Edward Kennedy (“Duke”) Ellington

Composer, bandleader, and pianist Edward Kennedy (“Duke”) Ellington (1899–1974) was born in Washington, D.C. He received the nickname “Duke” from a high school friend. He was influenced by ragtime and stride piano players like Fats Waller and James P. Johnson. Although a highly accomplished pianist, jazz writers agree that his real instrument was the orchestra. During his long career, Ellington recorded more than 150 albums.

The Ellington Styles

Ellington’s music can be categorized into four different styles:

1. “Jungle Style” built around raucous playing style of trumpet players (Cootie Williams and Bubber Miley) and trombone player (Tricky Sam Nanton).
2. “Mood Style” identified with the beautiful ballads played by saxophonist Johnny Hodges.
3. “Concerto Style” featured Cootie Williams on trumpet or Jimmy Hamilton or Barney Bigard on clarinet.
4. In Ellington’s “Standard Style” he approached his band arrangements in the same manner as the other large bands.

1923

Ellington made his first visit to New York City and later that same year he moved there. During these early years he developed skills that would carry through his entire career. Chief among these skills, he moved from band member to leader and began to develop his writing and arranging skills.

1923–1927

His small group (quintet) played at the Hollywood and Kentucky clubs on Broadway. This group grew into a 10-piece orchestra.

1927–1931

During these years, Ellington played at the Cotton Club in Harlem and his group grew to twelve in size. He also added an important new player: alto saxophonist Johnny Hodges (1906–1970). Hodges was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts and studied and worked with alto saxophonist, Sidney Bechet. He played with Chick Webb’s orchestra and directed and played with his own combo. Hodges left Ellington’s band during the early 1950s but returned around 1955. Hodges, who also played the soprano saxophone, developed a very melodic style of playing that blended well with the Ellington style.

1932–1942

During these years, Ellington’s group now had six brass, four reed, and four rhythm players. The band toured Europe in 1933 and 1939. Billy Strayhorn joined Ellington’s band as additional pianist, arranger, and composer. In 1946, the Ellington band grew to eighteen members, and he worked on larger compositions that could be recorded on the newly developed long-playing record. From 1950 to 1963, Ellington traveled with his band on world tours and composed film scores. After 1964, Ellington composed liturgical music, received many honors and awards, and directed his own band until his death in 1974.