His focus on writing for individual ensemble members rather than a generic "saxophone" reinforced the importance of an individual's personal sound. By then, too, Billy Strayhorn, composer of what would become the band’s theme song, “Take the ‘A’ Train,” had become Ellington’s composing-arranging partner. No one in the history of jazz expressed himself more freely; or with more variety, swing, and sophistication than Duke Ellington did. New to jazz and don't know where to start? He continued to lead the band until shortly before his death in 1974. This video offers some insight in to his influence on the world of jazz music. There were some exceptions to this generalization, such as trumpeter-violinist Ray Nance and high-note trumpet specialist Cat Anderson. His expansive repertoire of compositions has influenced probably every jazz musician after him. His parents were James Edward and Daisy Kennedy Ellington. As part of the Great Migration, jazz legend Duke Ellington moved from Washington D.C. to New York and played a major role in the Harlem Renaissance as … Ornette Coleman led a life as fascinating as his music. He selected his musicians for their expressive individuality, and several members of his ensemble—including trumpeter Cootie Williams (who replaced Miley), cornetist Rex Stewart, trombonist Lawrence Brown, baritone saxophonist Harry Carney, alto saxophonist Johnny Hodges, and clarinetist Barney Bigard—were themselves important jazz artists. The major artist that influenced him most was Oliver "Doc" Perry. It was followed by, among others, Liberian Suite (1947); A Drum Is a Woman (1956), created for a television production; Such Sweet Thunder (1957), impressions of William Shakespeare’s scenes and characters; a recomposed, reorchestrated version of Nutcracker Suite (1960; after Peter Tchaikovsky); Far East Suite (1964); and Togo Brava Suite (1971). His influence on classical music, popular music, and, of course, jazz, simply cannot be overstated. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Duke Ellington was the most important composer in the history of jazz as well as being a bandleader who held his large group together continuously for almost 50 years. Instead, he used new harmonies to blend his musicians’ individual sounds and emphasized congruent sections and a supple ensemble that featured Carney’s full bass-clef sound. In works like Black, Brown, and Beige; the Deep South Suite; the New Orleans Suite; the Sacred Concerts; and more; Ellington offered up a vision of expressive potential in the music and a clarion call to artists to explore further possibilities. Updates? Each of his compositions—which began to number in the thousands—was crafted to bring out the finest talents of the extraordinary individuals who traveled the road with him, and indeed the Duke Ellington Orchestra developed one of the most unique and instantly recognizable musical thumbprints of any ensemble. But when Strayhorn was with the band he wrote many compositions that often went into the band's book of music. Jazz was the sound and the musicians from this era are still legendary: Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Noble Sissie, Bessie Smith, Fats Waller, Bill Robinson, Ma Rainey, Jelly Roll Morton and, of course, Duke Ellington. Arguably, Duke Ellington's contribution to the Harlem Renaissance comes from him playing regularly at The Cotton Club, which was a jazz club located in Harlem from 1923 to 1935. This month, Wynton shares his top ten heroic cultural moments from Walk Whitman to Marvin Gaye. Ellington wrote motion-picture scores for The Asphalt Jungle (1950) and Anatomy of a Murder (1959) and composed for the ballet and theatre—including, at the height of the American civil rights movement, the show My People (1964), a celebration of African American life. His musical suite Black, Brown and Beige (1943), a portrayal of African-American history, was the first in a series of suites he composed, usually consisting of pieces linked by subject matter. Ellington scholar Harvey Cohen, author of Duke Ellington‘s America, which devotes an entire chapter to Black, Brown and Beige, says the buildup to the Carnegie concert was tremendous, in … In 1919 he met drummer Sonny Greerfrom New Jersey, who encouraged Ellington's ambition to become a professional musician. Jazz at Lincoln Center remembers the life and legacy of Chick Corea, a towering figure whose innovations spanned decades and genres. In 1989, a bronze plaque was attached to the newly named Duke Ellington Building at 2121 Ward Place, NW. The two aspects of his career were related; Ellington used his band as a musical laboratory for his new compositions and shaped his writing specifically to showcase the talents of his bandmembers, … He became engrossed in studying art during his high-school years, and he was awarded, but did not accept, a scholarship to the Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, New York. He composed a series of works to highlight the special talents of his soloists. The mission of Jazz at Lincoln Center is to entertain, enrich and expand a global community for jazz through performance, education and advocacy. Listen to our playlist of essential Ellington recordings and find out how he changed jazz forever. Library. Though he mainly focused on jazz, Ellington's music spanned many genres, including blues, gospel, and classical. While a masterful and sensitive pianist, Ellington ultimately proved that his true instrument was the American Orchestra itself. His mother made a great effort to raise his son to be elegant and well-mannered. In the Spirit of Swing. His gift of melody and mastery of sonic textures, rhythms, and compositional forms translated into a body of music unequaled in jazz history. Duke Ellington's original 14-member band included such musicians as cornetist Rex Stewart, trombonist Lawrence Brown, baritone saxophonist Harry Carney, and alto saxophonist Johnny Hodges. Indeed, one of his greatest compliments was to describe an artist as “beyond category.” It is difficult to think of an artist who embodied that more fully and perfectly than Ellington did. Duke Ellington grew up in Washington, D.C., in a secure middle-class family that encouraged his interests in the fine arts. A major proponent of collective improvisation, he is considered to be one of the greatest jazz musicians and composers in history, with a career spanning three decades and collaborations with other jazz legends such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington… His parents were James Edward and Daisy Kennedy Ellington. Ultimately, Ellington influenced the hometown community that had shaped him. To say that Duke Ellington (April 29, 1899 - May 24, 1974) had a productive and illustrious career would be a major understatement. Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington’s influence on Jazz the world over has been enormous. Teachout explains Duke Ellington's self-taught method of composing; as much a study in human temperament as it was a discerning assembly of instrumentation. The broken, eighth-note melodies and arrhythms of bebop had little impact on him, though on occasion he recorded with musicians who were not band members—not only with other swing-era luminaries such as Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and Coleman Hawkins but also with later bop musicians John Coltrane and Charles Mingus. Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington was an American jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader. A number of these hits were introduced by Ivy Anderson, who was the band’s female vocalist in the 1930s. As a composer, arranger, … As a pianist Duke Ellington was originally an excellent stride player who gained the respect of such giants as James P. Johnson, Fats Waller and his main influence Willie "The Lion" Smith. − Duke Ellington. Duke Ellington: Biography. Although he was very much aware of Redman’s and Henderson’s work. With these exceptional musicians, who remained with him throughout the 1930s, Ellington made hundreds of recordings, appeared in films and on radio, and toured Europe in 1933 and 1939. Omissions? Williams, for example, demonstrated his versatility in Ellington’s noted miniature concertos “Echoes of Harlem” and “Concerto for Cootie”. We're here to help! Later on Duke hired a lyrical writer named Billy Strayhorn that led a premature death in 1967. One of the originators of big-band jazz, he led his band for more than 50 years and composed thousands of scores. His influence on classical music, popular music, and, of course, jazz, simply cannot be overstated. Duke Ellington's contributions to jazz and American music were simply enormous. Some of Ellington’s numbers—notably “Caravan” and “Perdido” by trombonist Juan Tizol—were cowritten or entirely composed by sidemen. No one in the history of jazz expressed himself more freely; or with more variety, swing, and sophistication than Duke Ellington did. A brief look at how the most influential jazz composer and performer influenced America's most original artwork. Why is Duke Ellington important? NYC's breadth of unique venues across town include legendary landmark locations, contemporary elegant lounges & no-frills bebop joints that provide a diverse community of swinging experiences. Photo by William P. Gottlieb, courtesy Library of Congress. Ellington built his music business through his day job: when a customer asked him to make a sign for a dance or party, he would ask if they had musical entertainment; if not, Ellington would offer to play for the occasion. Wynton Marsalis appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to perform with Jon Batiste, Stay Human, and acclaimed dancer Lil Buck. Please consider supporting Jazz at Lincoln Center, at whatever level you can. How did Duke Ellington influence the Harlem Renaissance? Part of the Zoom series, Celebrating Jazz History And Culture, curated by Jessica Felix and Marcus Shelby To Watch The Replay, Donate To Receive Your Link And Password To The Video. Find out who the three 2018 inductees into the Ertegun Jazz Hall of Fame are! In 1931 Ellington began to create extended works, including such pieces as Creole Rhapsody, Reminiscing in Tempo, and Diminuendo in Blue/Crescendo in Blue. He is regarded as one of the greatest jazz composers and a prolific performer of his time. During his 50-year career Ellington composed over a thousand pieces and was a widespread influence on jazz music. It’s no wonder that the young Duke Ellington would want to be a part of this exciting movement. The Influence of Jazz Grows. - Biography of Duke Ellington, Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame - Biography of Duke Ellington, Songwriters Hall of Fame - Biography of Duke Ellington, Duke Ellington - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Duke Ellington - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). Not limiting himself to jazz innovation, Ellington also wrote such great popular songs as “Sophisticated Lady,” “Rocks in My Bed,” and “Satin Doll;” in other songs, such as “Don’t Get Around Much Any More,” “Prelude to a Kiss,” “Solitude,” and “I Let a Song Go out of My Heart,” he made wide interval leaps an Ellington trademark. In his last decade he composed three pieces of sacred music: In the Beginning God (1965), Second Sacred Concert (1968), and Third Sacred Concert (1973). He was a Jazz artist who played with a big … As Ellington continued to grow up he formed his first band, Duke… Ellington’s symphonic A Rhapsody of Negro Life was the basis for the film short Symphony in Black (1935), which also features the voice of Billie Holiday (uncredited). When Duke was seven years old, he began taking piano lessons. We celebrate the history of South African jazz with these essential records. Using new harmonies to blend his musicians’ individual sounds and illuminating subtle moods with ingenious combinations of instruments, he created one of the most distinctive ensemble sounds of Western music. Later that year he moved there and, in Broadway nightclubs, led a sextet that grew in time into a 10-piece ensemble. He began studying piano at age seven, studied art during his high-school years, and was awarded (but did not accept) a scholarship to the Pratt Institute. Perry taught Ellington the fundamentals of playing the piano and had such a great influence on him that Ellington called him his "piano parent” (Slovey 187). Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington was born in Washington D.C. on April 29, 1899. Duke Ellington, American pianist who was the greatest jazz composer and bandleader of his time. In Black, Brown, and Beige, Duke Ellington musically narrates the struggles, triumphs, and emergence of individual identity in early African-American culture. He changed the sound of the orchestra from a sweet dance style to what later became “Jungle Style.” In late 1927, Ellington and his Orchestra recorded “Creole Love Call,” written by Miley, with Adelaide Hall singing. Then in 1942 Duke hired one of the best tenor saxophonists ever and let him play the first tenor sax solo ever arranged by Duke Ellington. The variety and ingenuity of these works, all conceived for three-minute, 78-rpm records, are extraordinary, as are their unique forms, which range from logically flowing expositions to juxtapositions of line and mood. Celebrate Thelonious Monk by getting to know the legend through his son’s memories. The New York Times called him “America’s greatest composer,” and his music exemplifies the description he gave to those who excel—“beyond category.” He has been the most important foundation for modern American music. JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER PROUDLY ACKNOWLEDGES OUR SEASON SPONSORS. Duke Ellington is a giant of 20th century music and his influence reaches into every area of American musical life. Duke Ellington was one of the most important creative forces in the music of the twentieth century. Most of his musical works on instruments set standards for others, which were later adapted into songs. Benefiting from the expertise of a large ensemble that included several important jazz artists, Duke Ellington broke away from the conventions of band-section scoring. “If jazz means anything, it is freedom of expression.” -Duke Ellington. In summary, his compositional techniques revolutionized harmony to a certain degree. On December 7, 2014 the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra drove 8 hours on an off day to play for Clark Terry on his 94th birthday. April is Jazz Appreciation Month, so we thought we'd celebrate by delving into the careers of a handful of underappreciated jazz artists. Here are five essential albums from his discography. Duke Ellington influenced … Duke Ellington (among other artists) played a major role in the development of the Harlem Renaissance. Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington’s influence on Jazz the world over has been enormous. He was born Edward Kennedy Ellington in Washington, D.C. on April 29, 1899, into a middle class black family. Duke Ellington was the greatest jazz composer and bandleader of his time. One of the originators of big-band jazz, Ellington led his band for more than half a century, composed thousands of scores, and created one of the most distinctive ensemble sounds in all of Western music. A brief look at how the most influential jazz composer and performer influenced America's most original artwork. Duke Ellington was one of the most important creative forces in the music of the twentieth century. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. His gift of melody and his mastery of sonic textures, rhythms, and compositional forms translated his often subtle, often complex perceptions into a body of music unequaled in jazz history. Both of his parents were pianists, and his father also made blueprints for the United States Navy. His birthday is April 29th and this presentation is a celebration of his life’s work, a … “If jazz means anything, it is freedom of expression.” -Duke Ellington. The Duke Ellington oral history. An elegant man, Ellington maintained a regal manner as he led the band and charmed audiences with his suave humour. Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington was born in Washington D.C. on April 29, 1899. In these trying times, we plan to continue entertaining, enriching, and expanding the global community for jazz through online education and our social platforms. Here's a list of 10 more must-have classics to round out your collection of jazz records. Not least of the band’s musicians was Ellington himself, a pianist whose style originated in ragtime and the stride piano idiom of James P. Johnson and Willie “The Lion” Smith. Simply so, what did Duke Ellington influence? Ellington’s background, and the black cultural figures who preceded him, proved essential in his ability to create the most distinguished oeuvre in American music.
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