American jazz pianist, composer and leader of his eponymous orchestra
Born April 29, 1899, Washington, D.C.
Died May 24, 1974 in New York City, N.Y.
Known for his residency at the Cotton Club (1927-1931) and for composing over a thousand pieces (often in collaboration), many of them now standards. Billy Strayhorn shared composing duties (1939-1967).
Father of Mercer Ellington, who took over the leadership of the orchestra after Duke died remaining until his own death in 1996. Grandfather of artist.