I realize that he's not in the main steam of classical music that I write about. However, I decided to profile him for personal reasons and I do like soft jazz. Anyone who is familiar with the "Duke" and his music will most likely know his well-loved "It Don't Mean a Thing If It Ain't Got that Swing" and "Take the A Train."

Duke Ellington played ragtime since he was a boy. He worked with various bands in Washington, D.C. in the early 1900s. In his mid-20s, he went to New York where he organized a band much bigger than the small combos of 4 or 6. He led his big band for almost all his life. 

Duke revolutionized the concept of jazz as he introduced complex arrangements that required more skills for improvisation. Reading of scores includes reading of classical compositions, at the same time keeping intact that jazzy feeling.

As one of the 20^th century's best-known artists in jazz, Ellington recorded many of his works and appeared in several films. He and his orchestra also toured the US and Europe.

One of his vocal interpreters was Ella Fitzgerald, the multi-awarded and celebrated jazz singer.  

Some of his collaborators in composition and arrangements were trumpeter James "Bubber" Miley, saxophonist Harry Carney, and pianist-composer Billy Strayhorn.

Duke Ellington died in New York, May 24, 1974. His son Mercer took over the band after his father's death. When Mercer died of cancer in 1996, Paul Ellington, Duke's youngest son, took over the Orchestra from there.

Related Link:

Duke Ellington: Big-Band Jazz