Edward Kennedy Ellington
Duke Ellington was one of the originators of big band jazz and one of the greatest composers in the history of American music. Leading his orchestra for over 50 years, he composed thousands of pieces, including jazz standards, film scores, and sacred music concerts. His residency at the Cotton Club in Harlem during the late 1920s and 1930s catapulted him to national fame.
“It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing.”
— Duke Ellington
“There are two kinds of music. Good music, and the other kind.”
— Duke Ellington
“A problem is a chance for you to do your best.”
— Duke Ellington
“I merely took the energy it takes to pout and wrote some blues.”
— Duke Ellington
“The wise musicians are those who play what they can master.”
— Duke Ellington
“Gray skies are just clouds passing over.”
— Duke Ellington
“My attitude is never to be satisfied, never enough, never.”
— Duke Ellington
“By and large, jazz has always been like the kind of a man you wouldn't want your daughter to associate with.”
— Duke Ellington
“Every man prays in his own language, and there is no language that God does not understand.”
— Duke Ellington
“You've got to find some way of saying it without saying it.”
— Duke Ellington
Ellington at Newport
1956
Far East Suite
1967
Black, Brown and Beige
1958
Money Jungle
1963
Such Sweet Thunder
1957