Duke Ellington Bibliography Essay

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“There are two rules in life: Rule 1- don’t quit. Rule 2- don't forget rule 1.” This quote was said by a famous pianist and jazz singer, Duke Ellington. One of the founding fathers of jazz music. Duke Ellington was a pianist, bandleader, arranger, and composer. He composed thousands of scores and created one of the most distinctive ensemble sounds in all of western music. He influenced millions of people around the world and at home, giving America its own sound for the first time. Today, Duke Ellington is seen as one of the biggest originators of big-band jazz and an inspirational figure to jazz musicians. Born on April 29, 1899, Edward Kennedy Ellington, better known as Duke Ellington, grew up in Washington D.C. with his parents Daisy and