Jazz Artist of the Week
Edward Ellington "The Duke"

Edward "Duke" Ellington is widely considered the greatest composer in jazz history. His legacy and influence spans from his first group "The Washingtonians" in New Jersey in 1923 to "The Cotton Club Orchestra" in Harlem in 1928 to his long touring engagements in the 1950's and 60's until his death in 1974. He has over 1,000 compositions to his credit and was well known for writing music that featured the specific style and skill of particular musicians in his ensemble. His reputation as a bandleader and composer overshadowed his considerable skill on the piano.