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Duke Ellington Legacy Day

Duke Ellington Legacy Day

April: Nature, Science & Wonder

Duke Ellington (April 29, 1899 - May 24, 1974) was one of the most influential jazz musicians in history. He was a talented composer, pianist, and band leader who played a major role in developing jazz music in the 20th century. His career lasted more than 50 years, during which he wrote hundreds of musical pieces. Ellington’s music was special because it combined different styles and allowed musicians to express themselves creatively. He performed all over the world and helped make jazz popular internationally. Today, his music is still played, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians.

The word of the day:  household name (idiom)/ˈhaʊs.hoʊld neɪm/

Meaning: someone very famous.

Example: By the 1940s, Duke Ellington was a household name.

 Your MINI-TASK:

Watch a video, answer the quiz questions.

 

 

Duke Ellington Video Quiz

Duke Ellington Video Quiz

Watch the video carefully and choose the best answer.

1. How did Edward Kennedy Ellington get the nickname "Duke"?





Hint: Think about how his friends reacted to his fashion and behavior.

2. Which venue helped Duke Ellington’s band achieve their first "taste of real fame" through radio broadcasts?





Hint: It was a famous hotspot in New York City during the late 1920s.

3. Who joined the group in the late 1930s and composed the band's signature song, "Take the A-Train"?





Hint: This person was a key composer and collaborator for Ellington.

4. How did the music industry change after World War II, causing difficulties for big bands?





Hint: Think about why the industry preferred "fronting" a single performer.

5. What event in 1956 is credited with "reigniting" the popularity of the Duke Ellington Orchestra?





Hint: The audience went wild during their final number at this outdoor event.

Show Answer Key

1. B - His friends gave him the nickname because of his elegant and flashy sense of style.
2. C - Live radio broadcasts from the Cotton Club brought the band national recognition
3. B - Billy Strayhorn joined the group and wrote "Take the A-Train," which became a jazz standard.
4. A - After the war, expensive big bands were shunned in favor of individual singers.
5. C - After the war, expensive big bands were shunned in favor of individual singers.

 

What qualities make a great musician?

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