Duke Ellington

Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington (April 29, 1899 – May 24, 1974) was an American composer, pianist and bandleader of a jazz orchestra. He led his orchestra from 1923 until his death, his career spanning over 50 years.

Born in Washington, D.C., Ellington was based in New York City from the mid-1920s onward, and gained a national profile through his orchestra's appearances at the Cotton Club in Harlem. In the 1930s, his orchestra toured in Europe. Though widely considered to have been a pivotal figure in the history of jazz, Ellington embraced the phrase "beyond category" as a liberating principle, and referred to his music as part of the more general category of American Music, rather than to a musical genre such as jazz.

Some of the musicians who were members of Ellington's orchestra, such as saxophonist Johnny Hodges, are considered to be among the best players in jazz. Ellington melded them into the best-known orchestral unit in the history of jazz. Some members stayed with the orchestra for several decades. A master at writing miniatures for the three-minute 78 rpm recording format, Ellington often composed specifically to feature the style and skills of his individual musicians.

Ellington (band)

Ellington is an Australian indie pop band from Brisbane, formed in 2007. The band is fronted and was started by singer/songwriter Jake Bosci (vocals/guitar) when he was in high school. He was later joined by Michael Beatson (guitar) and in 2008 by Lloyd Budd (bass).

Ellington's first EP, The Joy We Keep In, was released in 2007 through the label Starving Kids Records. The band then left this label and travelled over to the United States to record their second EP, More Like a Movie, Less Like Real Life, with producer Matt Malpass. They then returned to Australia and released the EP independently in late 2008. In 2009 the band toured with the likes of Short Stack, Kenny Vasoli, MC Lars, Behind Crimson Eyes and Something With Numbers.

Jake Bosci had written over 40 songs for their debut album which was recorded in 2009, to be released at some point through 2010. The band were recording these demos with NY producer Eric J (The Academy Is...). The band recently changed their publishing contract. Previously with Sony BMG, they are now signed with Sony/ATV Music Publishing.

Podcasts:

Duke Ellington & His Orchestra

ALBUMS

Duke Ellington

ALBUMS

Born: 1899-04-29

Died: 1974-05-24

PLAYLIST TIME:

Money Jungle

by: Duke Ellington

In my solitude you haunt me
with reveries of days gone by
in my solitude you taunt me
with memories that never die
i sit in my chair
filled with despair
nobody could be so sad
with gloom ev'rywhere
i sit and i stare
i know that i'll soon go mad
in my solitude
i'm praying
dear lord above
send back my love
alternative lyric:
in my solitude you haunt me
with reveries of days gone by
in my solitude you taunt me
with memories that never die
i sit in my chair
i'm filled with despair
there's no one could be so sad
with gloom ev'rywhere
i sit and i stare
i know that i'll soon go mad
in my solitude
i'm praying
dear lord above
send back my love




Latest News for: duke ellington band

We’ve Got A File On You: Bryan Ferry

Stereogum 28 Mar 2025
That led to me discovering people like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, and then Charlie Parker was a huge hero figure for me.

2025 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is Back: April 24th – May 4th

Jacksonville Free Press 26 Mar 2025
While attending the Louisiana Heritage Fair in Congo Square (then known as Beauregard Square), she and Duke Ellington, who also appeared at the event, came upon the Eureka Brass Band leading a crowd ...

Nels Cline Is Not A Jazz Guitarist

Stereogum 25 Mar 2025
... of the incredibly dense harmonies that one could hear even in the 1930s in Duke Ellington’s band… a really ingenious and intricate rhythmic and harmonic world and language.”.

Down for the Count All-Stars

All About Jazz 21 Mar 2025
This is a "mini big band" performing swing and jazz favourites from the likes of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and many more.

Top student musicians in Cambria and Somerset counties in Tuesday Noon Recital series

Daily American 21 Mar 2025
They perform jazz classics from the Big >Band Era. "The all-star student jazz band is amazing ... But here's your chance to hear classics by such greats as Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman and Duke Ellington – played by a band of 20 or so excellent musicians.

Why has Trump finally pulled the plug on deep state propaganda

Beijing News 17 Mar 2025
He's done it again. Or rather, they have ... The method of Trumpist attack is simple and already familiar ... Oh, that rich sound of the 1950s! It's almost as if Duke Ellington and his Big >Band orchestra are back to let it swing with Joseph McCarthy ... (RT.com).

Detroit Jazz Festival announces 2025 artist in residence: Details

Detroit Free Press 13 Mar 2025
Explore the rich history of jazz, from its origins in New Orleans to its rise in popularity during the swing era, and delve into the legacies of iconic artists like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane.
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