Duke Ellington was a
famous African-American
musician. He was born in
Washington, D.C., in 1899.
His parents named him
Edward Kennedy Ellington.
Duke took piano lessons as
a child. He didn't like the
music he learned, so he quit.
As a teen, Duke heard jazz
and ragtime music. He loved
it and learned to play it on
the piano. Later Duke started
his own band.
In 1917 Duke became a
professional musician.
In 1923 his band moved
to Harlem, New York.
People loved their music.
Duke's songs were played
on the radio. He became
a star jazz musician.
In the 1950s, people lost
interest in jazz music.
But in 1956, Duke's band
put on an amazing show.
They were back on top
again. Duke spent his
later years playing music
all over the world.
Duke Ellington died
in 1974. By then the
world knew him as the
king of jazz. His music
continues to inspire
people all over the world.
