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Duke Ellington Biography
Birth Name:Edward Kennedy Ellington
Birth Place:Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Profession Soundtrack, Actor, Music department, Director
Fast Facts
- In 1962, he received the German Film Award for Best Film Score
- Received an honorary degree in music from Wilberforce University
- In 1969, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom
- Received the 1973 Legion of Honor award from France
- Before becoming a composer, he worked as a soda jerk in a cafe
- Quote: "My men and my race are the inspiration of my work․ I try to catch the character and mood and feeling of my people․"
- Was best known for his work as a bandleader at the Cotton Club
Awards
- 1957Film Award in Silver-Best Film Score (Beste Filmmusik): winner
- 1959Grammy-Best Soundtrack Album, Background Score - Motion Picture or Television: winner
- 1962Oscar-Best Music, Scoring of a Musical Picture: nominated
- 1962Grammy-Best Soundtrack Album or Recording of Score from Motion Picture or Television: nominated