Duke Ellington

American jazz pianist, composer and leader of his eponymous orchestra (29 April 1899, Washington, D.C. - 24 May 1974 in New York City, N.Y.).

Known for his residency at the Cotton Club (1927-1931) and for composing over a thousand pieces, many of them now standards. Billy Strayhorn was a frequent collaborator (1939-1967).

Father of Mercer Ellington, who took over the leadership of the orchestra until his own death in 1996. Grandfather of Edward Ellington (2).