Edward 'Duke' Ellington: Most Influential Big Band Swing Composers

Edward ‘Duke’ Ellington, a name synonymous with jazz, is considered still to one of the most influential Big Band Swing composers and arrangers. Ellington identified himself as a composer and arranger primarily and then a musician, although he played in bands before becoming an arranger. Ellington’s work and arrangements were instrumental in shaping Big Band Swing and helped to create the longevity of this sound. Ellington learned to lead a band and arrange pieces when he formed his first band, the Washingtonians. Under Ellington’s guidance the band slowly increased in size and popularity and once he began touring he did not stop for almost fifty consecutive years. Ellington’s knowledge and experience of leading a group of musicians grew throughout these

He also paired instruments from different musical sections together, such as brass and woodwind, in pairings that were not common and created call and response dialogues between them. This was another pioneer compositional move by Ellington. His concern with rhythm ensured his music always had a swing feel to it and was designed for dancing. His pieces can almost be split into different sections of tutti playing followed by a soloist and Ellington’s capability of getting the right balance helped his status as a lead composer of his generation and of the following generations. He maintained a good working relationship with his musicians and was able to get the best from them. Therefore many musicians stayed in Ellington’s ensembles for lengthy periods of time, such as Harry Carney who was in Ellington’s band for close to forty-seven years. Ellington was also a great business man who helped the band find venues to perform concerts, even when Big Band Swing was beginning to decline. This was instrumental in sustaining his band and continuing their