Whisperz Speakeasy
What’s the secret password?
You can’t mention Jazz Appreciation Month without thinking of this week’s artist and the password for entry - regarded as one of the finest composers, arrangers, and bandleaders in the tapestry of American music, Duke Ellington stands as a monumental figure in the realm of jazz, with over 3,000 compositions woven into his legacy.
Duke Ellington called his music “American Music” rather than jazz, and liked to describe those who impressed him as “beyond category.” He remains one of the most influential figures in jazz, if not all American music, and is widely considered one of the twentieth century’s most prolific composers. He is often credited for giving American music its own sound for the first time, and influenced millions of people both at home and around the world.
Born in the vibrant city of Washington, D.C., Duke Ellington, born in 1899, emerged as a pioneering and innovative leader of jazz orchestras, a journey that began in New York in 1923 and continued until his passing in 1974. His legacy is etched in the fabric of over 3,000 songs he crafted throughout his life. In 1939, Duke Ellington and his family settled into an apartment at 935 St. Nicholas Avenue, a place now honored by the NYC Landmark Preservation Commission. Within those walls during the 1940s and 1950s, he created many masterpieces that would become cherished American jazz standards, including “Sophisticated Lady,” “Satin Doll,” “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore,” and “I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart.” In addition to his remarkable compositions, Duke Ellington also ventured into creating melodies for films, television scores and numerous other musical endeavors. His illustrious career boasted a multitude of accolades and awards, including a cover feature in Time Magazine in 1956, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1966, the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1969, 13 Grammy Awards, and the prestigious Pulitzer Prize.
