Collection: DUKE ELLINGTON: HIS JAZZ HERITAGE SOCIETY RECORDINGS
Born in Washington D.C., Ellington moved to New York City in the early 1920s. His orchestra's legendary residency at Harlem's Cotton Club (1927-1931) catapulted him to national fame, broadcasting his unique sound across the country. Ellington was a prolific composer, credited with writing over a thousand pieces, ranging from popular songs and short instrumental works to extended suites and sacred concerts.
He treated his orchestra as his primary instrument, writing specifically for the unique talents and tonal colors of his musicians, including collaborators like Johnny Hodges, Cootie Williams, and his essential writing/arranging partner, Billy Strayhorn. Iconic compositions like "Mood Indigo," "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)," "Sophisticated Lady," and "Take the 'A' Train" (Strayhorn's composition, adopted as the band's theme) became enduring standards.
Ellington's sophisticated style, charismatic stage presence, and constant innovation kept his orchestra vital and internationally acclaimed throughout changing musical eras. He received numerous accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and a posthumous Pulitzer Prize Special Citation. Duke Ellington's unparalleled legacy lies in his vast, rich body of work and his profound impact on the development of jazz and modern music.
