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What inspired Duke Ellington?

What inspired Duke Ellington?

Ellington, who was inspired by Willie “the Lion” Smith and James P. Johnson, became a very capable stride pianist. But unlike all of his contemporaries (other than Mary Lou Williams), Ellington continually modernized his playing during the decades that followed, becoming an influence on Thelonious Monk in the 1940s.

What was Duke Ellington’s personality?

Duke Ellington was passionate and determined, and therefore, he was a hero. Duke having a good time playing a piano with his band. https://www.worldmusic.net/Ellington was passionate about his music and what he wanted to accomplish.

What was Duke Ellington’s childhood like?

Duke Ellington grew up in Washington, D.C., in a secure middle-class family that encouraged his interests in the fine arts. He began studying piano at age seven, studied art during his high-school years, and was awarded (but did not accept) a scholarship to the Pratt Institute.

Who was Duke Ellington and what did he do?

Duke Ellington. Written By: Duke Ellington, byname of 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.

What was Duke Ellington’s big band made up of?

For Ellington, the big band was not simply made up of five reeds, four trumpets, three trombones, drums, a bass, and a piano; it was made up of individuals.

What was Duke Ellington’s most famous jazz tune?

Perhaps Ellington’s most famous jazz tune was “Take the A Train,” which was composed by Billy Strayhorn and recorded for commercial purposes on February 15, 1941. “Take the A Train,” the “A” referring to a subway line in New York City, took the place of Ellington’s previous signature tune “Sepia Panorama.”

When did Duke Ellington leave the Cotton Club?

This proved to be a major turning point in Ellington’s career, providing him with access to larger audiences through radio and recordings. In 1931 Ellington left the Cotton Club and began a series of extended tours that would continue for the rest of his life.