Did You Know?

Ellington got his nickname of "Duke" from a childhood friend who commented on his elegant manners, bearing, and dress.

While Ellington began playing the piano

Duke Ellington Mural

at age seven, he initially preferred athletics and art to music. Before he concentrated on his musical career, Duke Ellington planned to study art and was even offered a scholarship to attend The Pratt Institute of Fine Art, which he turned down.

Ellington won a range of awards and honors, including honorary doctorates from Yale and Harvard and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Click here to see more photographs of Duke Ellington.

He was also the first jazz musician to be elected as a member of the Royal Music Academy of Stockholm.

Ellington was a deeply religious man who traveled with a rosary, a bible, and a cross. He studied the Bible intently, particularly the words of Solomon.

Duke Ellington was not only a notable influence on jazz history, but was also a prolific composer. It is estimated that his orchestra recorded around two thousand compositions. These included instrumental pieces, popular songs, suites, musical comedies, various film scores, and "Boola," an unfinished opera.

Numerous memorials have been dedicated to Duke Ellington. In New York City, part of West 106th St. in Manhattan is named after him and the Duke Ellington Memorial can be found in Central Park. The Duke Ellington School for the Arts and The Duke Ellington Bridge, both in Washington D.C., also serve to commemorate him. In addition, a 1986 U.S. postal stamp, art centers, and scholarships throughout the country carry on the legacy of Duke Ellington.

(Taken from Duke Ellington - The Official Web Site)