The Duke of Jazz Jazz was introduced to a new level of style and sophistication that it had never seen before. Duke’s unique and individual style greatly impacted the jazz community, with over two thousand hit songs (PBS. 2002, para. 1). Early Years. Edward Kennedy Ellington, born April 29, 1899 (Happy Early Birthday Duke!) grew up in Washington D.C. Growing up, Ellington enjoyed playing baseball ("Jazz Index," n.d, para. 3) though his parents encouraged Ellington to play the piano—this being…
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The Life of Duke Ellington and His Influence on Jazz Duke Ellington was a widely influential musician and composer in jazz. His music inspired artists and many of his compositions have become standards in the jazz world. In this paper, I will explore the life, creations, and impact of Duke Ellington and his music on the Jazz Age. Duke Ellington was born in 1899 to his parents Daisy Kennedy Ellington and James Edward Ellington. Ellington was born and raised in Washington, D.C. and experienced a very…
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that commemorated black traditions, voices and ways of life.Duke Ellington was an American composer, pianist and bandleader who composed thousands of scores over his 50-year career. He was a major figure in the history of jazz music and a huge contributor to the Harlem Renaissance with his creative musical style called "Swing". Swing was a new style of music that shifted the norm of typical jazz of the time.The music of Duke Ellington helped enhance the musical style that was already in New York by…
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“Mood Indigo” by Duke Ellington I believe that it falls more towards the Western European ideas and practices on the continuum. Duke Ellington was a New York musician who was able to create his own new version of jazz. This piece represents the period of 1930 when the song was released. Even though it was a jazz piece, the song was planned the right way to create the maximum effect for the listener and musicians. Along with an interesting use of instruments that did not fit the usual jazz style. The…
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Duke Ellington grew up in Washington, D.C. in a secure, middle class family that encouraged his interests in the fine arts. He started studying piano at the age of seven, he studied art during high school years, and was accepted (but did not accept) a scholarship to the Pratt institute. Duke Ellington entered Junior high in 1911; he no longer took piano lessons but was known for his interests in art. Ellington used his creative musical talents against racist beliefs that African Americans were inferior…
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Music During the Jazz Age, music was completely revolutionized. Look at the name of the era, the JAZZ age; the years that genre of jazz was born. Much like the early 1900s, Jazz sprung up with a blast, introducing completely new concepts to the world—improvisation, swinging, and syncopation, completely contrasting the old classical sound of band music that the public was used to. Music full of trumpets and trombones soon replaced the traditional string-based compositions. Jazz has different…
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Duke Ellington once said, “Music is my mistress, and she plays second fiddle to no one.” and he could not have been more right in his judgment. As proven by his extensive career and outstanding accomplishments, Duke Ellington, a famous composer, pianist, and bandleader, is one, if not the most, influential and critical musical figures in the history of Jazz; Not only did he create his own unique and eclectic musical sound, but he also used his innovation and experimentation to design some of the…
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2024, the Duke Ellington Orchestra performed at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, filling the space with impressive playing and, above all, a sense of joy and connectedness. Without a doubt, this Orchestra carries on Ellington’s legacy of both music and performance that is beyond category. 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…
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Duke Ellington Duke Ellington born on April 29, 1899, in Washington D.C. was an American composer, pianist, and bandleader was a huge figure in the history of jazz music, and his career extended more half a century. He composed thousands of songs for stage, screening, and songbooks, he also created one of a unique ensemble sounds in Western music and continued to play his music until his death which spanned over fifty years. Duke Ellington born by musician parents lived in a typical middle-class…
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JAZZ Origins: Multicultural population of New Orleans Gospels and Spirituals African Drumming Caribbean Rhythms European Music Tradition Military Band Music Ragtime: Popular between 1895 and 1918. Its most important characteristic is the syncopate rhythm. It is a sort of modification of the "march" rhythm. Scott Joplin is perhaps the most celebrated musician associated with Ragtime. Blues: Blues could be defined as secular negro spiritual. Important Names Sippie Wallace Bessie Smith EARLY…
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