Edward Kennedy Ellington was an American composer, pianist, and band leader, distinguished for his musical style called “American Music”. He is considered one of the most important personas in jazz history. Ellington, a self-taught pianist, began by playing gigs in cafés around Washington, D.C.by night and painting commercial signs by day. In 1917 he formed The Duke’s Serenaders, but soon followed his dreams to Harlem, where he performed at exclusive clubs, such as The Cotton Club and the Hollywood Club. Ellington’s unique arrangements ensured a period of success from 1932 to 1942, with hits like Mood Indigo, It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing), Sophisticated Lady, In a Sentimental Mood, and Take the "A" Train.
The inclusion of Billy Strayhorn as lyricist in Ellington’s band, Ellington Organization, paved the way for his improvisation of the jazz form. A shift in the music scene in the 1950’s and deflections in his band, however, brought about a change in perspective. It was not until 1956 that his feature "Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue", brought about a revival, with Ellington signing a new contract with Columbia, which gave birth to Ellington's best-selling LP Ellington at Newport. Ellington toured all over the world, with many of his earlier hits being accepted as jazz standards. Through the 1960’s-1970’s, Ellington continued to produce recordings, including The Far East Suite (1966), "The New Orleans Suite" (1970), and "The Afro-Eurasian Eclipse" (1971). Ellington was awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1966. Ellington died of lung cancer and pneumonia on May 24, 1974, a month after his 75th birthday.