There are people in the history of music whose names represent a whole epoch. Duke Ellington is one of such personalities – a man whose talent was rare, whose improvising abilities were admired, and whose legacy continues to excite jazz lovers all over the world. Ellington’s brilliant technique, his bright melodies, and innovative techniques made him one of the most recognizable and beloved jazz musicians and composers of all times.
Early Inclinations and Youth
It sounds unbelievable now, but there was a chance for Ellington not to become a musician. As a young boy, he was not interested in music and was opposed to attending piano lessons (Cohen, 2010). Being obsessed by sports, Ellington got excited about music only after his first serious concert at the age of fifteen when he saw the reaction of the girls to his performance. Later, however, music’s place in Ellington’s life was threatened once again – this time by painting (Cohen, 2010). Eventually, all the other things stepped back on the second place and gave their way to music – his true passion which made his life meaningful and inspired thousands of people in the whole world.
Like many talented people, Ellington refused to obtain traditional musical education and learned the music how he wanted it: without any restrictions, taking advice from his mentors, letting his heart be the instructor. Such attitude made his technique exclusive and filled his music with the extraordinary passion.
Beginning of the Career
Ellington’s career path began in 1917 when he organized his first band, The Duke’s Colored Syncopators, which included Sonny Greer as a vocalist and drummer, Otto Hardwick on saxophones and Arthur Whetsel on trumpet. In 1923, the band which by then changed its name to The Washingtonians was performing floor shows in New York’s club The Hollywood Inn (renamed to Club Kentucky in several years) (Garrett, 2013). Although the band’s records still were not acclaimed, the musicians had enthusiastic reviews from the critics and the public.
Along with expansion in the band (Fred Guy on banjo and Joe Nanton on trombone joined), Ellington got interested in musical theater. He began learning orchestration and composition, and his first show was Chocolate Kiddies in 1925 (Garrett, 2013).
Popularity and Success
Success came to Ellington at the end of the 1920s. His composition “East St. Louis Toodle-o” was a tremendous progress for the composer as he was permitted to record his most exquisite music pieces. Impressive music themes intervened with bright orchestral frames, bringing about an entirely novel set of tones (Garrett, 2013). Another significant event of the period was Ellington’s acquaintance with the publisher Irving Mills, the continued cooperation with whom promoted the musician’s success and notoriety.
In 1927, Ellington started working at the Cotton Club in Harlem. New members joined the band which was by then known as Ellington’s Orchestra: Barney Bigard on clarinet, Johnny Hodges on alto saxophones, Juan Tizol on valve trombone, and Harry Carney on baritone. The band’s musical contrasts were endowed with dance numbers (“Cotton Club Stomp”) and ballets (“Echoes of the Jungle,” “The Mystery Song”) (Garrett, 2013). Ellington started composing portrayals of famous people, such as “Black Beauty” in honor of Florence Mills, the late theater star. Along with another of his innovations – an eight-minute Creole Rhapsody – the descriptive pieces shaped the composer’s creative work for the following years (Garrett, 2013).
International Fame and Career Decline
Duke Ellington’s world appreciation came in 1933 during a tour in Europe. He performed some of his new music pieces including “Daybreak Express,” “Solitude,” and “Saddest Tale.” These compositions were warmly accepted by the audience and the critics. Two years later, he wrote “In a Sentimental Mood,” which is frequently regarded as his best piece (Garrett, 2013). Unfortunately, Ellington’s career had a hard time after his mother passed away in 1935. He managed to revive his energy in the second world tour. He was gladly accepted in all the countries abroad and back home in the US. Compositions of the 1940s are considered the culmination of Ellington’s career. His “Ko-Ko” and “Concerto for Cootie,” created during this period, are highly appreciated by the critics.
The late 1940s were marked as a hard time for Ellington. Growing popularity of singers and decrease of demand for bands caused trouble for the group’s activity. The band underwent many changes, and by 1950s its popularity was very low. Still, Ellington managed to write beautiful pieces in these years: “The Controversial Suite” and “Later” (Garrett, 2013).
Conclusion
Naming all of Duke Ellington’s compositions, as well as describing his high estimation in the world’s music, would take up much more space than this essay. Duke Ellington brought jazz music to a new level. He created a whole new story of brilliant compositions which have inspired millions of people. Ellington’s bright melodies shall always remain alive, reminding the appreciative audiences of his true talent and splendid personality. While some of his pieces are known better than the others, all of his creative work deserves high appraisal for the innovative approaches, readiness to experiment, and his passion for what he was doing.
References
Cohen, H. G. (2010). Duke Ellington’s America. Chicago, IL: The University of Chicago Press.
Garrett, C. H. (2013). Ellington, Duke. In The Grove dictionary of American music (2nd ed.). Web.