History of the United States since 1865Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington (Rough Draft)The roots of jazz music run deeper than most people could ever imagine. Whether it is the influence of other musical styles, the broadening of other media forms, or even the shaping and shaping of the atmosphere of entire cities, jazz usually plays a role in it. And with an impressive career spanning over 50 years, countless hits that are replicated in numerous forms even today, and the integral role he played in the Harlem Renaissance, it's nearly impossible to talk about anything jazz-related without mentioning Edward Kennedy." Duke Ellington. Edward Kennedy Ellington was born on April 29, 1899 to his middle-class parents James Edward Ellington and Daisy Kennedy Ellington, both pianists. At the age of 7 his parents enrolled him in piano lessons and reinforced the need for refinement and etiquette. from which he got the nickname Duke because his style of clothing and his manners reminded his friends of those of a nobleman. At the age of 15, despite being a talented pianist, he was a rough guy and could neither read nor read. writing music, but that didn't stop him from composing his first song “Soda Fountain Rag,” which he created by ear while working like a soda idiot. After seeing various ragtime artists while on vacation with his mother, Duke felt encouraged to improve his piano skills and, with the help of Henry Lee Grant of Dunbar High School and local big band leader Oliver "Doc" Perry, Duke learned to read and write music, becoming very far. more refined in his playing techniques and, overall, increases his playing ability. While professionally at this point he was a sign painter, he played at parties and dances... middle of paper... Europe was right on the brink of World War II. It was through his touring with the orchestra that he earned one of the greatest honors a musician can receive, an invitation to play at Carnegie Hall, something only a select few jazz musicians have ever done. Ellington was a worldwide success and at this point in his career he was recording with people from all walks of life. In the 1950s Ellington began composing scores for many TV shows and films, such as Anatomy of a Murder. In his later years, Duke was still busy composing. He had created something called Sacred Concerts, a fusion of jazz and gospel, which received mixed reviews due to the US turmoil over organized religion at the time. But regardless, Duke Ellington says it's "the most important thing I've done" (wiki) and the Steinway piano is currently on display at the Smithsonian.