Vision JazzJazz Area for Soul

As a musician, Duke Ellington was known as one of jazz’s most influential figures in the United States. He is one of the most famous black musicians in the 20th century. In addition to producing many recordings, Ellington also starred in several movies. Ellington and his orchestra group regularly toured the United States and Europe before and after the World War II.

His reputation is getting higher after his death. He received numerous awards. One special award was from the Pulitzer Prize Board. Duke Ellington was born on 29 April 1899 in Washington DC. Throughout his life, Duke Ellington received many awards. Among others, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1966. Between the years 1959-1999, Duke collected 12 Grammy Awards, nine albums and singles into the Grammy Hall of Fame Award and various other music awards.

In addition, Duke also received numerous awards from governments such as the Presidential Medal of Honor from the U.S. Government in 1969 and the Legion of Honor from the French Government in 1973. Duke Ellington passed away on May 24, 1974 due to lung cancer and pneumonia; it was a month after his 75th birthday. The funeral service was held at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. There were 12,000 people attended. Duke Ellington was buried in Woodlawn cemetery, Bronx, New York.