Duke Ellington

The American Duke Ellington (1899–1974) is considered the most important jazz composer and one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. He started playing piano at the age of 7 and began making recordings in 1924. He led a large orchestra that he kept together for almost 50 years. He used his orchestra as a musical laboratory for new compositions and wrote works that showcased the talents of his musicians. He also wrote music for films and theatrical musicals, and many of his orchestral pieces became hits. Until the end of his life, he was a tireless worker in his art, with recordings, collaborations, and live performances, leaving a huge legacy and decisively influencing the future of jazz.