Duke Ellington Black History

Today, I’m sharing kids educational resources on Duke Ellington Black History.  Ellington was born, Edward Kennedy Ellington.  Duke Ellington became known as one of the greatest jazz pianist, composers, and bandleaders of all times.  I’ve put together a fact sheet, multiply choice worksheet, matching worksheet, word search puzzle, and coloring sheet for a Black History unit.  

• Duke began playing the piano at age 7. Ragtime, church and classical music were influencers in Duke’s love of music. 
• Also, he also loved baseball and sold peanuts at the Washington Senators baseball games.
• In 1914, Ellington worked as a soda jerk at the Poodle Dog Cafe.  During that time, he wrote a composition called Soda Fountain Rag.  Soda Fountain Rag is also known as the Poodle Dog Rag.  
• Also, being a musician was a great way to get dates.  So, Duke started listening and imitating ragtime pianists.  A music teacher from Dunbar High School gave Ellington private harmony lessons. Additionally, he learned to read music and worked to improve his technique.
• Duke formed the group, The Duke Serenaders.  He earned 75 cents from his first performance.  The band thrived, and as a result he performed throughout Washington, DC and Virginia.  He preferred playing for embassy and private parties.  
• At age 19, Duke married his high school sweetheart Edna Thompson.  They had a son named Mercer Kennedy Ellington. 
• Ellington moved to New York in 1923.  In 1924, he became the leader of his big band and began recording. 

• Duke Ellington played regularly at the Cotton Club in Harlem, NY in 1927.  He performed there for 5 years.  All Cotton Club performances were broadcast almost nightly.  By 1930, Duke Ellington and his band were famous. 
• President Richard Nixon invited Duke Ellington to the White House for his 70th birthday.  He was presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
• One of Duke Ellington’s favorite places to eat was Ben’s Chili Bowl when he was in the Washington, DC area. 
• Duke Ellington was a genius of instrument combinations.  His music made him stand out among other composers of his time.  Ellington ranked with composers such as a George Gershwin, Cole Porter, and Irving Berlin. 
• The piano was Duke’s favorite instrument. 
• Duke wrote more than one thousand compositions.  His work became a standard in jazz music.
• Duke Ellington won 12 Grammy Awards.  Additionally, he received the Life Time Achievement Award in 1966.
• Additionally, Duke Ellington was a Freemason.  He was a member of the Masonic Lodge. 
• In 1976, Stevie Wonder wrote the song “Sir Duke” as a tribute to Duke Ellington. 
• Duke Ellington led his band from 1923 – 1974, 50 years. The Duke Ellington Orchestra is still in existence today.
• The Duke Ellington School of the Arts was established in Washington, DC in 1974. 
• In 1986, a Commemorative stamp was issued with Duke Ellington’s image. 
• Duke Ellington’s son, Mercer Kennedy Ellington, managed the Duke Ellington Orchestra after his dad’s death.  
• New York City May, Michael Bloomberg, declared April 29, 2009 Duke Ellington Day. 
• Finally, Duke Ellington’s granddaughter, Mercedes Ellington, is carrying on his name.  

Sadly, Duke Ellington died on May 24, 1974 as a result of pneumonia and lung cancer.  He is entombed in the Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, NY.  Ellington’s last words were, “Music is how I live, why I live and how I will be remembered.”  More than 12,000 people attended his memorial service.  I hope you enjoyed my Duke Ellington Black History.  You can download the worksheets here. 

Check out Duke Ellington’s song It Don’t Mean a Thing, one of greatest hits.