HUSL Today Salutes

Duke Ellington

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Edward Kennedy Ellington was born April 29, 1899, in Washington, D.C. Ellington began piano lessons at the age of seven. He credits his childhood friend Edgar McEntree with naming him "Duke" proclaiming,"I think he felt that in order for me to be eligible for his constant companionship, I should have a title. So he called me Duke." Duke began performing professionally at the age of 17. 

Ellington played throughout the Washington, D.C. area and into Virginia for private society balls and embassy parties. The band included Otto Hardwick, who switched from bass to saxophone; Arthur Whetsol on trumpet; Elmer Snowden on banjo; and Sonny Greer on drums. The band enjoyed the rarity of performing for both African-American and white audiences. Such a feat was uncommon in the racially segregated times.

After moving to New York in 1923, Ellington became one of the figures of the Harlem Renaissance. Ellington played mostly in Broadway nightclubs and led a sextet that grew in time into a 10-piece ensemble. He made 8 records in 1924, receiving composing credit on 3 including Choo Choo. In 1925, Ellington contributed 4 songs to Chocolate Kiddies, an all-African-American revue which introduced European audiences to African-American styles and performers.
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Check out his early hits “East St. Louis Toodle-oo” and “Black and Tan Fantasy”:

Read the rest for more hits, and more info on Ellington.