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          What did duke ellington play...

          Duke Ellington

          (1899-1974)

          Who Was Duke Ellington?

          A major figure in the history of jazz music, Duke Ellington's career spanned more than half a century, during which time he composed thousands of songs for the stage, screen and contemporary songbook.

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        1. Duke ellington fun facts
        2. What did duke ellington play
        3. What was duke ellington known for
        4. Duke ellington death

          5. He created one of the most distinctive ensemble sounds in Western music and continued to play what he called "American Music" until shortly before his death in 1974.

          Quick Facts

          FULL NAME: Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington
          BORN: April 29, 1899
          BIRTHPLACE: Washington D.C.
          DEATH: May 24, 1974 (age 75)
          SPOUSE: Edna Thompson (m.

          1918-1967)
          CHILDREN: Mercer Ellington
          ASTROLOGICAL SIGN: Taurus

          Early Life

          Born on April 29, 1899, Ellington was raised by two talented, musical parents in a middle-class neighborhood of Washington, D.C. At the age of seven, he began studying piano and earned the nickname "Duke" for his gentlemanly ways.

          Inspired by his job as a soda jerk, he wrote his first composition, "