Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington is
considered by many to be America's greatest
composer, bandleader, and recording artist.
His compositions drew on influences from
many facets of American music including the
Blues, ragtime, and minstrel song.
Ellington worked as leader of the Cotton
Club's house orchestra from 1927 to 1930,
and made return appearances to the club as
late as 1938, after the club moved from
Harlem to downtown Manhattan. Duke
Ellington and his Cotton Club Orchestra
reached a nationwide audience live on weekly
radio broadcasts.
(AP Photo)
