Duke Ellington

Born Edward Kennedy Ellington to a middle class family. He began playing piano at age 7 and studied art in high school. He was offered a scholarship to Pratt Institute which he declined. Ellington began performing at 17. He went on to become one of the greatest composers of the 20th Century. It is said of Ellington, that “melody became the message”.

Duke gained notoriety at “white’s only” Cotton Club, where black performers could interact with whites at the piano, but had to enter through the back door and could not mingle with customers. He used his voice for greater good and demanded equal justice for black performers, youth, and those facing the inequities of the time. He dedicated himself to quietly serving the NAACP. His activism style was subtle with a focus on benefit concerts.