Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington – 1899-1974

Washington-born Duke Ellington was the elegant embodiment of big band jazz, a great pianist, and perhaps the most prolific jazz composer in history. The ensemble sound he created has never been duplicated, and his compositions combined classical tone poem traditions with swing-era jazz. While Ellington was a great jazz symphonist, he also wrote some of the most memorable songs in the pop repertoire, including “Sophisticated Lady,” “Satin Doll,” “Don’t Get Around Much Any More,” and “Prelude to a Kiss.”