Duke Ellington
Born on 29 Apr 1899Place of birth: Washington, District of Columbia, USADied on 24 May 1974
Known for: Acting
Biography
Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington was an American composer, pianist, and leader of a jazz orchestra from 1923 through the rest of his life. Born in Washington, D.C., Ellington was based in New York City from the mid-1920s and gained a national profile through his orchestra's appearances at the Cotton Club in Harlem.