Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington (1899-1974) was one of the most influential musicians and composers of the 20th century. His nickname, “Duke,” came from a childhood friend who thought that the way Ellington conducted himself was akin to a noble. Duke Ellington was a wonderful pianist, but as one of his closest collaborators, Billy Strayhorn, would put it, “Duke Ellington plays the piano, but his real instrument is his band.” Even at the beginning
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