Duke Ellington

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

Known for his residency at the [l=Cotton Club] (1927-1931) and for composing over a thousand pieces (often in collaboration), many of them now standards. [a258464] shared composing duties (1939-1967).

Father of [a323069], who took over the leadership of the orchestra after Duke died remaining until his own death in 1996. Grandfather of [a5641533].