Edward Kennedy 'Duke' Ellington, born in Washington, D.C., was given the moniker 'Duke' in his early teens due to his formal personal style.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Ellington believed music could convey messages about the national experience, which inspired his work Black, Brown and Beige, a tribute to African-American heritage.
Composition History
Les Trois Rois Noirs (Three Black Kings) was Ellington's last score, left unfinished at his death and completed by his son, Mercer Ellington.
Composition History
The River was commissioned in 1970 by the American Ballet Theater for a new stage work with choreography by Alvin Ailey.
Composer Biography
Duke Ellington was a major big-band leader, pianist, and composer from the 'Roaring-20s' until his passing in 1974, receiving honors such as the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Composition History
Ellington's Les Trois Rois Noirs (Three Black Kings) was inspired by a stained glass window of the three Kings he saw in the Catedral del Mar in Barcelona.
Cultural Impact
Take the 'A' Train, written by jazz composer Billy Strayhorn, became Duke Ellington's iconic theme song and a worldwide hit after World War II.
You might also enjoy...
Herrmann: Snows of Kilimanjaro (The) / 5 Fingers
Spratlan, L.: In Memoriam / Streaming
Schwendinger: 3 Works for Solo Instruments and Orchestra
Herrmann: Garden of Evil
Cowell: Symphony No. 2 - "Anthropos"
Shepherd: On a Clear Day, Part II: X. Very slow, dreamy
