Jazz and orchestral composer and pianist Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington (1899-1974) is among the most admired and influential musicians and composers in the history of American music. France awarded him the Legion of Honor and the United States gave him the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The nickname given to him because of his regal appearance and bearing also came to symbolize the inner royalty of spirit that flowed through his works. His saw to it that his orchestra toured the U.S. by private railroad car to avoid the indignity of inferior "colored" hotels. Noted compositions include "Mood Indigo," "Do Nothing Till You Hear from Me (Concerto for Cootie)", "Black and Tan Fantasy," and "Sophisticated Lady." He made musical homes for pianist Billy Strayhorn, who wrote "Satin Doll" and "Lush Life," and for his son, Mercer Ellington, who wrote "Things Ain't What They Used to Be," songs forever associated with the Duke.
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- Artists: Duke Ellington (1899-1974) Biography, discography, links, reviews, mailing list information.
- Ellington, Duke (1899 - 1974), United States Biographical data and essay, recommended CDs, books and sheet music, bibliography, and link to biography from Dr. Estrella's Incredibly Abridged Dictionary of Composers.
- TDES: The Duke Ellington Society Official site. Includes biographical information plus appreciation, his interpreters, sound clips, information about the society, links.
- A Duke Ellington Panorama Project of the Washington, D.C. Ellington Society. List of compositions, sessions, information on joining other societies and Love You Madly, an e-mail discussion group, glossary, time line, centennial remembrances, news, and links.
- Duke Ellington Biography, portrait photographs, pictures of his tombstone, cemetery details, and interactive homage.
- Wildness and Order in Duke Ellington A contrast of the wildness of many of his works with their underlying order using "Happy Go Lucky Local" as his example. By Alan Shapiro.
- Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington Wikipedia article with photographs, biographical and musicological details, OGG audio samples, and internal references to related topics and people, including other jazz "royalty."
- Duke Ellington Legacy Tribute band headed by the jazz legend's grandson. Member biographies, educational programs, itinerary, audio samples and pictures.
- Duke Ellington Biography, filmography noting movies and TV programs based on or using his works, and musician, actor, and guest appearance credits from the Internet Movie Database (IMDb).
- Edward K. "Duke" Ellington Biography, works, selected discography, articles, links.