How is duke ellington important

And that was the Basie sound. SL: An enthusiastic radio announcer gave him the nickname that stuck—and Count Basie became a big name in swing. Begin typing your search term above and press enter to search. Press ESC to cancel. Ben Davis April 10, Who was Duke Ellington and what did he contribute to the Harlem Renaissance?

How did Edward Ellington contribute to the renaissance? Why was Duke Ellington important in the s? How did Duke Ellington change history? What impact did Duke Ellington have on history?

His last words were, "Music is how I live, why I live and how I will be remembered. We strive for accuracy and fairness. If you see something that doesn't look right, contact us! Subscribe to the Biography newsletter to receive stories about the people who shaped our world and the stories that shaped their lives. Billie Holiday was one of the most influential jazz singers of all time. She had a thriving career for many years before she lost her battle with addiction.

One of jazz music's all-time greats, bandleader-pianist Count Basie was a primary shaper of the big-band sound that characterized midth century popular music. When she was born, the press called her the 'million dollar baby. John Coltrane was an acclaimed American saxophonist, bandleader and composer, becoming an iconic figure of jazz in the 20th century with albums like 'Giant Steps,' 'My Favorite Things' and 'A Love Supreme.

In the years that followed, Ellington continued to grow musically, and the quality of his band continued to improve, reaching what many consider to be a peak from through the early s. After the end of World War II, big bands went out of fashion, and, like other bands, Ellington's band suffered financially. Nevertheless, Ellington continued to keep the band together through all the years that followed, subsidizing the band from his royalties as a composer.

Ellington was primarily an instrumental composer, and most of his songs were originally written as instrumental pieces, with words tacked on at a later date. Nevertheless, many of them remain remarkable as songs. At his funeral attendedby over 12, people at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Ella Fitzgerald summed up the occasion, "It's a very sad day A genius has passed.

Duke Ellington called his music "American Music" rather than jazz, and liked to describe those who impressed him as "beyond category. He remains one of the most influential figures in jazz, if not in all American music and is widely considered as one of the twentieth century's best known African American personalites.

As both a composer and a band leader, Ellington's reputation has increased since his death, with thematic repackagings of his signature music often becoming best-sellers. Posthumous recognition of his work include a special award citation from the Pulitzer Prize Board.