Edward Kennedy Ellington was born on April 29, 1899 (Haskings 82). He was the son of J.E. and Daisy Ellington (Ellington Biography). J.E. was a butler in the White House (Haskings 82). Edward’s life revolved around his friends. Growing up, Duke would always wear newly shined shoes and a tie (Haskins 82). This earned him the nickname ‘Duke’. While young, he started taking piano lessons, but these lessons dulled him. Mrs. Klingscale, Duke’s music teacher, suggested to Daisy that it was perhaps a wast

Ellington was an artist. At Armstrong High School, Duke loved to paint as well as play piano (Turkell 82). He had even received a scholarship to Pratt’s institute of applied art. Luckily for music lovers, Duke turned it down opting instead for a musical career (Turkell 85). In later years, Duke would get through life by painting signs by day, playing piano at night.

In 1923, The Washingtonians added Charles Ives on trombone, and Bubber Miley on trumpet. Miley was the first brass player to use a plunger as a mute (Turkell 88). One night on the town, Miley sang to the on and off of the neon lights. In the same year, ‘Tricky Sam’ Nanton became another trombone. He had a beautiful sound, emulating the human voice. Also hired was Henry Carney on baritone sax. After a while, they were hired to play at Harlem’s premier nightclub, the Cotton Club (Turkell 89-90). Duke’s orchestra changed the cotton club. Owner Owney Madden usually had “sultry chorus girls, sensual choreography” and “hot jazz” (Ellington Biography). During their five-year stay, Ellington added Barney Biggard, clarinet; Johnny Dodges, alto sax; and Cootie Williams, trumpet. Some say cootie’s piece, “Concerto for Cootie”, is arguably Duke’s best piece of work (Turkell 91). in 1932, Lawrence Brown’s sweet sound of trombone was added.

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