Numerous memorials have been dedicated to Duke Ellington in cities from New York and Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles. In Ellington's birthplace, Washington, D.C., the Duke Ellington School of the Arts educates talented students who are considering careers in the arts by providing art instruction and academic programs to prepare students for post-secondary education and professional careers. In 1974, the District renamed the Calvert Street Bridge, originally built in 1935, as the Duke Ellington Bridge. Another school is P.S. 004 Duke Ellington in New York.
In 1989, a bronze plaque was attached to the newly named Duke Ellington Building at 2121 Ward Place NW. In 2012, the new owner of the building commissioned a mural by Aniekan Udofia that appears above the lettering "Duke Ellington". In 2010 the triangular park, across the street from Duke Ellington's birth site, at the intersection of New Hampshire and M Streets NW, was named the Duke Ellington Park. Ellington's residence at 2728 Sherman Avenue NW, during the years 1919–1922, is marked by a bronze plaque. On February 24, 2009, the United States Mint issued a coin with Duke Ellington on it, making him the first African American to appear by himself on a circulating U.S. coin. Ellington appears on the reverse (tails) side of the District of Columbia quarter.The coin is part of the U.S. Mint's program honoring the District and the U.S. territories and celebrates Ellington's birthplace in the District of Columbia. Ellington is depicted on the quarter seated at a piano, sheet music in hand, along with the inscription "Justice for All", which is the District's motto. In 1986, a United States commemorative stamp was issued featuring Ellington's likeness.