Early life
Duke Ellington was the son of James Edward Ellington and Daisy (Kennedy) Ellington. He was born in Washington D.C. where they all lived with his maternal grandparents.
He grew up in a musically gifted family as his parents were both pianist. He himself first learned to play at the age of seven. In 1914 he wrote his first composition called ""Soda Fountain Rag." He developed a love for the piano and started playing gigs at cafes and clubs. From there his career took off.
Duke Ellington
(April 29, 1899 – May 24, 1974)
"The wise musicians are those who play what they can master." ~Duke Ellington~