Traditionally, band leaders wrote pieces so their group would produce one, uniform sound—as if only one person was playing. But Ellington was one of the first bandleaders to celebrate individual players in his group, writing songs specifically to highlight the talent of soloists. Under this leadership, the band Ellington began in , The Washingtonians, thrived.
At the age of 19, Ellington married Edna Thompson, who had been his girlfriend since high school, and soon after their marriage, she gave birth to their only child, Mercer Kennedy Ellington. On May 24, , at the age of 75, Ellington died of lung cancer and pneumonia. His last words were, "Music is how I live, why I live and how I will be remembered. We strive for accuracy and fairness. If you see something that doesn't look right, contact us!
Subscribe to the Biography newsletter to receive stories about the people who shaped our world and the stories that shaped their lives. Billie Holiday was one of the most influential jazz singers of all time. She had a thriving career for many years before she lost her battle with addiction. One of jazz music's all-time greats, bandleader-pianist Count Basie was a primary shaper of the big-band sound that characterized midth century popular music.
John Coltrane was an acclaimed American saxophonist, bandleader and composer, becoming an iconic figure of jazz in the 20th century with albums like 'Giant Steps,' 'My Favorite Things' and 'A Love Supreme. When she was born, the press called her the 'million dollar baby.
Charlie Parker was a legendary Grammy Award—winning jazz saxophonist who, with Dizzy Gillespie, invented the musical style called bop or bebop. Please tune in as we take an in-depth look at the career of Duke Ellington, a figure who truly stands at the heart of America's music. WKCR depends on your contributions.
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