Duke Ellington Exhibit

Duke Ellington was one of the most important composers and bandleaders in American music, a singular artist whose career helped define the sound and sophistication of jazz. Born in Washington, D.C., in 1899, Ellington led his celebrated orchestra for nearly fifty years, creating music specifically tailored to the distinctive voices of the musicians in his band. From the legendary Cotton Club in Harlem to concert halls around the world, the Ellington Orchestra produced an extraordinary body of music, including “Mood Indigo,” “Sophisticated Lady,” “Caravan,” and “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing).” Ellington expanded jazz far beyond the popular song, composing extended suites, sacred works, and ambitious concert pieces while always retaining the unmistakable warmth, elegance, and swing of his orchestra. More than half a century after his death, Duke Ellington’s music remains a cornerstone of jazz and an enduring expression of American creativity.