Composer and bandleader Edward 'Duke' Ellington is born in Washington, D.C.
At a Glance
- Date
- 29 April 1899
- Location
- Washington, D.C.
- Key people
- Duke Ellington
- Category
- Music
- Source
- Recordings; biographical records · Smithsonian NMAAHC
What It Meant Then
He elevated jazz into a sophisticated American art form over a five-decade career.
What It Means Now
Ellington's compositions remain foundational to the jazz repertoire.
Also on 29 April
Cite this page
- MLA
- “Duke Ellington Is Born.” Black-History.com, 30 Sept. 2026, https://black-history.com/on-this-day/duke-ellington-is-born/.
- APA
- Black-History.com Editors. (2026, September 30). Duke Ellington Is Born. Black-History.com. https://black-history.com/on-this-day/duke-ellington-is-born/
- Chicago
- Black-History.com Editors. “Duke Ellington Is Born.” Black-History.com. September 30, 2026. https://black-history.com/on-this-day/duke-ellington-is-born/.
Editorial Note
By the Black-History.com editors. Last reviewed 30 September 2026. To suggest a primary source or a correction, write to editors@black-history.com or use our corrections form.