President Nixon stated, "In the royalty of American music, no man swings more or stands higher than the Duke." Ellington brought elegance and sophistication to Jazz that was long needed. He was named one of the greatest performers and composers. When asked, How do you create such hits," he responded, "I merely took the energy it takes to pout and wrote some blues." Praised for his genius in instrumental combinations, jazz arranging and improvisation, he became a legend throughout the world.
James Edward Ellington, son of a former slave, was born on April 15, 1879 in North Carolina. He then moved to Washington, D.C where he met his wife Daisy Kennedy Ellington. Then in 1899, they had a son named Edward Kennedy Ellington, which was later nicknamed Duke from a childhood friend who admired his regal air. Both Daisy and James were pianist and introduced Edward to the emotional power of music. Duke attended Armstrong Manual Training School to study commercial art versus' attending an......
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