Duke Ellington: A Musical Journey

Duke Ellington, born Edward Kennedy Ellington in Washington D.C., was a renowned jazz artist. Encouraged by his pianist parents, he began piano lessons at a young age. Despite his initial interest in baseball, he embraced music, earning the nickname 'Duke' for his elegant style. At 15, he composed 'Soda Fountain Rag' and received further musical education. Moving to New York in the 1920s, he gained fame with his band, The Washingtonians, and performed at the Cotton Club. By 1943, he was celebrated at Carnegie Hall. In 1969, President Nixon honored him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Ellington passed away in 1974, leaving a lasting legacy in jazz.

What was Duke Ellington's birth name?

• James Ellington

• Oliver Perry

• Duke Washington

• Edward Kennedy Ellington

What nickname did Duke Ellington earn due to his sophisticated style?

• The Aristocrat

• The Pianist

• The Composer

• The Duke

What was the title of Duke Ellington's first musical composition?

• Cotton Club Blues

• Soda Fountain Rag

• Piano Concerto

• Jazz Symphony

Who was one of Duke Ellington's early music tutors?

• Oliver Doc Perry

• James Ellington

• Benny Goodman

• Louis Armstrong

In which city did Duke Ellington establish his music career in the 1920s?

• Washington D.C.

• Chicago

• Los Angeles

• New York

What was the name of Duke Ellington's band?

• The Ellington Ensemble

• The Jazz Kings

• The Washingtonians

• The Cotton Club Band

Where did Duke Ellington perform a series of concerts in 1943?

• The Lincoln Center

• The White House

• Carnegie Hall

• The Cotton Club

What did many people believe was Duke Ellington's true musical instrument?

• His Band

• The Violin

• The Piano

• The Trumpet

Which U.S. President honored Duke Ellington with the Presidential Medal of Freedom?

• President Kennedy

• President Johnson

• President Nixon

• President Carter

In what year did Duke Ellington pass away?

• 1980

• 1974

• 1969

• 1955