An email has been sent to the person who requested the photo informing them that you have fulfilled their request, There is an open photo request for this memorial. His parents, James Edward and Daisy Kennedy Ellington, both played the piano. A statue of Ellington at a piano is featured at the entrance to UCLA's Schoenberg Hall. [26] As an early exponent of growl trumpet, Miley changed the sweet dance band sound of the group to one that was hotter, which contemporaries termed Jungle Style. In 1961, he formally added the following non-segregation clause to his contracts: It is mutually agreed and understood between all parties concerned, that the artist or artists have the prerogative of canceling this contract, if in any instance an audience is segregated because of race or color.. The Pulitzer Prize Board did finally give Ellington a special posthumous citation in 1999, to celebrate what would have been his 100th birthday. James William Kennedy He also had a messenger job with the U.S. Navy and State departments, where he made a wide range of contacts. This account has been disabled. Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? In the 1930s, his orchestra toured in Europe. Duke was born Edward Kennedy Ellington on April 29, 1899, to Daisy Kennedy Ellington and James Edward Ellington in Washington, DC-the capital of the United States of America. At first, he played in other ensembles, and in late 1917 formed his first group, "The Duke's Serenaders" ("Colored Syncopators", his telephone directory advertising proclaimed). On April 29, 1899, in a middle-class neighborhood of Washington D.C., Edward Kennedy Ellington was born to two musically-inclined parents. In 1919 he met drummer Sonny Greer from New Jersey, who encouraged Ellington's ambition to become a professional musician. On the band's tour through the segregated South in 1934, they avoided some of the traveling difficulties of African-Americans by touring in private railcars. She married James Edward Ellington and had two children; Duke and Ruth Ellington. coin. [76] Ellington appears on the reverse (tails) side of the District of Columbia quarter. He grew up in a middle class neighborhood of Washington D.C. Ellington was in time known as the greatest composer in jazz, he wrote roughly 2,000 compositions that had arranged from solo piano pieces, to works for orchestra's, to highly symphonic concert music, etc. Biography: Duke Ellington. [11] Ellington went to Armstrong Technical High School in Washington, D.C. His first job was selling peanuts at Washington Senators baseball games. They enrolled Ellington in piano lessons during grade school with a teacher named Mrs. Clinkscales, whod later get to see her former student perform in a Ziegfeld show in New York City. Once again recording for Victor (from 1940), with the small groups recording for their Bluebird label, three-minute masterpieces on 78 rpm record sides continued to flow from Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, Ellington's son Mercer Ellington, and members of the Orchestra. As the Depression worsened, the recording industry was in crisis, dropping over 90% of its artists by 1933. Ellington began playing piano at the age of seven. He led his orchestra from 1923 until his death, his career spanning over 50 years. One of the originators of big-band jazz, Ellington led his band for more than half a century, composed thousands of scores, and created one of the most distinctive ensemble sounds . They raised Duke as an only child, until his sister, Ruth, was born when Duke was sixteen years old. He died in 1932 at the age of 29, but he was an important influence on Cootie Williams, who replaced him. Among the many piano players he listened to were Doc Perry, Lester Dishman, Louis Brown, Turner Layton, Gertie Wells, Clarence Bowser, Sticky Mack, Blind Johnny, Cliff Jackson, Claude Hopkins, Phil Wurd, Caroline Thornton, Luckey Roberts, Eubie Blake, Joe Rochester, and Harvey Brooks.[12]. But Ellington did articulate that his stint at the Cotton Club was of the utmost significance because the shows were broadcast over the radio, which helped his orchestra attract a much broaderinternational, evenaudience. Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington is one of the greatest jazz composers, performers, and bandleaders in American history. Daisy Kennedy Ellington. Daisy Kennedy was born in Washington, D.C. on January 4, 1879, and was the daughter of a former American slave. Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. In his personal life, Daisys son married Edna Thompson, and they had one son, Mercer Kennedy Ellington, who Mildred Dixon raised after he permanently separated from Edna. A complex, private person, he revealed his feelings to only his closest intimates and effectively used his public persona to deflect attention away from himself. [64], The last three shows Ellington and his orchestra performed were one on March 21, 1973 at Purdue University's Hall of Music and two on March 22, 1973 at the Sturges-Young Auditorium in Sturgis, Michigan.[65]. Duke Ellington, byname of Edward Kennedy Ellington, (born April 29, 1899, Washington, D.C., U.S.died May 24, 1974, New York, N.Y.), American pianist who was the greatest jazz composer and bandleader of his time. One side in particular, "Creole Love Call", became a worldwide sensation and gave both Ellington and Hall their first hit record. Geni requires JavaScript! Ellington was born on April 29, 1899, to James Edward Ellington and Daisy (Kennedy) Ellington in Washington, D.C. During the early 1950s, Ellington's career was at a low point with his style being generally seen as outmoded, but his reputation did not suffer as badly as some artists. Mercer's children continue a connection with their grandfather's work. These provided easy accommodations, dining, and storage for equipment while avoiding the indignities of segregated facilities. After a fire, the club was re-opened as the Club Kentucky (often referred to as the Kentucky Club). Daisy Kennedy Ellington's information is not available now. 1 DC, PHA. Duke turned 65 in the spring of 1964 but showed no signs of slowing down as he continued to make vital and innovative recordings, including The Far East Suite (1966), New Orleans Suite (1970), Latin American Suite (1972) and The Afro-Eurasian Eclipse (1971), much of it inspired by his world tours. Preview. Include gps location with grave photos where possible. Edward Kennedy Ellington was born in Washington, D.C. in 1899, to. He was born Edward Kennedy Ellington on April 29, 1899, in Washington, D.C., to James Edward Ellington and Daisy (Kennedy) Ellington. Some of the jazz musicians who were members of Ellington's orchestra, such as saxophonist Johnny Hodges, are considered to be among the best players in the idiom. Radio exposure helped maintain Ellington's public profile as his orchestra began to tour. He skived off many a piano lesson to play, and even got hired as a snack vendor at the Washington Nationals stadium so he could watch their games. Verify and try again. James Edward (or "J. E.," as his family and friends called him) was a butler for a famous Washington doctor, and he occasionally catered parties at the White House. Inducted into the International Society of Jazz Arrangers & Composers (ISJAC) Hall of Fame in 2017 (inaugural class). Daisy Kennedy Ellington and James Edward Ellington. On the day of the concert, Ellington accidentally mixed up the venues and drove to USC instead. James Edward Ellington was born in Lincolnton, North Carolina on April 15, 1879 and moved to Washington, D.C. in 1886 with his parents. Additionally, Nance added violin to the instrumental colors Ellington had at his disposal. They lived with his maternal grandparents in the West End neighborhood of Washington, D.C. His father, James Edward Ellington was born in Lincolnton, North Carolina and Daisy Kennedy, was born in Washington, D.C., the daughter of a former . Try again later. Duke Ellington was born on April 29, 1899. In her first pregnancy, she lost the baby, and the second one had so many complications; she had gone on an excursion on the Potomac River, but then the boat sunk; this frightened her, and she became phobic could not leave the house. The musical numbers were composed by Jimmy McHugh and the lyrics by Dorothy Fields (later Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler), with some Ellington originals mixed in. Although widely considered to have been a pivotal figure in the history of jazz, Ellington embraced the phrase "beyond category" as a liberating principle and referred to his music as part of the more general category of American Music rather than to a musical genre such as jazz.[2]. Ellington began playing it for his peers at parties, along with his second song, What You Gonna Do When the Bed Breaks Down?, which he described as a pretty good hug-and-rubbin crawl.. Event Place: Washington, District Of Columbia Edward Kennedy Ellington was born on April 29, 1899 to James Edward Ellington and Daisy Kennedy Ellington. Daisy Kennedy Ellington. He created the piece by ear, as he had not yet learned to read and write music. His parents were pianists; Daisy liked parlor music, while James Edward Ellington chose operatic melodies. 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Washington, District of Columbia, United States, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan, United States, http://www.pbs.org/ellingtonsdc/interviewHasse.htm, https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FWM9-R5V, https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M6CW-1H7, https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MMFM-ZQK, https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MKLJ-R66, https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MNLV-6Z9, https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:X4GY-H9R, https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KFWM-WM8, https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XL4H-T4X, https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:X2KW-5L9, United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (, "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (, "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (, United States Census, 1920," database with images, FamilySearch (, "United States Census, 1930," database with images, FamilySearch (, Michigan Death Certificates, 1921-1952," database, FamilySearch (. Ellington also recorded songs written by his bandsmen, for example Juan Tizol's "Caravan", and "Perdido", which brought a Spanish tinge to big band jazz. [2]. An artistic child, Ellington passed up an art scholarship to study at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, in order . Born In: Washington, D.C., United States 164 16 Pianists #21 Composers #42 Musicians #438 Quick Facts Also Known As: Edward Kennedy Ellington Died At Age: 75 Family: Spouse/Ex-: Edna Thompson, Mildred Dixon father: James Edward Ellington mother: Daisy Kennedy siblings: Ruth Ellington Boatwright children: Beatrice Ellis, Mercer Kennedy Ellington Not until 1999 was the concert recording properly released for the first time. Daisy Kennedys son built his music career through his job; when his customers asked him to make a dance or party sign, he would ask if they had any musical entertainment, and if they did not have one, he would offer to play for them. From the beginning of their relationship, Mills arranged recording sessions on nearly every label including Brunswick, Victor, Columbia, OKeh, Path (and its Perfect label), the ARC/Plaza group of labels (Oriole, Domino, Jewel, Banner) and their dime-store labels (Cameo, Lincoln, Romeo), Hit of the Week, and Columbia's cheaper labels (Harmony, Diva, Velvet Tone, Clarion) labels which gave Ellington popular recognition. Duke Ellington. One peak period for the band was from 1939 to 1942, when many critics considered its performances unrivaled by any other jazz ensemble. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. Mother of orchestra leader Duke Ellington, Daisy and her husband were both pianists. Early years Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington was born in Washington, D.C., on April 29, 1899, to James Edward and Daisy . His mother, Daisy Kennedy Ellington, a high school graduate (a rare achievement at that time) was a homemaker who projected a refined manner and taught him how to live elegantly. Daisy Kennedy Ellingtons son was an American jazz pianist, composer, and jazz orchestra leader from 1923 to his death. They were hired, and for the next few years Ellington and his now-expanded orchestra wowed the establishments all-white crowd. Duke Ellington spent the first twenty-four years of his life in Washington's culturally thriving Negro community. [70], Ellington died on May 24, 1974, of complications from lung cancer and pneumonia,[71] a few weeks after his 75th birthday. According to Avakian, Ellington was dissatisfied with aspects of the performance and felt the musicians had been under rehearsed. Like Haydn and Mozart, Ellington conducted his orchestra from the piano he always played the keyboard parts when the Sacred Concerts were performed.[63]. Ellington parents strongly believe that all people were equal, and no race was better than another. Ellington married his high school sweetheart, Edna Thompson (d. 1967), on July 2, 1918, when he was 19. Davidwas born on June 9 1870, in Attala, Mississippi. The concert made international headlines, led to one of only five Time magazine cover stories dedicated to a jazz musician,[54] and resulted in an album produced by George Avakian that would become the best-selling LP of Ellington's career. Ellington's sister Ruth (19152004) later ran Tempo Music, his music publishing company. Please enter your username or email address to reset your password. Learn more about merges . In contrast to her husband's Deep South background, Daisy Kennedy Ellington came from a well-established middle class family in Washington, D.C. and completed high school. He created a jazz Christian liturgy. 1260 Words; 6 Pages; Better Essays. An alcoholic, Miley had to leave the band before they gained wider fame. It is also dedicated to Duke Ellington. They lived with Daisy's parents at 2129 Ida Place (now Ward Place), NW, in D.C.'s West End neighborhood. At the age of seven, Ellington began taking piano lessons from Marietta Clinkscales. Please reset your password. Although he always spent lavishly and drew a respectable income from the Orchestra's operations, the band's income often just covered expenses.[48]. Ellington's long-term aim though was to extend the jazz form from that three-minute limit, of which he was an acknowledged master. Ellington was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha and was a freemason associated with Prince Hall Freemasonry. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Daisy Ellington (107956166)? Some of Ellington's new works, such as the wordless vocal feature "Transblucency" (1946) with Kay Davis, was not going to have a similar reach as the newly emerging stars. What kind of music did Duke Ellington play? Wiki User. He played in various nightclubs in New York City. Daisy was known for primarily playing parlor-style songs while James was known for operatic arias. In October 1926, Ellington made an agreement with agent-publisher Irving Mills,[20] giving Mills a 45% interest in Ellington's future. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. Strayhorn composed Take the A Train to impress Ellington, which it did, and Strayhorn relocated from Pittsburgh to New York to join Ellingtons orchestra soon afterwards. Daisy primarily played parlor songs, and James preferred operatic arias. This answer is: We have set your language to [1], Born in Washington, D.C., Ellington was based in New York City from the mid-1920s onward and gained a national profile through his orchestra's appearances at the Cotton Club in Harlem. Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. based on information from your browser. Edward Kennedy Ellington was born on April 29, 1899 to James Edward Ellington and Daisy Kennedy Ellington. Washington, District of Columbia, United States, Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, New York, New York, United States, Woodlawn Cemetery, The Bronx, Bronx, New York, United States. Billy Strayhorn, originally hired as a lyricist, began his association with Ellington in 1939. His mother, Daisy Kennedy Ellington, was born in D.C. in 1879 to a middle class family. Failed to report flower. Duke Ellington was born in Washington, D.C., on April 29, 1899. It introduced Billie Holiday, and won an Academy Award as the best musical short subject. Your Scrapbook is currently empty. [46] Despite this disappointment, a Broadway production of Ellington's Beggar's Holiday, his sole book musical, premiered on December 23, 1946. Ellington then made eight records in 1924, receiving composing credit on three including "Choo Choo". That year, Ellington and his Orchestra connected with a whole different audience in a concert with Maurice Chevalier and they also performed at the Roseland Ballroom, "America's foremost ballroom". Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington was born in Washington D.C. on April 29, 1899. [5][7] James Ellington made blueprints for the United States Navy. Edward Kennedy Ellington was born in April 29, 1899, to a middle-classed neighborhood of Washington, D.C., also known as U Street. Just one grandparent can lead you to many This browser does not support getting your location. [23] Ellington had to increase from a six to eleven-piece group to meet the requirements of the Cotton Club's management for the audition,[24] and the engagement finally began on December 4. Not long after that, Ellington spent a couple weeks stuck at home with a cold, during which time he composed a song of his own: Soda Fountain Rag. The title was inspired by his job at a local soda fountain, the Poodle Dog Caf. [1] Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Ellington was based in New York City from the mid-1920s and gained a national profile through his . A native of Washington, DC, Edward Kennedy Ellington was born on April 29, 1899. Ellington recorded for most American record companies of his era, performed in several films, scored several, and composed a handful of stage musicals. He had composed and recorded "Creole Rhapsody" as early as 1931 (issued as both sides of a 12" record for Victor and both sides of a 10" record for Brunswick), and a tribute to his mother, "Reminiscing in Tempo", took four 10" record sides to record in 1935 after her death in that year. This was followed in September 1923 by a move to the Hollywood Club (at 49th and Broadway) and a four-year engagement, which gave Ellington a solid artistic base. Ellington led the orchestra by conducting from the keyboard using piano cues and visual gestures; very rarely did he conduct using a baton. To use this feature, use a newer browser. Age: 19 Are you sure that you want to remove this flower? Duke, even as a teenager, had a great talent for music. & Edward K. (1967). Trumpeter Ray Nance joined, replacing Cootie Williams who had defected to Benny Goodman. Oops, we were unable to send the email. Three months before graduating he dropped out of Armstrong Manual Training School, where he was studying commercial art.[15]. Black, Brown and Beige debuted at Carnegie Hall on January 23, 1943, beginning an annual series of Ellington concerts at the venue over the next four years. They owned their own home in Washington D.C. His father was a well-respected butler (house manager) for a well known Washington doctor and sometimes worked at the White House. Daisy Kennedys son died aged 75 in May 1974 due to pneumonia and lung cancer complications. Daisy also surrounded her son with great women to reinforce manners and teach him elegance. The group did well as they performed for both African American and White audiences. He was a composer, pianist, and a bandleader for a sextet. Duke Ellington lived in New York City in the mid-1920s and gained popularity through his appearances at the Cotton Club Harlem. According to his autobiography, the sobriquet was coined not long before he entered high school by a pal named Edgar McEntreea socially uphill and rather fancy guy who liked to dress well.. 2010-10-08 09:35:00. (Here he moved in with a dancer, his second wife Mildred Dixon). Though Ellington took piano lessons, he was more interested in baseball. There was a problem getting your location. What was the turning point in Duke Ellington's career? Edward Kennedy Ellington was born on April 29, 1899 at 1217 22nd Street NW, Washington D.C. His family had strong roots in Washington. [55] Much of the music on the vinyl LP was, in effect, simulated, with only about 40% actually from the concert itself. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. In 2010 the triangular park, across the street from Duke Ellington's birth site, at the intersection of New Hampshire and M Streets, NW was named the Duke Ellington Park. It's easy to say that Duke drew his inspirations from both his mom and dad, who were pianists at the time. Learn more about merges. The loss of her first pregnancy partly contributed to her depression. In 2022, jazz historian Ted Gioia launched a petition to Give Duke Ellington the Pulitzer Prize He Was Denied in 1965. Its been signed by a number of Pulitzer Prizewinning musicians, including John Adams, David Lang, and Caroline Shaw, but hasnt reached its signature goal just yet. They renamed themselves The Washingtonians. He married Edna Thompson, his high school sweetheart, on July 2, 1918, and they had one child together. Daisy and J.E. And there it stayed until January 1941, when a battle between two music rights organizations prevented broadcasters from airing songs composed by Ellington. He was born on April 29, 1899 at Washington, D.C, United States. The band included childhood friend Otto Hardwick, who began playing the string bass, then moved to C-melody sax and finally settled on alto saxophone; Arthur Whetsol on trumpet; Elmer Snowden on banjo; and Sonny Greer on drums. It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing), In a Sentimental Mood, Satin Doll, Edward Kennedy Ellington was born in Washington, D.C. in 1899, to James Edward (J.E.) and Daisy Ellington. services. preferred operatic arias. Duke Ellington - Biography. Ellington's professional career began in the 1920s. Though Edward Kennedy Ellington was born on April 29, 1899, in what is now called DuPont Circle, he was raised around U Street. Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington. For a short time, soprano saxophonist Sidney Bechet played with them, imparting his propulsive swing and superior musicianship to the young band members. They hustled pool by day and played whatever gigs they could find. When his drummer Sonny Greer was invited to join the Wilber Sweatman Orchestra in New York City, Ellington left his successful career in D.C. and moved to Harlem, ultimately becoming part of the Harlem Renaissance. [62] The Steinway piano upon which the Sacred Concerts were composed is part of the collection of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. [55] The band assembled the next day to re-record several of the numbers with the addition of artificial crowd noise, none of which was disclosed to purchasers of the album. But social justice wasnt only woven into the fabric of Ellingtons compositions themselves. His parents were James Edward and Daisy Kennedy Ellington. Edward Kennedy " Duke " Ellington (April 29, 1899 - May 24, 1974) was an American jazz pianist, composer, and leader of his eponymous jazz orchestra from 1923 through the rest of his life. They were a musically gifted family! In September 1927, King Oliver turned down a regular booking for his group as the house band at Harlem's Cotton Club;[22] the offer passed to Ellington after Jimmy McHugh suggested him and Mills arranged an audition. The young band met stride pianist Willie "The Lion" Smith, who introduced them to the scene and gave them some money. At his funeral, attended by over 12,000 people at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Ella Fitzgerald summed up the occasion: "It's a very sad day. [14] Henry Lee Grant, a Dunbar High School music teacher, gave him private lessons in harmony. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. I think he felt that in order for me to be eligible for his constant companionship I should have a title. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. [15] He was also the group's booking agent. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? [38] The 1930s ended with a very successful European tour just as World War II loomed in Europe. The first of these, Black, Brown and Beige (1943), was dedicated to telling the story of African-Americans, and the place of slavery and the church in their history. Daisy surrounded her son with dignified women to reinforce his manners and teach him to live elegantly" ( Encyclopedia.com) This was his only teacher until he began to play professionally and started to from . But Take the A Train ended up in the scrap pile due to Strayhorns worry that it sounded too derivative of jazz pianist Fletcher Henderson. On OKeh, his records were usually issued as The Harlem Footwarmers, while the Brunswick's were usually issued as The Jungle Band. Although the work received mixed reviews, Ellington was proud of the composition and performed it dozens of times. [33] Ivie Anderson was hired as the Ellington Orchestra's featured vocalist in 1931. Digital Duke, credited to The Duke Ellington Orchestra, won the 1988 Grammy Award for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album. With his father, a Methodist, and his mother, a Baptist, Ellington's upbringing had strong religious influences. 0 cemeteries found in Bronx, Bronx County, New York, USA. Sorry! 1932, Social Lodge No. Duke Ellington was an American jazz bandleader, pianist and composer. Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington (April 29, 1899 - May 24, 1974) was the foremost American jazz composer, pianist, and band leader. In Music Is My Mistress, Ellington neatly summarized his relationship with frequent collaborator Billy Strayhorn as such: Billy Strayhorn was my right arm, my left arm, all the eyes in the back of my head, my brainwaves in his head, and his in mine.. She was a family person as she liked spending time with her grandkids, and also her siblings enjoyed spending time at her place since she was the oldest and welcoming. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. His sister's name is Ruth. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. Those longer pieces had already begun to appear. These generated controversy in what was already a tumultuous time in the United States. A system error has occurred. 1. Langston Hughes described it as a Jim Crow club for gangsters and monied whites.. His mother's name was Daisy Kennedy Ellington and his father's name was James Edward Ellington. Daisy is 25 degrees from Jennifer Aniston, 27 degrees from Drew Barrymore, 27 degrees from Candice Bergen, 32 degrees from Alexandre Dumas, 25 degrees from Carrie Fisher, 37 degrees from Whitney Houston, 28 degrees from Hayley Mills, 26 degrees from Liza Minnelli, 25 degrees from Lisa Presley, 29 degrees from Kiefer Sutherland, 24 degrees from Bill Veeck and 32 degrees from Brian Nash on our single family tree. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. I cannot tell you what that music did to me, Ellington later said. Associated With. Both of his parents played the piano, and he began to take piano lessons at the age of seven. At one point [Strayhorn] was having some sort of trouble and I pulled a piece out of the garbage. That swings because Duke Ellington, an American musical titan and true exemplar of artistic integrity and creative energy, was born in Washington, D. C. in 1899. His compositions, and the travels of his band, exposed the world to jazz and earned him the nickname, "The Ambassador of Jazz." Edward Kennedy Ellington was born in Washington, D.C. in 1899 to Daisy and James Ellington. [80], Martin Williams said: "Duke Ellington lived long enough to hear himself named among our best composers. Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington was born on April 29, 1899, in Washington D.C. His father James Edward Ellington and mother Daisy Kennedy Ellington were pianists. Duke Ellington's parents were Daisy Kennedy Ellington and James Edward Ellington. Ellington started to play gigs in cafs and clubs in and around Washington, D.C. His attachment to music was so strong that in 1916 he turned down an art scholarship to the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. The day of the District of Columbia quarter Ellington later said music rights organizations prevented from... 1923 until his sister & # x27 ; s professional career began the... 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