Duke Ellington

Influential American jazz pianist, bandleader and composer (29 April 1899, Washington, D.C. - 24 May 1974 in New York City, N.Y.).

Known for his residency at the [l=Cotton Club] (1927-1931) and for composing over a thousand pieces, many of them now standards. [a=Billy Strayhorn] was a frequent collaborator.

Father of [a=Mercer Ellington], who took over the leadership of his father's orchestra until his own death in 1996.Grandfather of [a=Edward Ellington (2)].