AFAS GROUP PROJECT #2 AFAS GROUP PROJECT 2 | Page 17

9

Career

Duke Ellington was a brilliant composer, pianists, and band leader. Ellington left D.C to pursue is musical career in Harlem. He joined a musical group later known as "The Washingtonians." The group played at various clubs through out Harlem. After one of the group members left Ellington took over as the band leader.

In October of 1926 Ellington signed Irving Mills as his agent publisher. With this Ellington was able to record some his tunes. Mills helped Ellington line up recording sessions with several labels. The labels helped his music make it to the radio where he gained national publicity. Ellington recorded hit after hit with people like Louis Armstrong which helped him become one of the most respected musicians of his time

Career Continued

Ellington continued to make music almost all the way up until his death. He received a special Pulitzer Award. in recognition of his musical works and talent. He performed his final concert on March 20th of 1974. He passed away less than 2 months later. Ellington composed over a thousand pieces in his 50 year career and is remembered as an all time great in the Harlem Renaissance era.

Late r life